Rapid reform a must for survival

Click here to add us to your Google preferred sources or find out more here

WHILE recent strong attendances at weekend meetings at tracks such as Monmore, Hove, Romford and Sheffield demonstrate the enduring appeal of well-presented greyhound racing, severe structural challenges threaten its long-term viability.

Many races now feature only four or five runners, creating the unmistakable impression of a failing sport. If meetings are urgently reduced to a maximum of four per track each week, the industry can restore strength and confidence. This would allow for consistent, full six-dog racing, with only the occasional sprint. Larger, competitive fields would instantly transform the spectacle for racegoers and television audiences.

The rise in injuries across tracks during recent dry spells underlines the need for rigorous data analysis and the adoption of Australian best practices, as they are accustomed to managing extended dry periods. Fewer meetings would provide essential time for track surface preparation, vastly improving animal safety.

Graded racing remains the foundation of the industry. Any reformed system should deliver enhanced bonuses for British-bred winners and greater rewards for higher-quality graded runners, rather than equally compensating low-grade sprinters.

Promoters and bookmakers must see that the current model is unsustainable. With a large proportion of trainers aged over 60, few young trainers entering the profession, and breeding reduced to a fraction of past levels, we are prioritising quantity over quality.

The sport must act quickly by calibrating racing volume against a realistic five-year projection of litters bred, dogs successfully rehomed, and the number of active trainers. Matching supply to capacity is essential to protect welfare and competitiveness.

High standards of welfare and sustainability are achievable. Nearly four years ago, before training began at our Aero Racing set-up, the priority was to construct a dedicated rehoming kennel. This has evolved into a national network that has rehomed thousands of greyhounds under the Home Run Hounds banner.

 Aero Racing has more than 80 pups on the ground, whelped by Stuart Forsdike, with outstanding breeders like John Mullins taking on the rearing. Particular thanks go to John, who reared Countess Penny, winner of the recent Produce Stakes.

Longer-term injured dogs are rehabilitated by specialist Gilly Hepden at Cotswold Kennels, while Aero’s main racing kennels are supported by on-site physiotherapy and a highly experienced team including dual Derby-winning trainer Tony Meek.

This investment reflects a genuine commitment to running the sport sustainably, and employers must match this ambition. It is frustrating to see contracts awarded to trainers who fill kennels with older sprinters, while comprehensive operations earn the same under a system that pays all runners equally. Prize differentiation would reward quality, encourage kennel management and stop A1-class dogs from sitting on their beds as is the case now.

Commercial innovation is equally necessary. Because bookmakers heavily restrict accounts, punters are limited from placing meaningful bets. Modern technology makes it feasible to introduce an Australian-style tote system. This would allow larger stakes to be accepted, while a percentage of the pool could be returned directly into welfare and prize-money.

This tote could operate alongside existing platforms and expand into pubs and retail outlets. If major operators like Entain/Arc reject the project, an AIM-listed shell company could provide the vehicle and help the industry eventually secure ownership of the stadia.

Prioritising quantity over quality leads to failure. The opportunity to reverse this trend remains, provided the industry acts with urgency, ambition, and a shared commitment to quality.

COPY

Want top greyhound betting advice and the latest greyhound racing news? Make sure you take a look at Racing Post Greyhounds for more

Important information: This article may contain links to offers or promotions that were available at the time of publication. These offers may have since expired or changed.

Offers are handpicked and come from operators that our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing.