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Latest News From Norah McEllistrim
I HAVE been contacted by a number of trainers concerned about the time it takes, and the costs involved, registering and microchipping dogs. Trainers are especially concerned about those dogs coming from Ireland that might be sold on.
Of course, the rules changed at the turn of the year when microchipping became compulsory, and we all have to comply with the new rules.
If a trainer takes in a new dog that may be sold on to a new owner, he or she has to have it microchipped and registered before its first trial.
The nuisance I see is actually taking the dogs to the track to be microchipped, but as a sport I think it's a small price to pay to maintain self-regulation.
It is up to tracks to sort the paperwork out more quickly. At the end of the day, they have to take responsibility if they want greyhounds they need to run their business to be registered to run.
The GBGB have guaranteed a 48-hour turnaround for registrations and if the dog is sold on within 59 days trainers will get their money back.
January 14
SAVE THE STOW!
I am today urging trainers and owners to support efforts to reopen Walthamstow by attending public consultations held by the planners this Saturday (10am-2pm) and on Tuesday (4pm-8pm) at the Holiday Inn Express opposite the stadium.
What those behind the Save Our Stow campaign have done so far has been extraordinary, and it is time for the entire industry to stand up and be counted behind them. Ricky Holloway has asked greyhound fans to join him at 11am on Saturday morning to show the planners that there is a real desire for greyhound racing to return there.
Those who cannot physically get to Walthamstow, please sign up and get on the mailing list of the SOS campaign, via the www.saveourstow.co.uk website.
David Sullivan has emerged as the man who has the finances to buy the land back from London & Quadrant, but we need greyhound fans to join local residents in opposing L&Q's plans for affordable housing.
Tell anyone you meet on Saturday who live in the area what potential there is for the site, not just for the dogs, but for the community. There are plans for anything from football pitches to a nightclub, from a library to a cinema. The potential really is limitless.
Greyhound racing can be part of the future of Walthamstow again. Even if you do doubt we can make this happen, please show your support if you love the sport as much as I do.
December 31st
CLOSURE OF COVENTRY
I’ve been liaising with the GBGB since it was reported that Coventry was likely to close and
Peter Laurie (GBGB Welfare Manager) has assured me that letters have gone out to all trainers
asking them to supply information that will let the board know what problems are being faced by
its attached trainers. I’ll be reporting anything I hear back to Maurice Watkins and the remainder
of the Board.
The GBGB has funds specially set aside to help trainers suffering hardship as a result of these sorts of
situations and there is no way that we will let the welfare of any Coventry dogs be compromised.
I’m available if any Coventry trainers or indeed owners want to speak to me about any issues caused
by the closure we assume is going to happen. Whether that’s to talk about the welfare of their dogs,
prize money concerns or difficulties finding another track to grade on at. If it looks like a meeting would
be helpful I’ll ask the GBGB to arrange one but I think we need to assess the situation first.
Affected trainers and owners are welcome to call me on 01932 221545, or the GBGB on 020 7421 3770.
KENNELHAND OF THE YEAR
The GBGB will be honouring one extraordinary kennelhand at this year’s Greyhound of the Year Awards
on January 31st at the London Hilton Metropole.
It’s up to anyone involved in the industry to nominate who they think should be the worthy winner
at this year’s glittering ceremony. In addition to the trophy, the winner will receive 2 tickets to the event, accommodation at the Hilton and a cheque for £500.
Do you know a member of kennel hand staff who shows an exceptional dedication to their kennel, puts
in the extra hours, and has gone that extra mile over the past year?
If so please email info@gbgb.org.uk or post your nomination to:
GBGB Kennel hand award, Procter House, 1 Procter Street, London, WC1V 6DW.
Nominations should include a brief description of why you think the individual should be awarded,
their name, along with your own contact details.
Nominations must be received before the 14th January, when they will be reviewed by a
judging panel from all corners of the sport, so get writing now to ensure someone you know gets the
recognition they deserve at the industry’s biggest night of the year.
MICROCHIPPING IN 2010
All trainers and owners should continue to chip their greyhounds prior to 1st January.
Unattached trainers in particular are encouraged to contact their local track to arrange for
their greyhounds to be chipped as soon as possible if they have not already done so.
The most recent edition of the GBGB Calendar includes a supplement providing details of important amendments to the GBGB Rules of Racing that come into effect on 1st January 2010.
