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16 Apr 16
14:20
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Date Joined:
13 Jul 11
WIMBLEDON has done a deal with Galliards around a two years rolling contract that would be dependent on the new London Mayor turning down the ambitious AFC development plan that was called in by Boris Johnson.
In any case it has been guaranteed for six months, given there is a six month notice termination clause. This means the William Hill St Leger and RFS Puppy Derby can take place as scheduled in October/November. It might mean next year's Derby is safe too.
Clive Feltham, MD of the GRA, said on Saturday: "We have a done a deal, and it's structured in a way to keep greyhound racing alive as long as is possible - and who knows, it could prove long term if the new Mayor comes out in 'our favour'.
"I'm grateful to both Risk Capital and Galliard Homes who have agreed the extension, and the potential length is encouraging. It has obviously been very stressful for all our trainers and staff, but the loyalty they have shown is incredible. There is real determination to make it work if possible and the support we have had from the greyhound community is tremendous."
However, Feltham warned there was set to be a shortage of dogs. "Some trainers have left, others are on the point of doing so. We are talking to them, and hoping they can stick it out longer. Provisionally, and with Euros football ahead anyway, we plan to race Thursday and Saturdays through to the Derby final, and then just Saturdays after that until September 1.
"Our RPGTV deal on Thursdays ends after the first Thursday in May, but we'd hope to resume from September 1 and then run Thursdays and Saturdays for the duration.
"If the kennel strength picked up, then we could re-introduce Thursdays earlier, maybe partially.
"But the Leger and Puppy Derby will take place this year at Wimbledon, and yes possibly the Derby next year - we will be talking to William Hill about all these plans. I'm also grateful to Paschal Taggart and Diane McLean of the We Want Wimbledon campaign. Their support and vision has been vital, and we just don't know where it might lead."
In any case it has been guaranteed for six months, given there is a six month notice termination clause. This means the William Hill St Leger and RFS Puppy Derby can take place as scheduled in October/November. It might mean next year's Derby is safe too.
Clive Feltham, MD of the GRA, said on Saturday: "We have a done a deal, and it's structured in a way to keep greyhound racing alive as long as is possible - and who knows, it could prove long term if the new Mayor comes out in 'our favour'.
"I'm grateful to both Risk Capital and Galliard Homes who have agreed the extension, and the potential length is encouraging. It has obviously been very stressful for all our trainers and staff, but the loyalty they have shown is incredible. There is real determination to make it work if possible and the support we have had from the greyhound community is tremendous."
However, Feltham warned there was set to be a shortage of dogs. "Some trainers have left, others are on the point of doing so. We are talking to them, and hoping they can stick it out longer. Provisionally, and with Euros football ahead anyway, we plan to race Thursday and Saturdays through to the Derby final, and then just Saturdays after that until September 1.
"Our RPGTV deal on Thursdays ends after the first Thursday in May, but we'd hope to resume from September 1 and then run Thursdays and Saturdays for the duration.
"If the kennel strength picked up, then we could re-introduce Thursdays earlier, maybe partially.
"But the Leger and Puppy Derby will take place this year at Wimbledon, and yes possibly the Derby next year - we will be talking to William Hill about all these plans. I'm also grateful to Paschal Taggart and Diane McLean of the We Want Wimbledon campaign. Their support and vision has been vital, and we just don't know where it might lead."
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Two threads the same at the same time...still it is double good news
Boris seems to have adopted the Pontius Pilate approach, he has called the AFC Wimbledon plan in
Then left the decision to someone else while he goes for a bigger prize
Boris seems to have adopted the Pontius Pilate approach, he has called the AFC Wimbledon plan in
Then left the decision to someone else while he goes for a bigger prize
Let us hope the new Mayor prefers Greyhound Racing to Football??????????????????
It means it ain't do or die
Be at Wimbledon every rd and heat Derby
No what does mean little life there trainers
Can buy and get new onwers rpgtv
I'm sure if there chance of bags again every little help s
Cos let's face it best running track by a mile
Wonder how towcester feel couldn't be far away from being the Derby host
Be at Wimbledon every rd and heat Derby
No what does mean little life there trainers
Can buy and get new onwers rpgtv
I'm sure if there chance of bags again every little help s
Cos let's face it best running track by a mile
Wonder how towcester feel couldn't be far away from being the Derby host
pray to god we do get another two years.
if thats the case, the momentum definitely swings back, the puff comes out the AFC bid and it gives time for the industry to really sit down and try and sort something out. Imagine if Hills went and bought it - sponsoring the derby anyway, this could be their track and the balance sheets would still look ok given its a tangible asset that would continue to increase in value.
Something i would love to see explored is this. realistically i dont think anyone in the industry can just go and buy it and save it, but say the land was valued at 25m. i have no idea if this is correct or not, but 10,000 shares at 2.5k a piece, owners, trainers, anyone with a passion for the sport, could try and buy X amount of shares in an effort to raise capital for the track. like a LTD company, profit at the end of the year gets split as a dividend to shareholders, so the track would have a real future if owned by a lot of owners, trainers, GBGB fronting a bit. it is a business that would make money if looked after properly, buyers would get a return every year, the track would have a future, and it could be something to be proud of, BAGS contracts, a serious open card once a week, a strong graded strength. two years would give the industry time to explore this.
if thats the case, the momentum definitely swings back, the puff comes out the AFC bid and it gives time for the industry to really sit down and try and sort something out. Imagine if Hills went and bought it - sponsoring the derby anyway, this could be their track and the balance sheets would still look ok given its a tangible asset that would continue to increase in value.
Something i would love to see explored is this. realistically i dont think anyone in the industry can just go and buy it and save it, but say the land was valued at 25m. i have no idea if this is correct or not, but 10,000 shares at 2.5k a piece, owners, trainers, anyone with a passion for the sport, could try and buy X amount of shares in an effort to raise capital for the track. like a LTD company, profit at the end of the year gets split as a dividend to shareholders, so the track would have a real future if owned by a lot of owners, trainers, GBGB fronting a bit. it is a business that would make money if looked after properly, buyers would get a return every year, the track would have a future, and it could be something to be proud of, BAGS contracts, a serious open card once a week, a strong graded strength. two years would give the industry time to explore this.
Unlike the Stow this development affects a neighbouring authority whose views were not properly heard. That I believe is the basis for the Mayors office to get involved. Boris has no interest in saving greyhound racing and I doubt the incoming mayor has either. What must be done is proper consultation of all affected parties otherwise it would be a free shot for judicial review. Time consuming and costly to all parties. Why are "we" grateful to Risk Capital and Galliard Homes?.
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