Deputy First Minister makes first visit to threatened Valley track

VALLEY Stadium has set out the stark £15 million economic and social cost of the Welsh Government’s proposed ban on greyhound racing, during a landmark visit from Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies.

In his first tour of the facility, Stadium leaders presented a detailed briefing on the multi-million-pound investment that has transformed the site in recent years.

https://www.sisracing.tv/gbgb-wins-right-to-judicial-review-of-proposed-welsh-ban/

Coupled with new regulatory standards introduced in 2023, this investment has made Valley Stadium a model of best practice, combining elite welfare standards, secure local employment, and a thriving community hub relied upon by residents across the Valleys.

Officials highlighted that the Stadium is set to inject over £15 million in media rights payments alone into the Welsh economy over the next five years—an economic boost that would be wiped out by the proposed ban.

Local trainer Anna Jeffrey also met with the Minister, explaining how securing her licence provided her with a rewarding career and stable income: “My dogs mean the world to me,” she said. 

“I hope the Minister saw for himself that they receive care far beyond that of most household pets.

"If this ban goes ahead, I lose my livelihood - that impact hits not just me, but my family and everyone in our community who loves and cares for our greyhounds.”

Stadium promoter Katie Bennison said: “Over recent years we’ve invested heavily to make Valley Stadium one of the UK’s leading greyhound tracks.

"The proposed ban would be catastrophic—it risks worsening dog welfare, not improving it, by increasing travel distances for Welsh greyhounds. It would also destroy jobs and shut down a facility that delivers proven economic and social value.

“We’re grateful the Minister visited today so we could show—clearly and with evidence—that this ban does nothing for welfare. What it does do is remove a vital asset from our community.”