The shock decision to halt greyhound racing in Wales should serve as a “wake-up call” for British horse racing.
This is according to Matt Rennie, Reporter for the Racing Post, who warned that “when you give an inch, people take a mile”.
Earlier this month, the Welsh government announced plans to ban greyhound racing at the Valley Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, the only greyhound racing track in the country, “as soon as practically possible”, citing concerns around animal welfare.
Speaking about the decision on the latest episode of The Front Page, Rennie said: “It’s only one greyhound track [in Wales] but just because it’s going to happen in Wales, you’re now leaving yourself open to it happening in England throughout greyhound racing and animal sports.”
He added that racecourses across Wales, such as Chepstow, Ffos Las and Bangor, should be looking for reassurances that they won’t be met with the same fate.
In response to the ban, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) assured stakeholders that it has been working to guarantee that horseracing retains its high level of political support across the home nations.
“The BHA co-ordinates an active cross-party group for horseracing in the Senedd and will continue to use the group’s expertise as we work to ensure that horseracing retains its high level of political support in Wales,” it stated.
Lack of consultation ‘scandalous’
Following the news, the Chief Executive of the Greyhound Board Of Great Britain, Mark Bird, described the decision as a “dirty, dodgy backroom deal” and revealed that the Welsh government failed to consult with the industry.
The legislation has been included as part of the Welsh Labour government’s economic budget and Rennie explained that the greyhound caveat was included to ensure the vote of the Liberal Democrat MP Janes Dodds – who demanded the ban alongside extra funding for childcare, councils and transport.
On the lack of consultation, Rennie said: “I just think it’s such an ill-thought-out, rash decision that [the government] thought they could just slip into the background of this deal without working or consulting with the industry and the audience of Welsh Greyhound racing.
“I find that pretty scandalous to believe you can make such a decision that impacts an industry without having consultation from both sides. That’s how grown-up politics should be.”
