The problem of greyhound and trainer numbers in this sport are rather obvious. However, the solutions are not so. The argument for better prize money (though completely valid), lacks foundation in it's funding method (although the argument about BAGS profit's will always remain). The need for new owner's is also a given, but again it's coming up with a proper plan of action to be able to make this possible (target market, marketing campaigns, finances etc). It was giving thought to these ideas that made me think; Why not implement Handicap Racing?
Handicap racing, for those that don't know, is when you have 6 seperate starting traps for the 6 greyhounds. Each particular box is given a certain amount of head start over the 'scratch' runner (Trap 6). For example, an A1 dog may be given the scratch box, and an A3 runner may be given trap 5 with a 3m head start.
The joy with handicap boxes is that you can have a greyhound in any grade, run against any other grenound. Seedings dont particularly matter (as, with the initial gap, they have room to sort themselves out), and the actual racing can be very competitive. In a time of inbalance within grades, and dogs in certain grades needing runs, this seems to be a good solution to the problem, that helps all parties (owners, trainers and the racing manager). Obviously the initial cost of said traps is the main consideration.
I'm personally a big fan of HCP racing (moreso over 6 bends than 4), however they do seem to be an acquired taste. However, as a solution to the grade inbalance, and a long term solution for maintaining a good 6 bend grade, I think this really would work. They're already in place at Perry Barr, Sheffield, Hall Green and Newcastle.
Great idea I would like to see HCP racing also some sprints on the cards, however the issues with owners is a different story, I have 2 dogs at Swindon others at other tracks, yes the prize money is very low a win and 3 runs a month does not cover the kennel bill and on average my dogs are running 8 times before a win = to 2 months so it is costly, other tracks I have dogs at pay £25 to £30 for also ran money for instants, without being too negative as I do love Swindon Dogs, the amount of times my 2 dogs at Swindon have raced on the same meeting or night is once over 30 races between them certainly not Owner friendly, Owner Bags races I've had a dog in one of them yes once but I see Trainer Owned dogs in these races all the time, and what is done for the owners ??? another track we race at gives us a free buffet once a month another track a free drink once a month, dogs who have 100 races get a trophy, again nothing at Swindon, I wont mention the Grading but my Dogs and other Owners dogs give there all we dont expect dog racing to pay as we love the dogs but do we feel valued .. No sadly not at Swindon
ReplyDeleteAnother idea is to have photos taken of the winning greyhound with connections after each race in night meetings ie non bags Friday Saturday nights. I'm sure all owners will enjoy this and could bring more family and friends to the track to share in the success.
ReplyDeletethey should take on trainers with a couple of dogs
ReplyDelete(they should take on trainers with a couple of dogs)
Deleteonly if they live close and are willing to do any meeting when ask with one runner etc. But dont see how little trainer can do this without being 10 miles from the track.