The rule amendments have been made by the GBGB board to reflect the introduction of
microchipping as a means of identification of racing greyhounds. Under the Welfare of Racing
Greyhound Regulations due to be introduced by Government in April 2010, it will be a legal
requirement for all greyhounds that trial or race on a greyhound track in England to carry a microchip.
A summary of the rule changes and how they affect trainers is provided below:
From 1st January, a new greyhound must be microchipped, inoculated and registered with
GBGB before it trials on a GBGB track (Rules 45 and 46).
Trainers should arrange with their local track to take an unregistered greyhound to be
microchipped, inoculated (if required) and marked-up. Please note that the greyhound will not be
able to trial during this visit. As soon as the registration process has been completed by GBGB,
the greyhound will be able to have its first trial.
New greyhounds will not be registered by GBGB without a microchip barcode being
provided (Rule 24)
Greyhounds participating in sales trials are exempt from the requirement to be microchipped and registered (Rule 45).
At a racecourse, a greyhound will be identified with both its identity book and its microchip at
all times (Rule 40).
In the event that a microchip cannot be located during the identification process at a racecourse,
but registration documentation proves that an identifiable microchip was inserted, the greyhound
can race or trial as planned following which a replacement microchip must be inserted (Rule 31).
Removing, attempting to remove or interfering with a microchip is an offence under Rule 174.
I am very pleased that GBGB has agreed to permit each greyhound registered with GBGB prior to 31st
December 2009 to have a single trial or race on a GBGB track during the month of January 2010
without a microchip.
However trainers should note that this dispensation only applies to greyhounds already registered
with GBGB and is restricted to one trial or race only.
I also know that the GBGB is considering how it can reduce the financial impact of these new requirements
on trainers, owners and breeders. An announcement is due early in the New Year.
November 24
I HAVE been told by the organisers of today's meeting of owners, trainers and breeders in London that I am not welcome to attend.
As chairman of the GTA, I had heard of the meeting and wanted to go along to see how trainers might be represented. But John Coleman telephoned me to say it was by invitation only.
I find it strange that the meeting does not seem open to all. Even from a welfare point of view, it would be good to attend.
I will follow events with interest and, like everyone in greyhound racing with a passion for the sport, hope that what comes of this is positive, not negative.
We at the Trainers' Association have the ears of the GBGB and have been instrumental in recently overturning the pooled samples rumpus and plans to land trainers with automatic bans for doping offences.
November 11
I MET with the GBGB Welfare committee on Monday and am glad to report that the RGT has had another record year.
Upwards of 4,000 dogs have been homed and the RGT continues to do a great job. It is essential they are supported, probably now more than at anytime. Greyhound racing has got its house in order in terms of welfare, and that message has to be spread to those who are looking for us to slip-up.
There are people who would want to see greyhound racing finished, and generally that’s to do with their ignorance of how this great breed is cared for. Sadly, there will be bad apples who will damage our reputation, and these despicable people need not just throwing out of the sport, but brought to justice.
Greyhound people are generally kind and caring. And we know greyhounds themselves love what they do.
Budgets are tight this year but welfare must take his share and I fully support the efforts of RGT chairman Dr Andrew Higgins and Trust director Ivor Stocker. They, and their team, are doing a sterling job, but of course there’s plenty more to do.
THERE has been various press articles written concerning individuals seeking to ‘do their bit’ for the sport.
All I can say is that the GTA is doing its bit - and some. We are in constant contact with the GBGB, they are listening to our demands and issues, and I have to say that in people like Richard Hayler (acting CEO) and Peter Laurie (Welfare), the GBGB - and greyhound racing - have two people committed to the sport. They are fans of greyhound racing, have plenty of experience in the sport now, and will do all they can for it to succeed.
They are doing a very good job, and are talking to owners, trainers and vets. They have greyhound racing’s interests at heart. They are good operators, bright young men, who will also give that bit extra because they love the sport. For me, that’s the perfect combination to employ someone.
AND on the above, if any trainers want to discuss any issues then contact the GTA please.
Let’s enter into dialogue, tell us your problems. Either write to me, or email your concerns and I and my team will address them.
MICRO-CHIPPING continues to occupy the minds of many in the sport.
