No greyhound ban for Scotland!

The Scottish Government has decided NOT to ban greyhound racing.

Government minister Jim Fairlie said: “At this time, the Scottish Government is not persuaded of the need to ban greyhound racing in Scotland.”

Although there is only one track remaining in Scotland, at Thornton, the decision by the Scottish Government is a huge victory for GBGB Managing Director Mark Bird who led a delegation to Scotland to challenge the potential ban and he held construcitve talks with Scottish Mininister Jim Fairlie.

Bird and his GBGB colleagues will certainly refer to the Scottish decision in future dialogue with both the Welsh Senedd as well as civil servants and politicians within Westminster.

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Mark Bird said: “We welcome the comments made by the Minister during today’s RAI Committee meeting that the Scottish Government is continuing to consider the licensing of greyhound racing in Scotland. We wholeheartedly agree that a ban of the sport is not a proportionate step to take and would only serve to dismantle the social fabric of those communities involved in the sport. Moreover, it would only jeopardise welfare standards, leaving greyhounds’ lives at risk.

“Whilst GBGB doesn’t currently regulate any tracks in Scotland, we are committed to supporting high welfare standards across the regions. As the Scottish Government continues to consider the benefits licensing would bring to the sport in Scotland, we therefore welcome the opportunity to engage with the Minister and his officials.”

Joni is first lady

Queen Joni is the new Derby favourite having overtaken kennelmate King Memphis at the forefront of the Derby betting. Although both are generally around 16/1  joint favourites, AK Bets have pushed Memphis out to 18/1.

It is 45 years since a bitch, Sarahs Bunny, last won the Derby. In fact, only three bitches have landed the event since its inception in 1927. According to our records though, the Kent bred brindle might be the first bitch ever to head the ante post lists.

Overall, AK Bets have really gone out on a limb offering enhanced prices on a number of the leading ante post fancies.

DERBY TRAINERS PLEASE NOTE:

Kennelling Times for ALL 3 days:          16.20 – 17.15            NO SECOND KENNELLING AVAILABLE

OPENS

Thursday: Hove  ♦  Newcastle  ♦  Swindon ♦  Towcester (Derby)

Friday: Romford   ♦   Towcester (Derby)

Saturday:  Central Park   ♦   Doncaster  ♦   Monmore   ♦   Towcester (Derby)   ♦  Yarmouth

Sunday: Sheffield  ♦   Towcester