Until now, the effects of Coronavirus hadn’t really hit us but that all altered on Monday night.
Like everyone else, we are trying to adapt and looking at our options. From the greyhounds’ perspective, nothing will change. They have their own routine which is constant, without the racing or trials of course.
From a staff perspective, we have plenty of space here with room for everyone to not be in close personal contact. We have six full time staff, of which there are nearly always four or five working and someone on day-off.
Most work at the kennels with Kevin and Ciara at the tracks, Kevin does most of the open racing and trials. Plus there are four part time staff. We have a slick kennel routine that only takes two or three people to operate and with no racing commitments, there is a slightly lesser workload. Basically, the kennel is a slickly run operation, it has had to be over the years.
One of my first jobs is to speak to my accountant and see what we can qualify for in terms of financial assistance as announced by the Government. We are obviously also waiting to hear from GBGB.
I think we can get through three or four weeks without too much difficulty. Wages won’t be a problem this month. But if we get into the realms of 12-16 weeks, which is being talked about, that is a very different proposition, not just for us, but probably for the industry as a whole.
We probably own around 20% of our dogs ourselves and are reliant on prize money and trainer bonuses. But some kennels own many more and life could become impossible. I am not sure that the industry would ever recover.
The situation is difficult for everyone and like everyone we are trying to find alternatives to take our minds off the lock-down. I think we have checked out every film on Netflix and are now starting to consider watching TV programmes from the 1970s. Things are getting desparate.
As many people know, I have always been a keen on-line poker player though that had gone quite quiet for some time. Not any more. The whole on-line scene is buzzing and I am honing my skills as never before.
One final thought to all our greyhound friends out there. We don’t know how long this will continue for, but look after yourselves and stay safe. There really are things more important than greyhound racing.