By January, all greyhounds will have to be chipped as requested by DEFRA, and generally the response has been positive. We all have our concerns, of course we do, we love the greyhounds who make this sport possible. But these guidelines are being adhered to nationwide, and with other animals, not just greyhounds. And the GBGB have promised me they will monitor the situation, and address immediately any problems trainers and handlers have with microchips and microchipping.
I will, however, be seeking some direction with regards to Irish greyhounds coming over for our big races.
Ireland is so important to a successful future for greyhound racing in the UK. Irish trainers bringing over dogs for our major competitions must continue - look at how the crowd for Derby final night was hit by not one Irish dog qualifying through. Compare that to the previous years, especially when Loyal Honcho won.
Perhaps a temporary ‘licence to run’ can be issued to Irish dogs. Ireland is not bound by UK law to microchip greyhounds, we have no jurisdiction there. But there has to be a way around it. It is no different from the pet passport situation, and this is something the GBGB must look at. We cannot isolate ourselves because of it.
October 27
I CONTACTED the Racing Post over the weekend, just to put the record straight over their mischievous columnist Muttley's cheeky suggestion that I'd been brainwashed!
Of course, they were talking about microchipping and my conversion to it came after initial doubts that the dogs' welfare had been sufficiently looked at. My decision came following another meeting with the GBGB, hence the Post's brainwashing accusation. This just isn't true, and I told them so!
I have been reassured now following extensive research and various tests I've seen undertaken at the GBGB offices and at tracks.
Yes, I was against chipping when I first heard of it, but I ended up with a pile of research papers six inches thick from all over the place – the US and Australia, you name it.
One of my owners is an electronics wizard and he explained to me that the scanners used in the chipping are nowhere near as powerful as even a mobile phone. If all these things had been explained before the GBGB started the chipping, it would have made a big difference.
One thing I will be asking for, though, is that trainers can watch to see how the chipping is done, and done properly. That way, in future they’ll be able to spot if a procedure is being done wrongly, say, in a rush or under pressure.
Moving on from microchipping, I am also happy to report that a move to introduce bans for offending trainers has been ditched by the GBGB.
The GTA expressed its opposition to the new plans for those who trangress, be it for positive samples or other matters.
The rules committee met on Friday and was presented with a proposal from director of regulation Declan Donnelly that there should be bans ranging from one to six months for various offences.
We had a good discussion and the result was that the proposal was ditched. So give the GBGB its due, they asked for our opinion, listened to our response, and am ditched the idea.
October 17
MY concerns over microchipping have been eased after I spent several hours at the offices of the GBGB on Friday. And I would go as far to say I'm a convert now!
I went to the meeting with the GBGB with my doubts about microchipping, but I'm pretty convinced now that it's as safe as can be possible with these sorts of things.
I was shown how a scanner works and tests have shown that the radiation emitted from these machines is far, far less than a mobile phone or even a microwave. It's miniscule by comparison.
And of the 5,500 greyhounds who have had microchips placed in them, just three are shown to have moved (migrated) - two further up the neck area, and one found its way to a rib. But that is three in 5,500.
Even when you take the national statistics on microchipping for pet dogs and cats, they support its safety – 200 are said to have caused a reaction in 6.5 million chips placed, and vets cannot be certain that it was the microchips themselves which caused these.
I can't see a problem now and, remember, it's a welfare issue. The GBGB need to trace greyhounds from the cradle to the grave, to follow DEFRA guidelines as part of the Animal Welfare Act.
Were greyhound racing to flout these guidelines, then surely self-regulation would be denied and we don't want authorities with likely no knowledge of this sport effectively running it.
I can now confirm that I will be having all my greyhounds microchipped and will be informing my owners of my intentions now.
As long as the microchips are placed by trained staff then I foresee no problems.
October 9
I HAVE yet to receive a huge amount of information from trainers concerned about microchipping.
If there is any trainer out there who has a vet's certificate showing that a microchip has moved (migrated), then please send a letter to me at the address below.
There is no point trainers bleating about microchipping if they have no hard evidence that it can cause harm to greyhounds.
If it becomes law, then we WILL have microchipping.
Trainers are not about to break the law. And such has been the poor response from those who believe it harmful, that there is increasingly little I can provide the GBGB with when I meet them later this month.
On the subject of the GBGB, I am delighted to report we are in constant contact now.
There is a real desire for both sides to consult and converse, and this has to be a positive.
October 1
I AM asking all trainers who have hard evidence that the micro-chipping of greyhounds has caused harm to their dogs to write to me as soon as possible.
