The Greyhound Trainers Association. Statement of Case. 13 th May 2014

Transcription

1 The Greyhound Trainers Association Statement of Case 13 th May 2014

2 Foreword Much was anticipated when Lord Donoughue published the Independent Review of the Greyhound Racing Industry in Great Britain in November 2007 and since then, a lot of water has gone under the bridge. Almost seven years on and the sport that we all love seems to me to be in worse shape now than it was then. Since I was elected Chair of the GTA I have experienced the highs and lows of a difficult and challenging position and I have come in for a lot of personal criticism. I believe I could have had an easier life if I had just accepted that my tough questions could go unanswered. Instead I have continued to ask the difficult questions and stand up for fellow trainers, owners and ultimately for the welfare of our greyhounds. The Deloitte Report (March 2014) was commissioned by the GBGB and what it tells me is nothing new, those of us working long hours, for little reward don t need a report to demonstrate how unfair the current situation is. However, now we are furnished with the facts it makes for very uncomfortable reading especially if you happen to be on the trainers, owners and welfare organisations side of the fence. The sport creates a staggering 237m per annum gross profit for bookmakers and yet the same report states that greyhound trainers are making a loss of 3m per annum, owners are down 17% and trainers now own 37% of racing greyhounds. We know that trainers, owners and welfare are interdependent and a balance needs to be actively encouraged for the health and well being of the sport. The conclusion of the Stakeholder Meeting held on Sunday 27th April 2014 was for myself and the GTA to put the growing concerns of trainers, welfare organisations and owners to Mr Tom Kelly Chairman of the BGRF and BAGS and Mr Ralph Topping CEO William Hill. In further discussions with Charlie Lister OBE I was delighted when he asked to sign the letter with me. In this letter we are calling for a Formal Independent Review to include an audit of Lord Donoughue s recommendations as the most effective way to resolve the serious situation facing the industry. A growing number of greyhound racing enthusiasts, trainers, owners and welfare organisations are contacting me about their very real concerns at the state of the industry. With all the conflicting stories that people hear, it is not surprising that factions develop and in some instances are actively encouraged. The GTA believes the divisive strategy pursued by some within the industry serves no interest other than their own. I and the GTA Committee have been asked on a number of occasions by trainers, owners and welfare organisations to state our case. People within the industry want to know what it is, I, and the GTA stand for. We have committed our argument in support of our case to paper and I am very pleased to put it into the public domain. I would ask people to read it, think about it, talk about it and if, like us, you think it is reasonable, then we ask you to support us in our demand for fair and meaningful reform for the long term health and future of our sport. Rick Holloway GTA Chair 13 th May

