Approximately 1000 race goers had the chance to meet the stars of yesteryear during a ‘meet and greet’ at Peterborough Greyhound Stadium on Saturday 31 March 2018. Retired greyhounds that had once graced the track at Peterborough were positioned at the stadium entrances to meet race fans, young and old, and they happily lapped up the attention lavished upon them as the crowds made their way into the stadium.
The ‘meet and greet’, arranged by Peterborough Greyhound Fund, showcased what great pets the breed make following retirement. The Fund was set up not only to highlight the value of greyhounds as pets but also to raise funds to ensure their transition into retired life is as easy and streamlined as possible.
Pictured: Isla Woolnaugh meets Dolly the retired greyhound at Peterborough Greyhound Stadium.
Photographer: Daniel Wiepen
As well as greeting the race going public at the entrances to the track nearly every pre-race parade was led by a retired greyhound. Sam Hoyle, 11, one of the young fans to lead a retired greyhound on the pre-race parade, brought along his very own retired greyhound Bobby who used to run at Peterborough.
When asked about what it was like to own a retired greyhound Sam said, “My dog Bobby is a great dog and my best friend. Bobby is always waiting for me to get home from school and looks at me with his big cute eyes. He’s very well behaved; he’s even better behaved than me! I think everyone should get a greyhound.”
Peterborough Greyhound Stadium also hosted a ‘Human Hound Race’ during the previous evenings racing to raise funds and awareness for retired greyhounds. The race was won easily by track paddock assistant Liam Steels who drew clear of the rest of the competitors despite heavy going.