This week I made contact with DEFRA, the Government department which has requested the micro-chipping of greyhounds as part of an 'agreement' with the GBGB over self-regulation of the sport.
DEFRA are NOT interested in opinions, they want fact. They want evidence from a professional person or body i.e a vet that micro-chipping a racing greyhound causes an adverse reaction
So here is our chance.
Whether it be your own experience of micro-chips migrating in greyhounds, or you have read about cases of possible links to cancer in dogs because of the chips' insertion, and can have it substantiated by a vet, then let me know.
I have stresssed to DEFRA that this is a welfare issue, and I really believe that we can prevent it happening if proven that it is detriminetal to the greyhound.
Perhaps greyhounds should be chipped after their careers are over because, while pet dogs might only be scanned four or fives times during their lives, we are talking possible half a dozen times a month.
There is also surely a radiation issue with the scanners emitting the same amount of radiation as mobile phones, and no-one yet knows the real effect this may have on us even.
I have heard of chips migrating from neck to hips, and lying on tendons even. In my opinion they are not suited to the racing greyhound, which could be bought for £20,000 and then suffer some sort of reaction to the micro-chips when racing.
If we have to, then we will have micro-chipping. But let's try and produce evidence to let the veterinary experts make a decision.
Write to me at Hillside Farm, Ruxbury Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9NH
September 17
I was disappointed with Wednesday's meeting of owners, trainers and breeders at the East Midlands Hotel.
I understand the strength of feeling, but I really do believe we are being heard at the GBGB now.
There was the sampling issue, which we helped to halt, and which probably led to Ian Taylor's resignation.
We have also had changes made to the vets' inspections forms, again following GTA pressure. We ARE getting things moving forward.
I went to the hotel after initially not being too keen. But I could see Martin White's determination to get more representation on the GBGB Board for trainers, as well as owners and breeders, and I agree that should happen.
But it turned into a row late on, which I think spoiled Martin's best intentions.
Professional Trainers have their own association, this one i.e the GTA, and I do not believe unifying with Greyhound Trainers is the way forward.
Our next step will be to halt the move towards the widespread micro-chipping of greyhounds.
We are not convinced it is safe.
11 September
I have had so many phone calls from trainers about the meeting in Nottingham, advertised in the Racing Post, and I would like to make it clear that it is NOT a GTA meeting and that due to prior commitments I cannot attend
Good news that the vets’ forms are being altered, and the drug testing is going back to normal.
The best news is that in future we will be consulted about any rule changes.
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27 August
GBGB Breach The Rules.
The reply from Ian Reynolds about the latest sampling methods was a poor excuse for gross misconduct and deceitfulness. I would have thought that Declan Donally, as an ex- policeman, would have known better than to tamper with forensic evidence (which these samples are.)
To deceive trainers into signing forms they thought were secure shows the contempt he holds them in.
I have never heard of a trainer asking a steward to tamper with samples. Yet by coercion and intimidation the GBGB succeeded in doing so.
People from all over the world can bet on dogs inEngland, and before the GBGB took over, positive samples were at an all-time low. What confidence can the public have in our security, if people at the top can ride rough-shod over the rules?
When the GBGB took over they stated: “we are a unified body who works for you and with you with transparency.” If this is so, can they tell the trainers?
- Whose name went on the mixed sample bottle?
- Did HFL know the bottles had been changed?
- Why can’t the GBGB collect data from individual samples?
- Why point the finger at 5 trainers instead of 1 guilty one? Consequently, 5 suspects go on the database instead of 1.
It was also stated that under the new system, trainers need not worry about prosecution. Well, they are worried – not about being prosecuted, but about how their sport is being run.
We need honest, fair, and above-board people to run our sport. Not bigoted, do as they please without consultation people, who seem to think trainers are all on the fiddle. I could never imagine the NGRC pulling a stunt like this.
I am disappointed the way things have turned out. This should have been a time for integrity and togetherness. So on behalf of the trainers, I would like to put forward a vote of no confidence in the present board.
Let’s all hope that some people who know and love this sport will step forward and help to run it. After this episode, can anyone ever trust the sample testing again?
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15 August 2009
I know that people have been asking what is happening at Eve Blanchard’s kennels and with her dogs, so here’s an update. I have been keeping in close contact with Eve, and she recently traveled to Hersham to visit her greyhounds in the welfare kennels.