3 Executive Summary Greyhound Trainers Association (GTA) Statement of Case 9 th May 2014 This Statement of Case aims to assist the reader in understanding the chronological events that have led to the present impasse within the greyhound racing industry. The objective of this document is to clearly state the GTA s present position and to demonstrate the GTA s stated reasons, in support of this position. In November 2007 Lord Donoughue of Ashton published a review of the greyhound racing industry. The review made a total of 37 recommendations designed to lay the foundations for a sustainable industry, in terms of governance, finance, management and welfare. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain was formed as part of this review and came into effect in January They are the recognised governing body of the sport. Since their inception there has been no published Strategic Plan and no review of Lord Donoughue s recommendations. A culture that existed prior to Lord Donoughue s review was one of: Mutual hostilities and recriminations which have hitherto sadly characterised and often damaged the governance and regulation of British greyhound racing. These hostilities remain within the present arrangements and are polarised between the GBGB, promoters and bookmakers on one side and greyhound trainers, welfare organisations and owners predominantly but not exclusively on the other. It is widely recognised amongst grassroots greyhound trainers, welfare organisations and owners that the sport of greyhound racing is in an ever deepening crisis. It is an indisputable fact that greyhound trainers, welfare organisations and owners are mutually interdependent. The GBGB commissioned Deloitte report published in March 2014 acts as the first published performance Review of the industry, since Lord Donoughue s review was published in It makes for sobering reading and further exemplifies the inequality between the GBGB, promoters and bookmakers (who control the gross win of 237m ) on the one hand and the greyhound trainers, welfare organisations and owners on the other. The disparity experienced by trainers and owners, in an industry profiting by 237m p.a. is clearly illustrated by Deloitte and this is but one of many examples taken from the report: In aggregate it appears highly likely that trainers (including those for whom it is more a leisure pursuit) make a loss from their greyhound operations estimated as a net 3m p.a., hence the trainers are net contributors to the financing of the industry. Trainers and their staff also often work long hours, demonstrating their commitment to the industry. Under the current level of funding it appears very challenging to return a profit from a greyhound training business, which in turn is leading to a lack of young trainers entering the sport. The average age of licensed trainers is 59 and this needs to be reduced through new, younger trainers entering the industry in order to ensure its long term health. A Stakeholder Meeting of owners and trainers was held in Luton on 27 th April 2014 to discuss the burgeoning crisis within the sport. A significant attendance saw people travel from across the UK to attend. The agreed outcome of the meeting was for a letter to be sent to Mr Tom Kelly Chairman of the BGRF and BAGS and Mr Ralph Topping CEO William Hill to outline the concerns. On the 1 st May 2014 the Chairman of the GBGB made a public statement outlining the reasons why the GBGB would no longer enter into dialogue with the GTA. The GTA responded with a press statement. On the 6 th May 2014 a letter was sent to Mr Kelly and Mr Topping and signed by the democratically elected GTA Chair Mr Ricky Holloway and Mr Charlie Lister OBE. 3

4 GTA Statement of Case 9 th May 2014 Lord Donoughue Review In November 2007 Lord Donoughue of Ashton published the Independent Review of the Greyhound Racing Industry in Great Britain. He said: Our remit has been to consider the regulation of the sport, in the context of the new duty of care obligations of the recent Animal Welfare Act. It rapidly became clear that good welfare is derived from good regulation and good regulation is derived from having the correct governance structures in place. We also recognised that the whole proposition is dependent on robust, adequate and transparent funding. Therefore the Review became more wide-ranging, and took much longer, than initially expected. We sat for more than 200 hours, received evidence from over 60 people from various aspects of the greyhound industry and also considered a huge volume of written material. I am grateful to everyone who contributed and was struck by the genuine passion for the sport, and the greyhounds which take part in it, exhibited by everybody that we heard from.' The aim of this comprehensive report was to put in place correct governance structures. At the heart of the Review s conclusion were 37 recommendations which sought to lay the foundations for a sustainable industry, in terms of finance, management and welfare. Despite a warning in the preface of the report, Lord Donoghue s words were not strictly adhered to and the recommendations have only partially been implemented. His wise words have greater resonance now than when first published in They are prophetic and summarise succinctly the burgeoning crisis engulfing the industry in 2014: The Review's conclusions are closely inter-related. Its recommendations should not be 'cherry-picked', with particular interests choosing those which suit them and seeking to reject the rest. If that is done, then the closely-argued fabric will fall apart and everyone will be the loser. The report was widely understood throughout the industry and, by the wider public, to be a definitive strategic plan for the future health and well-being of the sport of greyhound racing: We believe that this Review, with 37 main recommendations, gives greyhound racing as it faces the risk of an increasingly hostile public and legislative climate, the opportunity to demonstrate that it is running an honest and honourable sport in which the welfare of the greyhound enjoys a proper priority. The very first recommendation Lord Donoughue made states: The greyhound racing industry should remain self-regulated providing it adopts the proposed reforms. On the 6 th of May 2014 the GTA called for a Formal Independent Review of the industry to include an audit of Lord Donoughue s recommendations. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) Central to Lord Donoughue s review was the establishment of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) as an amalgamation of the existing staff from the National Greyhound Racing Club (NGRC) and the British Greyhound Racing Board (BGRB). Lord Donoughue wrote: 4

