Capaldi and Maverick star in cracking Laurels first round
King Capaldi and Links Maverick – jointly 20/1 with the sponsors to land the Star Sports/TRC English Derby are among the feature competitors in the forthcoming ARC Laurels at Perry Barr which starts on Saturday.
Racing Manager Martin Seal said: “We just got the 36 with three or four of our local A1 runners. Overall, I was pleased with that given the number of competitions either happening or due to start. To have a couple of box office runners like King Capaldi and Links Maverick was absolutely ideal too.
THESE ARE THE REDRAWN HEATS
Open letter gathers momentum
An open letter to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain seeking reform of the industry seems to be gathering pace with almost 400 signatories (at the time of writing this article) – including some of the sport’s most high profile owners and trainers.
In recent years there have been a string of owner/trainer organisations who have sought to influence Board policy; NAGO and GOBATA among the most high profile and best organised.
Individuals such as successful owner/businessman Paul Ephremsen and Mark Glennerster (during thye BGRB era) have actually joined the Board, only to walk away expressing frustration at what they have seen as a lack of willingness to make significant change.
The latest rallying call is drawing on modern technology through the ‘Open letter’ portal which enables concerned individuals to add their identities in on-line petition, updated in real time.
It is a well constructed and positive document, in many cases asking as much for a change in thinking and strategy, as significant alterations in the rules.
The difficulty facing all signatories is the same one that has faced all previous callers for change; GBGB has extremely limited power or resources to make significant change.
It certainly doesn’t have the clout to go against the wishes of the racecourse promoters, and ultimately, the organisations who control the industry’s commercial rights.
Does the power inbalance make this open letter pointless?
Absolutely not. It draws attention to significant concerns and given those same commercial organisations have the most to gain from a thriving industry, they would appear wise to consider implementing many of the suggestions.
Floyd Amphlett – Editor Greyhound Star
Check out the letter on this link
When the dogs met the Brewers
‘Coppice’ owner Tony Brealey has previously stated that he would be keen to see a greyhound connection with his local club Burton Albion. Chairman Ben Robinson is Tony’s cousin.
That finally came to fruition on Saturday with a League One match against Oxford United, a team with their own connection to their local greyhound stadium.
The Brewers welcomed volunteers from Midlands-based Home Run Hounds, which operates three homing centres in Wombourne, Stourbridge and Shenstone all dedicated to finding racing greyhounds suitable homes in retirement.
It formed part of a new partnership between the football club and nearby Nottingham Greyhound Stadium, which will host a dedicated Burton Albion FC themed race night later this year.
Ex-racers Cav and Honour were joined outside the stadium by Clive Parbery, Tracey Parbery and Jo Withers from Home Run Hounds before parading around the touch line before kick-off.
The appearance ended with a PA announcement about both greyhounds and their personalities amid efforts to find them long-term homes.
Tracey Parbery, Director of Home Run Hounds said: “Showcasing greyhounds to so many people was a wonderful opportunity to place the spotlight on the breed and educate people about how they make great pets,” said Tracey.
“Cav and Honour loved their day out at the football and showed plenty of enthusiasm to join in with players’ warm-up sessions to the amusement of many.
“A special mention to Chairman Ben Robinson and players Steve Seddon and Mason Bennett who were so generous with their time before kick-off by meeting our greyhounds and volunteers who we’re entirely dependent upon.
Lacie Moran who represented Nottingham Stadium on the day added: “Cav and Honour were fantastic ambassadors and perfectly demonstrated how sweet-natured greyhounds are in retirement.
“We spoke to supporters of all ages about the care requirements of owning a retired greyhound and it was great to engage so many people.
“Our thanks to Burton Albion FC for being so welcoming on the day and we look forward to welcoming the club trackside in the near future.”
To find out more about Home Run Hounds or to arrange a kennel visit, visit www.homerunhounds.co.uk or contact the team via 07488 253537.
Clive Parbery with Burton Albion FC chairman Ben Robinson, Tracey Parbery and Tony Brealey. pic Fortitude Communications
Opens
Thursday: Suffolk Downs (none) Swindon
Friday: Oxford (entries held over to Wednesday) Romford ♦ Sunderland
