Getting to grips with welfare

A lot of articles have recently been written on the subject of greyhound welfare with varying responses depending on ones viewpoint on this emotive subject and quite rightly so.
Presently there is still a worryingly conflict between the Greyhound Trust and racing that quite frankly has not been satisfactory resolved, as some precedents are taking place in remarks given by the Greyhound Trust against racing.
The fact is that racing needs the Trust and the Trust needs the support of racing, the equilibrium needs maintaining with mutual respect. The Greyhound Trust does fabulous work with dedicated workers who have nothing but the very best interests at heart for our greyhounds as do the majority in racing, so the hierarchy best stop the political posturing with anti-racing propaganda.
I do think that questions about welfare are being addressed as the good news is that as from the appointment of Mark Bird and the revitalised board at the GBGB.

They are working hard towards higher standards albeit within financial constraints being placed upon them. Welfare in all its forms are now on the agenda including kennel refurbishment that are not inexpensive areas to change.
Culturally welfare issues within the sport are being brought forward in a relatively short space of time that were the norm for many decades, but change is frustratingly slow because of this.
Is there an element in racing that defies all that is decent in welfare? Absolutely. Do they need eliminating from the sport? Without doubt.
Unfortunately this small minority within racing who have a despicable anarchic mentality who are food and drink to the ‘antis’.

These individuals are abhorrent to welfare in all its forms. Their days should be numbered especially with the recent GBGB announcement making connections answerable for economic euthanasia.

This is a priority as far as the good in the sport are concerned; the addition to this is the new welfare hotline that any wrong doing can be reported and be sure a follow up will take place.
If the track vet says an injury after initial medical attention can be treated then it must be treated. Not for the connections the next day take the hound to be destroyed else where.
It would be very easy to be dragged down by the negative aspects but there is an awful lot of good news about, but because the good news is not talked about and is not so news worthy especially for the antis, it never seems to get the headlines.
Many more tracks need to have and display a welfare commitment actively as with Kinsley. Are they alone in their welfare, no in my opinion they are not, they may be as an organisation but not up and down the sport, for kennels and owners alike.
The majority of trainers have inevitably multiple retired hounds at their kennels coming through who are found homes, others who should be on sofas but are kept because they have no where else to go this situation is not unique, the vast majority are doing this, when is this ever mentioned.
There are many who are unsung heroes, who work tirelessly for welfare and I would respectfully suggest the Star continue with more contributions from various kennels, owners and racing syndicates on the good they do for their hounds, or even a particular person that requires a bit of praise, maybe telling stories about particular hounds etc, more good news stories need telling.
Maybe the answer is efficiency on expenditure and organisation backed up by a strong minded GBGB.

The sports ambassadors are a good move forward, it really needs all these different aspects to come together to go forward, then the sport will be a force to fight any difficulty put in its way.

Gary Phillips

Blacks dominate Irish Oaks

The Irish Oaks was always a great event, and this years event has to be one of the best ever, if not the best, with a potential mouth watering clash of Ballymac Tas v Ballymac Arminta in the final. The latter has to win the award for consistency with her last three race wins at Shelbourne Park recording 28.13, 28.12 28.11 (at the weekend). Incredible.

It always amazes me just how many black bitches compete in this event year after year, and needless to say watching last nights 13 Heats provided more proof.

I know how you like your articles on breeding and colours etc, so just of interest I decided to have a tally up to provide a more colourful insight.

Of the 78 bitches that competed in the Irish Oaks heat, 54 were registered as black. Another 5 were registered as black and white. Between them they won 11 of the 13 heats.

Breakdown of the 78 Oaks contestants by colour.

54 black, 5 black & white, 4 white & black, 4 brindle, 4 fawn, 2 blue, 2 blue & white, 1 white & blue, 1 brindle & white, 1 blue brindle

Tony Smith

Finally, our thanks to Mike Kelly for the heads-up on the following facility, which may be of interest to some of our Midlands readers.

Mike says: “It might be useful around the Midlands as these facilities are not known, I only found it by accident. It is in the Knowle/Solihull area (CV8 1NW) and just £5 a dog. Professional staff there a facility used by racehorses trainers, ideal for greyhound rehab and general fitness.”