SIS join united industry front to back GBGB Welsh court move

THE GBGB has thanked the industry stakeholders, including SIS, who have financially backed the board's decision to seek a Judicial Review into the announcement of a forthcoming ban on greyhound racing in Wales.

On 16th May, lawyers acting on behalf of GBGB filed papers with the Welsh High Court, lodging a Judicial Review into the decision of the Deputy First Minister Hugh Irranca-Davies on 18th February, challenging it on the basis that government procedures were not followed sufficiently for it to make a fair and proportionate decision.

The partners who are supporting the funding of the Judicial Review are the Racecourse Promoters Association (RCPA), Valley Greyhound Stadium, SIS, Premier Greyhound Racing (PGR) and GBGB/BGRF.

Reflecting on the decision to bring a Judicial Review, GBGB chief executive Mark Bird said: “We did not take the decision to bring the Judicial Review lightly.

"Judicial Reviews are costly in nature and the funding of such a challenge is not for the faint-hearted.

“However, those within the greyhound racing community and beyond were truly appalled and surprised at the Welsh Government’s decision to move to ban the sport, especially against the wealth of evidence demonstrating the high standards of welfare and integrity that regulated greyhound racing brings.

"Any ban would have a considerable impact not only on Valley Greyhound Stadium, their attached trainers and owners, but also on trainers based in Wales and racing in England as well as traders bringing greyhounds from Ireland into the UK through the Welsh ports.

“GBGB could not afford to bring this action alone, so I was heartened when vested stakeholders offered their support in funding the legal challenge to help oppose this unevidenced decision.”

Speaking on behalf of the RCPA, chairman and Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium owner, Simon Franklin said:“The Promoters represented by the RCPA unanimously supported contributing to the Judicial Review.

"The Valley, under ownership of the Barclay family and run to GBGB rules, is an asset to the local community and contributes massively to the Welsh economy.”

Katie Bennison, Valley Track Promoter, said:“On behalf of Valley Greyhounds, we would like to thank the industry for their support funding the Judicial Review.

"We all understand that this is a bigger issue than just greyhound racing in Wales and we are grateful that all key stakeholders have come together to support and fund the Judicial Review.”

Richard Brankley, SIS head of greyhound operations, said: “SIS is pleased to support the positive steps taken by the GBGB in protecting the integrity and sustainability of regulated greyhound racing in the UK.”

Garry Nash, managing director of Premier Greyhound Racing said:“Premier Greyhound Racing are happy to support GBGB and the sport in the review to help retain greyhound racing in Wales. It is to the credit of the sport how the partners have come together in this challenge.”