With trialling taking place at most racecourses, and ahead of next week’s return to racing, GBGB Managing Director Mark Bird said:

“We are aware that with the closure of Peterborough last week, and with Poole and Shawfield not returning to trialling at this stage, some trainers will be understandably concerned about the continued need for welfare support for their greyhounds.

“Our welfare hardship payments – which have totalled nearly £500,000 during the lockdown period – have provided a contribution towards essential welfare costs and have gone some way towards alleviating the financial pressures on trainers and owners whilst greyhounds have been unable to race.

“The GBGB Board has therefore committed to continuing welfare payments for all trainers that are either not currently trialling or remain unattached. We can confirm today that these payments will shortly be made to these trainers for the month of June. I remain very grateful for the many dedicated owners who have also continued to support their trainers and paid kennelling fees through this difficult time.” 

For further information about GBGB’s welfare contributions to trainers during the temporary cessation of racing, see here.