5 Such a carefully balanced governing and regulatory body will, hopefully, be able to function constructively in the interests of the whole sport and without the mutual hostilities and recriminations which have hitherto sadly characterised and often damaged the governance and regulation of British greyhound racing. The GBGB website describes itself as being: Effective and operational from 1st January 2009, the GBGB is a single, unified body that has taken on the functions of both the British Greyhound Racing Board and the National Greyhound Racing Club. Incorporated within the GBGB, but with independent status, is the Greyhound Regulatory Board (GRB) The GRB is a body integrated into the overall GBGB structure and is not a subordinate element of it. The aim of a strong common representation on both boards was considered to be an attempt to achieve the necessary high level of regulatory influence consistent with accountability. The two boards are supported by a number of committees. These include the Welfare, Racing, Finance and Commercial committees (to develop and co-ordinate the implementation of policy in these areas), a Stewards Disciplinary Committee (to hear disciplinary hearings) and an Appeal Committee (to preside over appeals from anyone aggrieved by a decision of the Stewards Disciplinary Committee). The key functions of the GBGB include: To develop commercial strategy for greyhound racing To promote the interests of greyhound racing To approve proposals for additions or amendments to the Rules of Racing, as submitted by the Greyhound Regulatory Board To formulate industry policy on welfare and other common-interest issues To manage government and inter-industry relations including public relations and media relations To approve the annual budget To develop and implement industry training policy In a modern age of austerity, value for money and professional accountability it is not unreasonable for trainers, welfare organisations and owners to expect to know how the GBGB is performing against these key functions. It is important for all stakeholders to understand who the GBGB is accountable to and what, if any, overview and scrutiny arrangements are in place for the organisation. According to the GBGB website: The GBGB is a centre for governance, regulation and welfare as well as a lead for commercial development and growth of the sport. It is committed to managing its functions to the highest standards achievable and being efficient, effective and accountable to those that it licenses, and the public. (GBGB) The GTA would like to know how the GBGB accountability operates in practice in the absence of a published Strategic Plan and Review Cycle. The Deloitte Report In March 2014 the GBGB commissioned Deloitte report entitled the Economic Impact of the British Greyhound Racing industry was published. This report is the only significant published performance review of the greyhound racing industry since the GBGB s inception in January The report was published without a summary, conclusion or any accompanying recommendations, or any agreed published Action Plan in place, to tackle the burgeoning crisis detailed within the pages of the report. The crucial and immediate key points taken directly from the report affecting trainers, welfare organisations and owners are: 5

6 1. 8,000 new greyhound registrations in 2012 (Down 8% from 2009) 2. 4,000 owners registering greyhounds in 2012 (Down 17% from 2009) licensed trainers in 2013 (Down 14% from 2010) 4. The average age of a trainer in 2013 was 59, and 45% of all trainers were aged over 60 with only 9% aged 40 or younger. 5. Trainers own approximately 37% of racing greyhounds and make an estimated net loss of 3m on training operations. 6. Over 7,000 people are directly employed in the Greyhound Racing industry. 4m was incurred by the industry on welfare expenditure, consisting of welfare contributions from the racecourses and the British Greyhound Racing Fund (BGRF) s 1.4m grant to the Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT an independent charity) and grants for other welfare projects. The GTA believe greyhound trainers, welfare organisations and owners understand the serious implication of these key findings and yet, rather than being included in the decision making of the industry, there is a culture of exclusion built up over a number of years. Much like the Ownership Survey (GBGB published 2013) the Deloitte report (March 2014) gives a clear diagnosis of the illness without any prescription for a cure. Trainers rely largely on training fees paid by owners with additional sums coming from trainer runner bonuses and prize money won by greyhounds owned by trainers themselves. The report confirms the number of owners is declining: The number of registered owners has declined from c.4,800 to c.4,000 since The rising cost of ownership is not being offset by an increase in prize money: The limited growth in prize money over the last decade, combined with higher costs of ownership (given high UK inflation levels), have meant net costs of owners have increased markedly. While the vast majority of owners expect to make a loss, in the 2013 GBGB Ownership Survey over half of respondents stated that the cost of ownership is generally too high, highlighting the threat of further falls in ownership. The sport is presently lurching from one crisis to the next with the one remaining London stadium (Wimbledon) under threat of closure. Stadium closures have continued unabated since Lord Donoughue s review was first published in 2007, with the loss of Reading, Rye House, Hull, Portsmouth, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Walthamstow and Coventry. These factors have contributed to 54% of owners not feeling confident about the sport s future. It is a key industry focus to seek to reverse these trends and in turn retain existing owners and help attract new individuals to the sport. The GTA understands the need to retain and encourage new greyhound ownership within the sport and believes the allocation of prize money is in need of review across the industry. Trainers are best placed to advise the industry on issues relevant to racing greyhounds, the fair distribution of available funds and the future development of the sport and this was communicated by the GTA Chair and Mr 6

