We have now closed the permit petition and I would like to thank all those who contributed to it. The final tally after one week was 192 ‘signatures’.
We could have surely passed the 200 mark had we chosen to wait a little longer or promoted the concept at tracks and/or opened the phone lines for supporters to pledge their interest. In the end it was not necessary.
This morning I received notification from GBGB director John Curran that an updated paper has been filed with GBGB and consideration for the return of permit racing will feature on the next agenda of the rules committee.
Should they lose the paper for the second time, I will invite readers to contact GBGB directly.
It is time for the governing body to scrap the mentality of 1950s NGRC and remind itself that it exists as the industry’s servant, not its master.
Adapt or go!
We conclude with the thoughts of two racing offices who remember the benefits of permit racing first time round:
Yarmouth racing manager Marcus Westgate said: “Just another signature to add to your list! Yarmouth was built with the help of the “smaller trainer”, it prospers now still because of the support it receives from the “smaller trainer”. To inject a new and vital interest in the sport, I can only see this would be a boost to the industry as a whole. Well done on promoting this Floyd.”
Henlow racing manager Paul Mellor said: “It is what this track was built on, proper dog men. We would love some extra dogs. We are completely in favour of it.”
