Monday 10th September 2012
Mark Wallis View
I've spoken to many trainers and owners this week and there is without doubt a great deal of concern being shown about the condition of many tracks and the way they are being prepared for our greyhounds to race on.
Trainers at some tracks have reported a higher injury rate than normal, yes it's true that August/September for some reason always seems to see a few more injuries than anyone would like although the reasons for this are yet to be fully investigated.
Here is where we have a real problem, John Haynes, who at the moment sits on the Board at the GBGB as our current Practitioner Director for owners, breeders and trainers, is the man who is called out to sort any problems out regarding track conditions but let's ask,
'What actually are his qualifications in this area?' and,
'why are we not using experienced and proper groundsmen like John Foster (ex Wimbledon) Jeff Sealy (track expert) and trainers who have their own tracks like Nick Savva to oversee any necessary work that needs doing at any particular track?'
Having spoken to Charlie Lister a couple of days ago he has at least 65% of his current kennel out of action due to injuries at what he sees as badly prepared tracks.
He was dismayed to find out that Mr Haynes' answer to most problems is to,
'dig the track up, sometimes twice a week'.
No wonder the GTA has given Mr Haynes a vote of no confidence as their current practitioner.
If all this wasn't bad enough we then also find out that Mr Haynes gives the contracts to do the work on these tracks to friends of his or to a company called SSS (whatever that stands for) which involves a relative of one of our track promoters!
you couldn't make this up if you tried, it all stinks in my opinion!
The condition and preparation of our tracks is only one issue the current GTA Chairman Rick Holloway has been called about by his members this week.
Other issues like the prize money budget for 2013, which the GTA has been invited to, are high on his agenda as well as gathering unity amongst fellow trainers who at last are 'growing a pair' - as they say enough is enough.
Like I've said on many occasions for years the bookmaking industry has made us all feel like we are only a small part of their portfolio but we really are the 'goose that laid the golden egg' and without the trainers and owners they would not have a product to show.
It is, at the moment, all about showing 'live content' so the shops can make millions on the roulette machines and greyhound racing is the key product they rely on to do this and it's time we reminded them about this...
update btd
