Whilst families are waking up on Christmas Day to a day of merriment ahead of them – for our trainers and kennel hands up and down the country it is work as usual. Professional greyhound trainer and Greyhound Ambassador Anneliese Thompson gives an insight into what Christmas Day is like for her and her staff at Haggswood Kennels in Doncaster.

“Christmas is just like any other day at our kennels; the greyhounds still need the same level of care and attention as any other day of the year. It’s an early start for us as we start letting the dogs out and cleaning the kennels from around 5:30am. This is slightly earlier than usual but, as some of my staff have young kids or siblings, I like to make sure they’re off early and have the rest of their day to enjoy with their families.

We’re very lucky to have lots of space at our kennels and with 18 paddocks and a mile-and-a-half gallop the dogs are able to play and stretch their legs for a few hours whilst we get on with preparing the food and grooming. Just like any other day, all our dogs are brushed, have their nails trimmed and have their teeth checked and cleaned. At this time of year in particular, whilst its muddier, we’re very careful to check their paws and pads for any nicks and make sure they’re clean and dry when they come back into the kennels. As we race on Boxing Day we’ll also be getting our racers ready during the day, including any treatment or massages they need.

Although it’s just like any other day, there are a few exceptions on Christmas that make the day a little special for our dogs. They’re spoilt rotten by my kennels hands who bring them teddies each year. Our dogs always come first, and that’s even true with Christmas dinner. A family friend runs the local pub so on Christmas Eve I’ll pick up any extra food that’s been left over. The dogs really enjoy the meat and veg mixed into their normal feed – we have a few picky eaters but the majority love sprouts! After we’ve finished feeding we’ll start rotating them in the paddocks again.

Once the kennel hands have left I get the opportunity to spend some time alone with the dogs which I really appreciate; we try to give each of the dogs a good amount of ‘me time’ each day. Christmas is a hectic time of year but this is my happy place.

I will leave the dogs playing out in the paddock whilst I go in to have my Christmas dinner. As I live on-site I can still hear them barking away and can keep a close eye on them through CCTV.

Once all the dogs are exercised and groomed and all kennels are clean and comfy I’ll head in for the evening with a couple of our retired dogs. We rotate them in the house so they each get them acclimatised to living indoors which makes the transition from kennel life easier.

We’ll celebrate with a glass or two of bubbly but it’s all systems go for racing tomorrow.

Nottingham stadium is jammed packed on Boxing Day; it’s a really fantastic atmosphere and full of families. We leave the kennels at around 8 am with the runners whilst my staff are busy looking after the dogs at home. I’m back around 4:30 on Boxing Day but I often get the chance to see my family who will come and visit the track and watch the races.

Come Thursday, I will be absolutely exhausted, but you have to keep going. It’s non-stop but the dogs need you every day, there’s no such thing as a day off!