Valley is thriving whilst ban implementation is pondered
VALLEY Greyhound Stadium is thriving despite the recent passing of legislation to ban the sport in Wales.
Richard Brankley, head of greyhound operations for the track’s media rights holder SIS, said: “Although the track is still processing the Welsh Government decision to ban racing and the sad loss of [former promoter] Malcolm Tams at the turn of the year, it is better than business as usual at the Valley.
“It is poignant to see Malcolm’s grandson Joe showing the same eye for a dog, working in the racing office at the track.
“He is currently managing an upturn in racing with the trainer strength buoyed with arrivals from Swindon and Oxford and allowing the Valley track to settle into a four-meeting a week schedule with racing on a Sunday morning, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, and Thursday night.
“The track has also seen BETGOODWIN take over as their main bookmaker sponsor.”
With a new-look Senedd led by Plaid Cymru returning post the May elections the industry is awaiting clarity on any implementation of the ban.
Mark Bird, the GBGB chief executive, said: "This election has represented a major shift in Welsh politics, marking the first time since devolution that Labour have not been in power and a more than 50% increase in the total number of Senedd members.
“This will require a total reset for civil servants with a new administration coming in.
“While there is no overall majority, as the largest party and under new First Minister Rhun ap Iorweth, Plaid Cymru will be coming in with a long list of priorities, not least stabilising the Welsh economy and focusing on the most significant areas of public policy.
“We know that dealing with a ban on greyhound racing is not going to be top of that list but, at some stage, the Welsh Government will need to consider the process and the cost to the public purse of taking this forward.
“Without a clear timetable at this stage on moving towards implementing a ban, the Valley Stadium continues to operate under robust regulation, protecting and promoting greyhound welfare in all it does.
“It continues to enjoy strong local support, and makes an important economic contribution, sustaining livelihoods within its community and bringing benefits to the wider Welsh economy.
“Keeping a business open that brings jobs and revenue to Wales is something we are sure that the new administration in Wales will want to bear in mind.
“The fact that this ban was a Labour-Lib Dem dodgy deal, which neither party benefited from at the election, is also something the Welsh administration will be aware of.
“We have had very good engagement with Reform and some Plaid members and we look forward to continuing those relationships in the coming months as both parties get used to being the dominant forces in Welsh politics.”