Oxford Stadium will celebrate the Greyhound Board of Great Britain’s inaugural National Greyhound Week by unlocking the kennels of one of its trainers to members of the public.
Professional trainer Frank Gray will welcome guests to his MakeIt Kennels base at Towcester Racecourse as part of National Greyhound Week which will run from Monday, August 28, until Sunday, September 3.
The week has been established by the sport’s governing body to showcase the joy and excitement of greyhound racing via a seven-day roadshow of events across the country at each of the GBGB’s 20 licensed stadiums.
In a first for UK greyhound racing, Frank will open the doors to his kennels on Saturday, September 2, where visitors can learn more about the lives of racing greyhounds away from the track.
This includes seeing first-hand Frank’s kennelling and training facilities, understanding the diet of a racing greyhound, assisting with feeding and learning how greyhounds are transported to and from fixtures.
A separate team will also be on hand to answer questions visitors might have concerning the sport’s existing welfare standards and the very latest injury, fatality and retirement statistics.
“Much like horse racing, what you see on the track is the glitz and glamour of the sport,” said Frank. “But behind the scenes, there is an extraordinary effort by trainers and kennel staff to give their greyhounds the best care and attention possible.
“That means working around the clock seven days a week and giving the dogs a healthy routine so they’re comfortable and can reach their true potential on the track.
“Not all racegoers will understand the day-to-day tasks at a typical racing kennel, so hopefully this open event gives a quality insight into how our greyhounds live at home.”
The open event will also give visitors the opportunity to view MakeIt Kennels’ gallop and paddock facilities, learn more about each greyhound’s diet and develop an understanding of their characters.
Kevin Boothby, Oxford Stadium Managing Director, added: “Frank and his team have been fantastic additions to Oxford Stadium and are enjoying a strong season both here and at our sister venue Towcester.
“We are continually exploring ways to bring racegoers closer to the sport and hope this open event shines a light on the extraordinary work of our trainers and kennel hands.
“In addition, the event will complement our work to stand up for the sport and challenge staggering claims issued by the three charities campaigning to end greyhound racing in the UK, who are still yet to respond to our open letter.
“We encourage our followers to sign-up for the open event and hope they find it enjoyable and educational.”
Spaces to visit MakeIt Kennels’ Open Day at Towcester Racecourse on Saturday, September 2, are limited and can only be reserved by emailing Shaun Reynolds of Fortitude Communications via [email protected] who will confirm timings.