7 Charlie Lister OBE in a recent letter sent to Mr Tom Kelly Chairman of the BGRF and BAGS and Mr Ralph Topping CEO William Hill (6th May 2014): The key stakeholders in this multi million pound industry are pleading for their voice to be heard through their democratically elected representatives and that there is a transparent, fair and equitable distribution of finances for trainers, welfare organisations and owners across the industry. The elected representatives need a place at GBGB Board level and sub committees to be allowed to fully participate at the negotiating table to assist all areas of the sport and for the Board and Committees to have balanced representation for the holistic good of the industry. This needs to happen now before the problems deteriorate further. This view was supported by Lord Donoughue back in November 2007 when he said: It rapidly became clear that good welfare is derived from good regulation and good regulation is derived from having the correct governance structures in place. We also recognised that the whole proposition is dependent on robust, adequate and transparent funding. He also said: The single main Board of the GBGB should be smaller than at present and contain an increased proportion of independent members but, importantly also three promoters and one practitioner (e.g. a trainer) in order to ensure the stakeholders are fully engaged and involved, but that any proposition would need independent support to succeed. The GTA Chair is democratically elected and is the only person recognised by the GTA to take the trainer seat on the GBGB Board (as per specific mention in Lord Donoughue report, excerpt above). There is a view being widely expressed that earmarked funds currently being generated within the industry are not sufficiently finding their way to caring for greyhounds and that there is an absence of equitable distribution amongst the sport which seriously threatens the viability and future of the industry. To quote Lord Donoughue: The whole proposition is dependent on robust, adequate and transparent funding. The GTA and owners wish to understand how the tendering process operates within the GBGB finance and governance structure. To demonstrate a culture of transparency it is the view of the GTA and other industry stakeholders, (including owners who attended the Stakeholders Meeting on the 27 th April 2014), that the GBGB should publish the tendering process, the policy for awarding contracts and the names of companies who have held, or hold contracts with the GBGB in the years since the Donoughue review (2007), as well as the net value of each of these contracts. In the modern world of social media, instant communications and internet 'chat forums' it is becoming common place for rumours and gossip to proliferate. This requires those governing to be more inclusive and transparent in their actions if they wish to retain the confidence of those they govern. Trainers are concerned by the increasing pressures being placed upon welfare organisations allied to the industry: Trainers own an estimated 37% of all greyhounds in training, a trend that has been increasing in recent years, with the need for trainers to supply minimum levels of greyhounds to fulfil contracts with BAGS racecourses a key driver in this growth. 7

