More support for Welsh ban to be overturned after Valley visit

THE hugely successful Star Sports Welsh Derby final meeting at Valley has strengthened the resolve of two Senedd members to overturn legislation threatening the ban the sport.

Both Cai Parry-Jones and Catherine Cullen were present to see the Mike Burton-trained Face The Storm justify favouritism in the Welsh Derby decider with the duo taking to social media afterwards.

Parry-Jones had previously called for a further vote on the ban which is set to come into force before April 2030 and wrote on ‘X’: “Great evening at the Valley Greyhound Stadium with @CatCullenMS for the Welsh Derby final.

“We wanted to visit the track, speak directly to the people involved and see the standards of place for ourselves.

“We saw the air conditioned kennels, veterinary checks, welfare arrangements and licenses of the dogs. I spoke directly to vets, regulators, and staff members.

“Representatives from the Greyhound Trust were also there. I had a constructive chat with them too.

“The main thing that stood out to me was the community. Hundreds of decent local people coming together for a sport and atmosphere they love. It was a pleasure chatting to so many of them.

“Reform does not want to see greyhound racing banned in Wales.

“Where there are genuine welfare concerns, regulation should be enforced. But destroying a sport, with local jobs and a strong community is the wrong answer.”

For her part, Cullen MS said: “We saw how well the dogs were looked after; the family environment, fantastic business.

“They employ young people in the area including care leavers. Track padded, immaculate kennels and vet checking.

“The dogs love to race and are loved by their owners. Dog rehoming charities were also there.

“The ban needs to be lifted and I would invite anyone to reach out and see for yourselves.”