Bond scheme

Great news that the Bond scheme “GRS” is becoming a reality. I submitted an idea for very similar scheme to the GBGB in 2017 which I believe sowed the seeds or was indeed a “blueprint ” what has become the “GRS”,
But the GBGB must get this right. It is imperative the they release full details of the Scheme immediately if they hope to implement it on September 1st 2020.  It is also vital that the GRS gets the full support of all stakeholders involved.  As such they will need to demonstrate transparency and earn full trust stakeholders. This will only be achieved by the  GBGB proving its ability not only to administrate this but take on board relevant critiscm and suggestions of which I envisage there will be many.
Fine details are important and they should endeavour to have all scenarios and situations covered in the document.
Before implementing it there must be a period where stakeholders have their questions properly answered and are able to digest and fully understand the scheme.
I call for the GBGB to openly ask for input and questions from all involved in the sport before finalising this defining moment in greyhound racing.
Gary Noble

Rip off

How about an in depth article about how greyhound punters are being totally ripped off with the new formulated Industry SPs.
It seems accepted that the on course bookies won’t be back therefore please highlight the 128% that these greedy bookmakers are being allowed to bet to with an even bigger insult of using Betfair as their guide. No more mistakes or knock outs they should now be betting between 115% and 120% with the trusted machine as there guide. Fair play to RPGTV they have been non stop about it. But who is going to get anything done about the bookies treating us all with contempt?
Only chance is the media and as you have a record of not running away from controversy. Please get this highlighted now before it is to late.
First of all we need transparency of how it is formulated and then for them to bet at a fair percentage. Hoping you can bring this to everybody’s attention and especially the authorities who need to look into this scandalous  situation
Keith Eves

Thank you Keith. A number of people have brought this issue to my attention. Unfortunately, I don’t feel that my personal gambling knowledge is adequate for a forensic examination of the finer nuances at stake. Certainly, I am aware of SPs being fiddled in the final few seconds before the off. I even spoke to one track bookie recently who told me that (before lockdown) he and his colleagues were told to trim prices as the dogs were going in the tracks to make sure the ‘right’ percentages (128) were returned.

I can promise you that I am attempting to track down the optimum person to investigate this to a level that the conclusions might be forwarded to the Gambling Commission. Greyhound racing is hugely dependent on gambling for its survival and I am greatly concerned that current lazy skimming practices and price manipulation will ultimately kill us off as a gambling product – Ed

Ice On Fire

Heartbreaking for Jimmy and connections but if it is of any help, I once had a top whippet with a hideous gracious injury who a top vet told me to retire. But I wasn’t having any of that and once the bruising had gone I walked the legs off him to reduce the scarring and he came back as good as ever winning opens for fun and breaking track records along  the way. He became the first BWRA 40 pound scratch champion, I know whippet racing is slightly different but there is hope for connections.

Alf Buckton