Several of Eve’s dogs are trialling at the moment, and we anticipate 5 more to leave her kennels within the next week.
The improvements at her kennels have now been completed. They have new interiors, new flooring, new roofing etc. One of the reasons for the delay in moving her dogs was because of the builders working at the kennels. Eve did not want to leave the dogs for too long whilst there were builders on site.
I’ll do my best to keep you updated.
Norah
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02 July 2009
Urgent - Saturday 4th July
Mid-Day At Walthamstow
As many people as possible to attend this meeting as possible in a bid to re-open
Walthamstow Stadium.
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Update on Eve Blanchard
I am still working on this one, and keeping in close contact.
10 June 2009
Yesterday afternoon Eve Blanchard paid a visit to my kennels in Hersham,
she brought with her two more Greyhounds that are now being looked after by
Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare. We also discussed improvements to her kennels
and how to move forward, she has already paid to have the majority of the rubbish removed that was piled outside her kennels.
Whilst on the subject of Eve I would like to clarify that I did go down on that Bank Holiday Monday and get those dogs. Going on the Tuesday would have been impossible for me as there is racing Tuesday nights and there would have been concerns about me getting the Van back on time, So I did not mix up my days and all I can say is by claiming that I did not collect 7 dogs on Monday you are not only accusing Eve of lying you are also accusing me of lying - are all your claims that false and unfounded?
I would also like to add that the reason it took so long for me to finally get Eve to release some of her dogs was the simple fact that after all the abuse and threats she had received she no longer trusted anyone, and was not willing to give her dogs away without knowing who they were going to and that they would be happy and safe. It took all those phonecalls to get Eve to trust me enough to believe that the place I recommended would look after her dogs.
At the end of the day what is wrong and what is right is not always black and white. But the simple truth is that threatening, lying and bitching doesn't help anyone and it especially doesn't help the dogs. Working with someone and helping them does. I am still working with Eve Blanchard, and will continue to do so for as long as it takes.
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04 June 2009
In recent months there has been a lot of publicity concerning Eve Blanchard’s kennels, in Dorset.
I will not go into details here; there is ample reading material available on the internet for those who wish to read it. Suffice to say that any adverse publicity is not good for greyhound racing, and as greyhound trainers we are all affected.
I immediately made it my business to find out for myself what was going on at Eve’s kennels, and what the GBGB were doing about it. Over the course of the past few months I have been in close contact with Eve, with Colin Betteridge, and with Noel Thompson, to name but a few.
As always, in situations such as these, all is not as it first appears, and it was only by speaking directly to the people involved that I could find out what had happened, what was being done, and how I could help.
So, after literally hundreds of phone calls, and numerous face to face conversations, arrangements were put in place for me to travel to Eve’s kennels and bring some of the greyhounds there back with me to Hersham. Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare had already agreed to find room and care for them, and Eve had agreed to these arrangements.
On Monday 25th May, Bank Holiday Monday, I swept out and fed my own greyhounds before setting off to Eve’s. It was a hot day and probably not the best day to have chosen to do the journey. But I was determined to keep my promise to Eve, and to those greyhounds in her kennels that deserved a better standard of care, and a brighter future.
Eve, like so many before her was trying to save the greyhounds in her kennels, but was overwhelmed by the physical and financial demands of caring for so many. That and the fact that she was betrayed and taken advantage of by those she trusted to care for them. I am not making excuses; having met Eve, having visited her kennels, I can only tell you the impression I came away with. Eve is very wary of everyone, she has been threatened, and accused of all manner of things, and she is scared for the safety of her greyhounds. Shame on those who participated in this witch- hunt, they should put their time to better use.
Some seven hours later I returned to Hersham with 7 greyhounds. Not as many as I had hoped, but a start, and the first I hope of many who will make this journey. All the dogs were well fed and happy, and the one greyhound that needed it came with medication from the vet.
These greyhounds will adapt very quickly to their new surroundings, and new routine. With the help that is in place now, and has been for some time, Eve Blanchard’s kennels will also move forward. The rubbish, which had accumulated, has now been removed. As the kennel blocks are emptied they will be demolished to enlarge the outside areas for the dogs. Arrangements are underway to bring more greyhounds to Hersham. Mistakes are being rectified, shortcomings are being addressed, and lessons are being learnt.
And I’ve learnt never to travel to Dorset on a Bank Holiday Monday and expect to be back in 4 hours!
