Trainer John Mullins has contacted GBGB MD Mark Bird to ask why trainers weren’t consulted prior to the planned change of open race competitions which will see all four round events to three rounds “excluding the Classics, the long-standing East Anglian Derby and the Produce Stakes.”
Mullins said: “I spoke to Rab McNair and Seamus Cahill about it on Friday night at Romford. I also had a conversation with (GBGB Racing Operations Executive) Scott Harvey.
“We understand the problems and don’t have any major objections to the switch to 36 dogs. Realistically, in most cases, the difference between 36 runners and 48 runners is 12 graders. However, we all feel strongly that the structure should be changed so that two qualify from the (six first round) heats and three from the two semi finals and not as its planned. I’m certainly not happy about tomorrow’s Produce Stakes semis.
“What really irritates us though is that once again, like the ‘Four Day Rule’, trainers have not been consulted. At least I don’t believe we have. I am due to speak to Peter Harnden to find out how much he knew about it and have sent a message to Mark Bird.
“Without the greyhounds and the trainers, there are no board meetings to have and we are very angry about apparently being ignored once again.”
