Star Pelaw will be the first track to support the Greyhound Racing Code, Greyhound Weekly can confirm.
The working group put together following the publishing of an open letter to the GBGB calling for improvements in greyhound racing has issued the following statement:
We are delighted to announce that Star Pelaw is the first track to commit its support to the code of practice for tracks which was put together by the group during discussions with the GBGB.
Our commitment to the code
Kim Sanzone, head of greyhound racing operations for Star Sports, which recently acquired the County Durham track, said: “We will aim to adopt the measures suggested by the group and improve standards where feasible. Whilst we know this is a voluntary scheme we want to show our commitment to the code in principle. We have already started to make improvements at Pelaw, including a new staff uniform and jackets for paraders to give a more professional image, as well as adding new signage around the podium area. We will also be looking to introduce a trainer/owner area within the stadium. A lot of the content within the code of practice is easy to cover off and we aim to commit to as many of the actions within it where possible, although others may take longer to adopt and put in place.”
“We have a number of initiatives already completed, including an increase in prize money and are also in the process of recruiting a number of retail staff to ensure that we can provide a better allround customer service experience. Additionally, we are aiming to add a few open races each month as well as introducing a couple of competitions next year,” she added.
High standards both on and off the track
Racing manager Dave Gray said: “Here at Star Pelaw we endeavour to maintain high standards both on and off the track. With the long-standing management team of Jeff McKenna and myself, the track has worked in conjunction with STRI and the GBGB track liaison officer Mark Peacock, to continually improve and evolve the quality of the racing surface. Our stadium vet Helen Ray has looked after the welfare needs of our canine athletes for nearly 20 years. This continuity gives the stadium an excellent platform to build upon under the new ownership of Star Sports.”
It’s great news that Star Sports is the first track owner and promoter to commit to the code of practice for tracks, and we are looking forward to seeing its plans for Pelaw come to fruition.
A catalyst for discussions
We hope that this news can be a catalyst for discussions with other promotors, which will hopefully lead to more tracks endorsing the code. We are realistic, and understand that not all tracks will be able to adopt all the points of the code immediately. What we are asking for is an acknowledgement that things can be done better and a commitment to making improvements within a reasonable timeframe.