8 The GTA, welfare organisations and owners are concerned that the process in place for awarding grants may fail to meet adequate overview and scrutiny. We consider the issuing of grants is yet another area in need of review and reform. We are not convinced that grant money is best utilised when directed away from the specific and direct care needs of the greyhounds. Trainers, welfare organisations and owners have for some time been asking for track safety and injury statistics from the GBGB in relation to Lord Donoughue s recommendation number 26: More research to be commissioned into the breeding of sturdier greyhounds, into the quality of track surfaces, and into the relationship between greyhound nutrition and injuries. No information has been published on the subject. Advice has been sought and provided, regarding track safety: As I see the situation, over the years not enough effort has been afforded to ensuring that proper research has been conducted to establish best practice in terms of both track configuration and ideal surface and preparation. Work is carried out on the basis that it worked ok elsewhere not because of any proven basis. It is also my understanding that there is not a written specification either. In a multi-million pound industry this cannot be good for any part of it. If we take an example of what a difference this kind of research can make we need to look no further than the Premier League in football and compare pitches today with the ones played on in the 70s and 80s. My suggestion would be as follows: An immediate research project to be carried out (preferably by a university) to establish the optimum track configuration, running surface and method of maintenance. All future work to have a written specification and be based on these findings. Open tendering for any work that is carried out with a minimum of 3 quotes. On-going training of track staff again based on the research findings. It is my belief that not only would this course of action have positive benefits for all sections of the sport it would also be self financing by ensuring that any work carried out was necessary and done to the correct specification. (28 th August 2013) The advisor has yet to receive a reply. The GTA believes that the welfare of the racing greyhound and the retired greyhound should take precedence over grants to promoters. On the 1 st May 2014 the Chairman of the GBGB Mr Maurice Watkins, made a public statement to the press in which he made divisive comments about the democratically elected GTA Chair. He also stated that the GBGB considered itself to be in a position where it cannot continue in dialogue with the GTA given the organisation s current modus operandi. The GTA issued a press statement in response to the GBGB Chairman s remarks: Press Statement Thursday 1 st May

9 GTA Response to GBGB Chairman s Statement The GTA read Mr Maurice Watkins Press Statement with interest. We welcome Mr Watkins belief that: First and foremost the Greyhound Board believes it is vitally important to engage with its licensed trainers. We wish to take this opportunity to remind Mr Watkins that Mr Holloway is, and remains the democratically elected GTA representative. The GTA consider that Mr Watkins and the Boards refusal to engage with their democratically elected representative would have credence, if, Mr Holloway was not at the head of a long line of elected and nominated representatives (from a number of organisations) who the GBGB have refused to engage with. The GTA considers Mr Watkins statement serves no greater purpose than to sow further discontent amongst greyhound trainers, rather than, engaging positively with their democratically elected representative. End of Statement Mr Watkins and the GBGB preside over a sport that according to its own commissioned report enjoys a gross win of 237m (and) a margin of 18% significantly higher and less volatile than a number of other sports. The same report has admitted to the following: In aggregate it appears highly likely that trainers (including those for whom it is more a leisure pursuit) make a loss from their greyhound operations estimated as a net 3m p.a., hence the trainers are net contributors to the financing of the industry. Trainers and their staff also often work long hours, demonstrating their commitment to the industry. Under the current level of funding it appears very challenging to return a profit from a greyhound training business, which in turn is leading to a lack of young trainers entering the sport. The average age of licensed trainers is 59 and this needs to be reduced through new, younger trainers entering the industry in order to ensure its long term health. The GTA would like to understand how Mr Watkins and the GBGB are able to justify the incongruous position of greyhound trainers making a net loss of 3m p.a. and yet their labours contribute to a gross win of 237m? Rather than attacking the democratically elected GTA Chair, the GTA would like to know how Mr Watkins and the GBGB justify what appear to them to be an unambiguous exploitation. The GTA strongly believes greyhound trainers are entitled to a living wage, need to work reasonable hours, are expected (and able) to pay licensed kennel staff a Minimum Wage. In addition these staff should be able to take advantage of a career progression within the industry. Mr Watkins may be misjudging the very real passion and integrity of the democratically elected GTA Chair as ceaselessly attacking the GBGB and its Directors. Unfortunately, the GTA does not have the benefit of a highly respected position, a commensurate salary with corresponding support staff, to assist in the workings of the organisation. In our opinion working and speaking from the heart, in the face of ever growing difficulties for those he represents, is deserving of understanding instead of exclusion. The GTA should not have to advise the GBGB Chairman that greyhound racing has long and proud roots in working class culture and Mr Watkins should understand, that whilst those he is accountable to, are more than able to put a shine on a greyhound s coat, they may sometimes lack the dubbing of a diplomat. The GTA Chair understands from the grassroots the difficulties currently being experienced by greyhound trainers, welfare organisations and owners. For Mr Watkins to publicly criticise a democratically elected representative for merely expressing a heartfelt 9

