The Star Sports and TRC Events & Leisure 2021 English Greyhound Derby is well underway at Towcester Racecourse, with top canine athletes from the UK and Ireland competing to win the prestigious title and £175,000 to-the-winner prize.

This weekend, however, it was not just the current stars of the track who made an appearance at the racecourse. Retired greyhounds Toby (Warning Over), Florence (Go with the Flo), Chunk (Best Boy Ethan) and Leila (Nanny Win) also joined the event to showcase the breed’s brilliance as pets.

On Saturday, the greyhounds and their owners, Greyhound Welfare Ambassadors Carly Philpott, Kim Sanzone, Lorraine Sams and Gail May and GBGB’s Retirement Coordinator Melissa Solkhorn and her Mum Nicky held a special meet and greet fundraiser. As part of this, spectators and fans got the opportunity to meet the former stars of the track and learn why greyhounds make such great pets.

Across the sport, the greyhound community are committed to finding loving homes for every retiring greyhound. To this end, GBGB runs a successful Greyhound Retirement Scheme which ensures that the future of every greyhound is safe and secure before they even step foot on the track.

Through the meet and greet, the group raised over £800 for local homing charities to support their work finding loving forever homes for retiring greyhounds. They plan to run another fundraiser at the Derby quarter-finals which take place next weekend (Saturday 26 June).

Speaking after the event, former Greyhound Trainer Carly Philpott said:

“We had a fantastic time at the Derby as did our greyhounds who were all wonderful ambassadors for their breed and were proudly wearing their ‘loved racing, loving retirement jackets’. Our aim was to spread the word about what fantastic pets they make and to encourage people thinking about getting a dog to choose a retired greyhound – they really are the most loving, fun and loyal pets. Thank you also to everyone who donated to our fundraiser.”

Greyhound owner, Gail May, said:

“A lot of people have preconceptions when it comes to greyhounds, specifically that they are hard work and need a lot of exercise. This couldn’t be further from the truth. On the whole, they make very laid back pets and love nothing more than curling up on a comfy sofa.

“Having lived in a kennel environment they are well socialised and used to getting lots of hands-on care and attention by their trainers and their kennel staff. This usually translates incredibly well to a home environment and the majority adjust to their new surroundings surprisingly quickly.

“There really is a retired greyhound out there for every individual and family and if you are considering it, please do get in touch with your local track or homing centre, who will be happy to help you find out more and – hopefully – help you find your new best friend.”