Windsor dispute over dog leaves owner-breeder couple on verge of quitting

An owner-breeder couple who recently celebrated their first winner after 25 years of trying now say they are on the point of quitting the sport after a dispute with staff at Windsor racecourse on Monday.

Geoffrey and Lesley-Anne Golbey travelled from their Cotswolds home to watch their Della Mare race, but were dismayed to find there was no shaded area in their Covid-zoned car park, which they insisted was essential for the welfare of their ageing rescue dog.

"We were so looking forward to it," Geoffrey Golbey said. "There was loads of space there but all they said to my wife was, 'Can't help you, darling.' No-one was prepared to help us. It was all very disappointing and we just wondered what we're doing in this industry, to be honest."

"An umbrella would have done," added Lesley-Anne Golbey. "Anything. We weren't asking for any specific thing, just a bit of shade. It would have been like leaving a dog in an oven."

Car park staff communicated with officials inside the track but no solution was found in the half-hour before Della Mare's race. Rather than leave their 11-year-old lurcher in their car while they were inside the track, the Golbeys decided to turn around and go home.

Windsor racecourse: officials at the Berkshire track have apologised to the coupleCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Steve Parlett, general manager at Windsor, said: "We have been in touch with Mr and Mrs Golbey to explain the situation with regards car parking for owners, which we have positioned for ease of access to the areas of the racecourse allocated for their use.

"This area does not have shade, but due to the strict protocols in place we can only allow participants in the Green Zone access to the area which does have a shaded area of parking.

"Had Mr and Mrs Golbey been in touch with us in advance we would have happily looked to make alternative arrangements for them and their dog while they watched their horse run.

"Equally, we have apologised to them that staff on duty in the car park were unable to clearly communicate the situation with regards the parking arrangements. We have already taken steps to rectify this and will make sure that they are able to do so ahead of future meetings."

The Golbeys remain unsatisfied, emailing the Racing Post to say: "Having spent around £3 million in the industry over the last 25 years being owner-breeders and the backbone of this industry, if our contribution is so little valued as to be denied the opportunity of seeing our horse run, we know now that this industry is not for us."

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