10 frustration, when it is clearly a direct reaction to these difficulties, as is plain for all to see, regrettably, it would seem, except by the GBGB. We do not feel we need to major in specifics, but it is disingenuous of Mr Watkins and the GBGB to single out the GTA and not to mention other organisations and individuals with whom they have failed to engage with since A few key words typed into an internet search engine will instantly elicit a dubious record in partnership working: GOBATA said: GBGB in need of reality check 03/02/2011 THERE is a widely-held perception that the GBGB is not in touch with reality. As a consequence, the disenchantment amongst the rank and file of practitioners is reaching huge proportions and those practitioners can t all be wrong! Much of the criticism levelled at Procter House is aimed at the GBGB's alleged lack of transparency, that they are not in touch with industry matters and even if they were that they have an odd way of showing it. The GBGB are accused of having little perception of the hardship that trainers who are in it for the long haul are suffering, and suffering they are. Charlie Lister, to name just one, has a thing or two to say about this particular cutback but we dare not quote him for fear of being charged with libel, but anyone remotely close to Charlie can imagine his reaction. If he, a trainer at the top of his profession, is finding things difficult then how do the GBGB imagine what life is like for the somewhat lesser lights of the training ranks? GOBATA again: The GBGB: Issues and relationship GOBATA chairman Martin White's request to meet with the GBGB board to discuss issues relating to the current financial plight of practitioners and allegations that GOBATA could not be trusted, which was rejected (see post of 22/03/2011) by the main board, is not set to go away. Watkins responded that there is a structure in place to ensure that the views of owners and trainers are heard at Board level and that is through "the duly elected Racing Practitioner Director." Watkins added that "only if that route is blocked to you and other practitioners would I feel it was necessary to discuss the matter further with my colleagues on the board." In a letter to Watkins, White insisted that his and his executive committee's bona fides were not in question and that the proposed structure for communication through the current Racing Practitioner Director was inoperable and with no credibility. The post of the 22/03/2011 referred to above: GOBATAs Motives a Nonsense 22/03/2011 THE GBGB have rejected a request from GOBATA chairman Martin White to meet with members of the main board. The request follows representations made by senior industry figures that GOBATA could not be trusted and its motives were in question. 10

11 "We are mindful of the stature and reputation of each individual on our executive," White wrote to Watkins, pointing out that members of GOBATA s executive committee are drawn from greyhound racing, business and the professions, with reputations that have been well established over many years. Mark Wallis Newsletter 30/07/12:...Clive Feltham, the GRA CEO, who has the unenviable task of keeping things ticking over until Risk Capital can sell the GRA tracks. What bothers most people is while it is clear that this is the GRA s intention Clive Feltham still sits on the GBGB s Board Of Directors making decisions on Greyhound racing when Galliard Homes, part owners of the GRA, have said publicly There s no future in Greyhound racing. If ever there was a conflict of interests then this is it. The whole scenario is unbelievable and it s time Maurice Watkins and Barry Faulkner our two chiefs at the GBGB did something about it. The GTA notes that Wimbledon Stadium, the last greyhound stadium in the capital, has been tragically run down by the GRA in preparation for development. A spirited campaign to save the home of the Greyhound Derby has been lead by Ms Diane McClean, Paschal Taggart and a group of greyhound enthusiasts throughout 2013/14. The decision regarding the future development of the site remains with Merton Borough Council and the outcome is expected soon. From An Open Letter from Mark Wallis 22/09/12: The GBGB refused to engage with GOBATA on the basis that they were not the proper channel for communication. The proper channel, according to the GBGB, was the GTA (despite their assertion that they were open to everyone!) Ms Clarissa Baldwin OBE Chief Executive of Dogs Trust and Chair of The Greyhound Forum a key umbrella group for carers including the likes of the RSPCA, Battersea Dogs Home and Blue Cross is on public record as stating: We are simply not getting the information and statistics that we keep requesting, Barry (Faulkner) Chief Executive of the Greyhound Board) ignores our requests or sends us around the houses to his Chairman (Maurice Watkins) or to other officials. It s no longer working. We want to know what s happening to all the greyhounds that retire each year. The RGT deals with roughly half some 4,000, other carers perhaps another 1,000. Some are staying with trainers or their owners, but there is a gap and no matter how we ask the question, Mr Faulkner won t answer it and I have had enough. Ms Baldwin also stated significantly: I m tired of being patted on the head. (Racing Post February 2014) Finally Mr Charlie Lister OBE: Personally I find the way the industry is heading a real concern. I ve not made any money from dog racing this year prize money levels just aren t enough to make it pay. I accept that bookmakers like Hills and Ladbrokes put money into the game through sponsorship, but I still feel we give away our product far too cheaply. Most owners have no chance of balancing their kennel bills. It cost me around 120 in diesel to fill up the van last week to send Hather George to Wimbledon. He ran second and picked up 40, but it s not hard to do the maths and see that we re out of pocket. 11

