Ahead of the elections for GBGB Owner Practitioner, nominee Tom Steadman explains why he is standing and what he wants to achieve through the role:

“I’ve been involved in greyhound racing for around 20 years and the buzz of it all really doesn’t get old. I started off owning a small number of graded greyhounds at Poole Stadium, and over the years have become more involved in the syndicate and breeding side of things. I currently own four dogs with Trainer Lee Field, racing at Monmore Green Stadium, and own a few litters of puppies in Ireland. Only a few months ago, Mrs Roo, my brood bitch, had her third litter of puppies to Magical Bale.

Outside the sport, I began my professional career as a police officer with Dorset Police, where I spent the best part of a decade as a frontline constable and volume crime detective. In 2012, I set up my first business – a traditional seaside giftshop – in Weymouth, Dorset which has since expanded into two gift shops.

With my background in the police and as a business owner, I’ve interacted with people from all walks of life and am experienced in communicating with a wide range of personalities. When it comes to the Owner Practitioner role, I know that strong communication skills, as well as enthusiasm for the sport, will be key.

Without Owners, there is no greyhound racing, and, as an Owner of both graded and open racers, I can be a voice for individuals across the Owners’ spectrum. In taking up this role, I would make myself available to anyone who wished to raise a new idea or query with me – whether by phone, email or via social media. There are some incredibly knowledgeable people in greyhound racing, and while the Owner Practitioner would be a conduit to the Board, it is important that we all work together.

Whilst I wouldn’t want to make any empty promises at this stage, there are a few ideas that I would bring to the table. Firstly, I would like to see an Owner’s Pass introduced so that every Owner could gain access to tracks either free of charge or at a discounted rate to watch their dogs race. Likewise, I would like to see an increase in prize money, which not only gives our existing Owners an incentive to own more greyhounds but also encourages new Owners into our sport.

I fully appreciate that there are no ‘quick fixes’ to realise these ambitions, and maintaining an open line of communication, particularly with our sport’s promoters, will be critical. However, I am confident that, should I join the Board, I would be able to carry out open and honest discussions and really get to the bottom of what can be achieved.

I love the dogs and I love our sport. I’m prepared to raise my head above the parapet and see what ideas we can push through. I’m under no illusion that I would be able to change the world in this role, but I am most certainly up for the challenge.”

Voting cards will be sent to designated owners on 16th July 2021.  All votes must be received by 6th August. The election count will take place on 10th August.