The response to the piece on the website posted on Monday lunchtime has been astonishing. We passed the 100 mark before midnight and the numbers are still flying in this morning. By 9am the figure was up to 118.
So what do people have to say?
There is clearly great concern about the decline of the greyhound industry with many people expressing concerns over its governance and lack of direction. Others simply want the opportunity to train greyhounds from their homes. The 118 names includes ‘flappers’ former permit trainers, professional trainers, owners, and even a couple of vets. There are more responses coming in even as this is written (Some of the views are quoted below the main piece).
So what happens now?
In the first instance I intend to send a copy of the compiled list to my press colleague Jonathan Kay who has signaled his acceptance of the concept. This is simply to ascertain legitimacy, before anybody attempts to question the authenticity of the list.
I also intend to send a copy of the list, with comments, to a number of GBGB directors. It is pointless trying to engage the GBGB executive – they didn’t even acknowledge the original paper. (And they wonder why we have lost faith!!).
It will be up to those directors to ensure that the permit debate is heard on the GBGB’s Racing Committee. I am confident that it will. I also intend to send the list to a selection of racecourse promoters. This move is every bit as much in their favour as the people who intend to train. I expect a debate at the next meeting of the RCPA.
I would ask anyone who had not signed in yet to do so now. They can use this link. I would like to pass the 200 mark, always conscious though that our email vote will only represent a percentage of those who would eventually become permit trainers, many of whom may not even use the internet.
Here are the thoughts of some of those who have taken part. My thanks to Lynda Bonner at GIGIS. Kevin at Greyhound Racers and the Flappers Dreambsite for helping to promote this idea
Floyd Amphlett
THIS IS A SMALL SELECTION OF COMMENTS FROM THE FIRST 75 SIGNATORIES – HOPE TO FOLLOW UP WITH OTHERS – PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING . .
I agree , I am a former permit licence holder and raced at Henlow , Milton Keynes and Peterborough I currently own a number of greyhounds in training with Mark Wallis including the very progressive stayer Rubys Rascal – John Clarke
What other industries turn away there bread and butter ..thousands have left the sport that trained there own dogs who wants to buy a dog and put it in a kennel with 100 – John Berry
Please re-introduce the permit racing scheme to enable owner/trainers to race their dogs without needing expensive kennels – Vivien Clements
I think its a good idea and would register I have 4 runners and 6 home bred eleven month old pups – Richard Kenyon
What a great idea. I’ve an interest in three dogs and would love to run them in the South. – Dennis Hodkins
I agree with introducing Permit scheme as it will bolster much needed numbers of new trainers to the ranks and return greyhound racing to sustaineable smaller kennels benefitting welfare rehoming and assisting grassroots of this great sport – Dave Livet-Wallington
Would want to be able to enter OPENs at any track and on Sky etc. – Gary Vincent
Hopefully the reintroduction of permit racing will introduce more newcomers to the sport and I’m sure it will – Allan Power
Permit racing.is what is needed to keep the core in our industry..same that is successfully already in Ireland,owner trainer,,no fancy kennel,meet and mix with all in racing on a level,pegging – Aiden Nicoll
Floyd your article is spot on mate – time and time again you have stated the obvious; let’s hope this time the ‘powers’ above take heed. John Burrell
I would be ready to hold a permit as have 3 dogs in racing kennels and one I’m schooling Gareth Debenham
I would love to sign up to permit racing please put me down on the petition thanks Craig Loxley
Henlow would have two more runners (joining the lazy one on the sofa during the week). Already looked at what John Gardner has done but we wouldn’t get permission to – David Winnett
Bring back the permit scheme to save our beloved sport & bring new people in to our support that may otherwise stay away. Victoria Torrance
I loved Rye House which was a track attended by genuine greyhound people and not the Stag/Hen night crowds. Richard Serpico
With out doubt in my mind this is the right way to go, makes so much sence, bring the individual dog men back to the game. Jim Charlton
I am a trainer who runs on the flapping tracks in Scotland with the decline as a whole and the recent closure of my local track Armadale I think the board should review this Colin McEwan