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May 2009 I may have been quiet recently, but I can assure you that I have been very busy working on behalf of the trainers and making sure that our voice is heard.
Amongst other things, I have been pushing the GBGB to give each trainer an allowance of £180 in order to pay the road tax on one van, and I continue to push for an increase in prize money. To this end, I am taking copies of my suppliers’ invoices to the GBGB in order to show them just how much trainers’ costs have risen over the past two years. If any of you would care to send me copies of your suppliers’ bills to help highlight this point, then please do. It can only help.
Much of my time has been taken up with the Rules Committee, as I give them a trainer’s perspective on the existing rules and the proposed changes. One of the changes which is being considered at the moment is to allow trainers to bring their own bedding into the racing kennels; A change which I know a great many of you would agree with.
I did appeal to you some time ago to contact me with regard to existing rules and proposed changes, but sadly received a very poor response. Once again I am asking for your input, so please do contact me.
Finally, Bob Betts – ex editor of The Racing Post, and journalist for The Irish Sporting Press, is hoping to organize a race meeting to honor some of the retired trainers such as Geoff D’Maulder. If you would like to suggest any trainers that you think should be invited then please let me know.
All for now,
Norah
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04 March 2009
Important – ‘NO RACE’ rule change.
The Rules Committee needs your views.
The proposed change to the NO RACE rule is as follows:-
If dogs come out of the traps and run 50 metres; a re-run on that night will not be allowed. The dogs will have to run another day to qualify for a competition. If there is not time for a re-run, according to the new rule the dogs to qualify will be balloted.
Do you agree with this? Or do you think the dogs should be able to run again that night?
It is really important that you, as trainers, consider the implications of this very carefully, and put forward your view on this rule, and any others that you consider need changing, adding, or omitting.
This is your opportunity to be heard.
Please e-mail or telephone me with your point of view.
Norah.
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28th January 2009
Just wanted to say that the new look ngrc greyhound calendar is very impressive. Clear and concise, it is a valuable tool for the greyhound trainer. The only negative comment I have received is the lack of a diary at the back of the calendar, and I understand that this is to be reinstated in time for the next edition. Fingers Crossed.
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My recent meeting with Maurice Watkins, Chairman of the GBGB, and Ian Reynolds, Chairman of the greyhound regulatory board, felt very positive. I came away feeling that I’d had a meeting with sensible people, with a wealth of experience behind them, and that we’d covered a lot of ground. I came away with a sense of hope for the future of the greyhound racing industry; something I haven’t felt for years.
Amongst the items we discussed were; the present method of dealing with drug testing, and negotiating a more balanced/even-handed method. At present trainers are condemned and penalized because their dog has a trace amount of a certain substance in their blood, which could have come inadvertently from an innocent source, such as the dog’s diet. I believe that trainer should only be penalized if a quantifiable amount is found in the dog’s system. Greyhound welfare issues were high on the agenda, including track vets being employed by GBGB in preference to being employed by the stadium, thus giving them greater independence.
Let’s hope that their enthusiasm and interest, so apparent at this meeting, translates into action, and that The GTA can at last feel that their voice is being heard.
We’ll be watching and listening.
Norah
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On Monday 19th January 2009 I am having a meeting with Maurice Watkins, Chairman of the BGBG, and Ian Reynolds, Chairman of the Greyhound Regulatory Board. If anyone has anything they'd like to ask these gentlemen, then please telephone me (01932 221545) or email me (Norah.mac@btinternet.com).
Norah
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I would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year and to apologise for not keeping this website as regularly updated as It should be. I have made it my New Years resolution to try and ensure that I keep everything updated weekly.
As we head into the New Year we can look forward to a few changes in the industry, hopefully it will not be long before all trainers will receive and extra £1 for every race that one of their dogs runs in.
I have also arranged a meeting to try and negotiate a more even-handed method of dealing with drug testing. I feel at the moment that condemning and penalising a trainer simply because a dog has a trace amount of a certain substance in their blood is unfair, as such a small amount could come inadvertently from an innocent source; such as the dogs diet. Therefore I feel that a trainer should only be penalized if a quantifiable amount is found in the dog's system.
The New Years will also bring an increase in prize money; Although it is not as much as I had expected, I am hoping that it will be a foundation for better things to come.
