Racing figures support greyhound welfare event

Prizes from leading jumps trainers Colin Tizzard, Gary Moore and Oliver Sherwood helped Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare raise £19,300 at the charity's fourth annual Christmas ball in Kingston last Sunday.

WGW, which provides care, accommodation and rehoming for up to 80 unwanted racing greyhounds, has now raised £72,000 through its Christmas balls.

A visit to Tizzard's Dorset stable and the chance to meet the likes of Cue Card, Thistlecrack and Native River proved hugely popular at the auction, with guest auctioneer Colin Brown, the former rider of Desert Orchid, teasing a winning bid of £1,100 from the audience.

Stable tours with Gary Moore and Oliver Sherwood also proved must-have items, while montages from photographer Steve Cargill, featuring the likes of Frankel, Sire De Grugy and Sprinter Sacre, raised over £4,000 for the charity.

Dawn O'Brien of Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare said: "As an independent charity WGW receive nothing from the sport of greyhound racing. We are extremely appreciative of the support we've had from so many other people - especially those in the horseracing and bookmaking industries - who've helped us raise so much.

"You can throw as much money at welfare as you want, but it's no good if you don't have homes for the dogs to go to."