12 As for tracks getting improvement grants, well that annoys me. If I need a new lorry or a saw-bench for my timber yard I have to pay for it. As a greyhound trainer, if my van breaks down then I have to buy a new one. Yet a promoter who needs a new tractor can get a grant to pay for half of it. Is that fair? Without the dogs and the trainers there would be no tracks. Something s not right. (Racing Post 9 th May 2014) We can only conclude that a culture of divide and rule has built up over the years and is now possibly endemic within the working relationships of the governing body. This modus operandi serves only to hasten the burgeoning crisis within the sport, whilst further cementing the impasse between the GBGB and the democratically elected GTA Chair, welfare organisations and the majority of greyhound owners. Conclusion The GTA considers the apparent inability of the GBGB, promoters and bookmakers to fully comprehend and reverse the impact of their policies on greyhound trainers, welfare organisations and owners, as wholly regrettable. Promoters and bookmakers appear to be doing very well from the sport, even if this means operating on a very short term focus at the expense of other stakeholders. This, of course, is of no consolation to those losing their jobs, under threat of losing their jobs, struggling to maintain their livelihoods, living on the Minimum Wage (possibly less), working long anti social hours or steadfastly taking care of a rising number of trainer owned retired greyhounds. The GTA wish to underline this disparity is happening today within a successful industry, with attendances of over 2 million. Greyhound racing provided Bookmaker LBOs a gross win of 237m and a margin of 18%, significantly higher and less volatile than a number of other sports. Bookmakers paid in 8m (approximately) through the voluntary fund in There is a pressing need for urgent review and reform of the present finance and governance arrangements within the industry. The reforms must include a detailed and transparent financial and governance framework that takes into account the representation needs of the GTA, welfare organisations and the vast majority of greyhound owners. Any failure to meet this urgent challenge will undoubtedly hasten the collapse of the framework of trainers, welfare organisations and owners. The GTA understands the indisputable fact that greyhound trainers, welfare organisations and owners are by definition, mutually interdependent. The GTA works directly with grassroots trainers, welfare organisations and owners and are supported by an ever growing number who understand the moral and intellectual case for the fair and legitimate reform of the industry. The GTA concludes that the immediate instigation of a Formal Independent Review (to include an audit of Lord Donoughue s recommendations) as the most effective way to resolve the ongoing and very serious situation facing the industry: 12

13 References Greyhound Trainers Association (GTA) Independent Review of the Greyhound Racing Industry in Great Britain A Report by Lord Donoughue of Ashton for the British Greyhound Racing Board and the National Greyhound Racing Club. (Nov 2007). Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) Deloitte Economic Impact of the British Greyhound Racing Industry (2014) GBGB Ownership Survey (GBGB 2013) %20Research%20SummaryFINAL.pdf 13