Lastly I would like to congratulate the GBGB on their handling of the Walthamstow and Reading dogs and also for still making Welfare a big part of their work.
Best Wishes,
Norah
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KENNEL HANDS CHRISTMAS PARTY
This Sunday (7th Dec) at Harlow Stadium.
A 'Thankyou' to all the hard working Kennel hands.
The party will include Dinner and Entertainment.
£5 entry for all kennel hands.
£30 for other guests.
Kennel hands must bring their kennel licence in order to receive their huge discount.
Please contact Norah Mcellistrim on -
01932 221516/07919878740.
Or send Cheques to Norah Mcellistrim, 5 Burhill Kennels, Turners Lane, Hersham, KT12 4AW.
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LATEST NEWS FROM GTA CHAIR, NORAH MCELLISTRIM
Fellow Members,
Firstly, let me apologise for the delay in updating you on what has been happening since I was elected as chairman of the GTA in mid June. I have not been idle during this time; it is just this update that was delayed owing to Brian undergoing two operations.
Since I was elected, I have been doing my best to arrange a meeting with the GTA committee members. This has now been achieved, and we will meet within the next week or so to discuss, amongst other things, a date for the AGM.
As most of you will already know, Welfare of the greyhounds is my passion, and with this in mind, one of my first objectives was to become a member of the BGRB welfare committee and the BGRB racing committee. Both objectives achieved, and I have just this last week attended my first two meetings. Everyone was very welcoming and helpful, and all appear to have the welfare of greyhounds at heart.
However, my main priority as chairman remains the same as it was before the election, and that is to achieve an increase in the prize and run money for our greyhounds.
This is not a quick fix to patch up a gaping wound in a sport which is slowly bleeding to death. It is a long term investment which will benefit the greyhound racing industry as a whole, and I cannot understand why the promoters and the bookmakers who earn their living from this sport are being so short sighted about this issue.
The immediate benefits of increased prize and run money will filter down to improve every aspect of greyhound racing.
1. It can turn the image of greyhound racing around. It will no longer be seen as a cheap and nasty industry, where the stars of the show have little value and are seen as disposable commodities.
2. It will encourage new owners into the sport, who won’t feel that they are being short-changed, and will feel that they are being rewarded for their patronage.
3. Trainers will be able to raise their kennel fees and actually start earning a living, instead of subsidising this industry as they have been doing for too many years.
4. Loyal and hardworking kennel staff, undervalued for far too long, will be able to earn a decent wage. Too many trainers lose much valued members of staff simply because those staff cannot continue to live on what they are being paid. The wages at present do not reflect the skills and commitment of the kennel staff and they do not attract new people into the job, who would then view it as an apprenticeship into a profession with long term prospects.
5. Trainers will be able to raise the standard and quality of care that they give their greyhounds, and take pride in raising the benchmark.
As trainers I know that you are all too familiar with these arguments and can understand the logic of what I am proposing.
I am in the process of sending out renewal forms for this year’s membership. It is imperative that you all join, and we show those who would take us for granted that we are united and we are strong.
Arrangements are being made for our AGM. We are looking to hold it within the next 3 – 4 weeks, and will notify you as soon as the date is set. Keep watching the GTA website for updates.
And remember;
There are none so blind as those who will not see. It is up to us to make them see.
Norah McEllistrim
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PAYMENT OF PRIZE MONEY
The following is the NGRC rule relating to the payment of prize money by tracks:
NGRC Rule 93 - Payment of prizes and prize money
i. The full amount of all prize money and other prizes for a Race, as advertised, or shown on the Racecard in the case of a Race not previously advertised, shall be paid to the Owners, Lessees, Authorised Agents, or other persons entitled to it, only when a 21 Day period elapsed after the completion of the Race or Competition, but within 28 Days of the end of the Month of the Race, except that, pending the determination of an Objection or Inquiry, the prize in respect of the Greyhound concerned may be withheld.
ii. Subject to the provision of Rule 94 the payment or award by a Racecourse Executive or by any other donor, of prize money or any other prize in a Race, in accordance with the Result of such Race as known at the time of such payment or award, shall operate as a full, complete and unconditional discharge of such Racecourse Executive or donor in respect of all liability for such prize money or prize and, in the event of any subsequent alteration in the Result of the Race, whether in consequence of an Objection or for any other reason, neither the Racecourse Executive nor such donor shall be under any further liability or obligation in respect of such prize money or prize
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