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Post by SALFORD GIRL on Nov 16, 2024 22:04:39 GMT
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Post by SALFORD GIRL on Nov 17, 2024 22:36:40 GMT
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Post by SALFORD GIRL on Nov 18, 2024 1:33:24 GMT
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Post by SALFORD GIRL on Nov 20, 2024 15:53:06 GMT
Entain announces closure of CrayfordBy Paul Brown {Racing Post} 3:00pm 20 NOV 2024
The news was revealed by Entain UK communications director Simon Clare. He said: "We are saddened to announce the intended closure of the Crayford greyhound track.
"We have been exploring various avenues to avoid this decision for some time but, ultimately, it is no longer viable for us to continue operating the site.
"The dwindling support for the venue has led to insufficient trainer interest/ to fulfil our schedules, fewer competitive racedays and, therefore, lower attendance which has sadly driven our decision to close.
"Ladbrokes have a long history in greyhound racing, helping to build and open the Crayford venue in 1986, so the decision has not been taken lightly./
"Impacted colleagues have been informed of our intention to close the track and we will shortly commence individual consultations with colleagues to discuss the support/options available to them.
"We will/ also continue to/ support all trainers impacted by the disruption and hope that many of them will continue to race their dogs at other UK greyhound tracks.
"We remain committed to the highest levels of animal welfare. As such, every affected greyhound will be cared for through an enhanced investment and rehoming strategy.
"We are looking to expand our infrastructure to rehome dogs, develop new rehoming partnerships in the UK, the US and Canada and support trainer and greyhound transition to other tracks in the UK. |
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Post by SALFORD GIRL on Nov 20, 2024 22:33:41 GMT
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Post by SALFORD GIRL on Nov 21, 2024 13:26:31 GMT
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Post by SALFORD GIRL on Nov 21, 2024 21:55:30 GMT
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Post by SALFORD GIRL on Nov 21, 2024 22:40:01 GMT
Brazier fired up over Crayford loss
Karl BrazierKARL BRAZIER, leading owner and sponsor at Crayford under the banner of his Jay & Kay Coach Tours company, yesterday reacted angrily to the news released by Entain on Wednesday that it plans to close Crayford – in particular being very critical of the timing of the announcement.
Brazier is backing this year’s Jay & Kay Coach Tours Gold Collar, the final of which takes place at the track on Sunday along with the Ladbrokes Grand National, and, while not wholly surprised at the news, described it as “still upsetting” and left him “very annoyed”.
Brazier commented: “I’ve said for many years bookmakers have too much control of greyhound racing. I understand this is a double-edged sword as, without bookmaker money, would there still be a sport at all?
“However, the announcement about the intended closure of Crayford Stadium – and I use the word intended on purpose – shows just how much disrespect they clearly have for owners, trainers and sponsors.
“To make this announcement just days before a gala night at the track with two Category Cne finals – the Ladbrokes Grand National and the Gold Collar, an event I am sponsoring through my company Jay & Kay Coach Tours – is nothing short of scandalous.
“The contempt shown to the staff and everyone connected at the track is there for all to see.
“I read the statement released by Entain UK communications director Simon Clare with disbelief, a statement which blamed dwindling support for the track, their words not mine.
“It was Entain who recently savaged the fixture schedule at Crayford.
“I protested vehemently for them not to do this, but with a lack of support from other owners and trainers.
“I was told a pack of lies by a former manager at the track and managers above him that Crayford will get the earlier slot on a Saturday afternoon – they didn’t. I was also told Saturday evenings would return. Again, they did not.
“Five years ago, the track had fantastic attendances as it raced on Friday night, Saturday morning and Saturday night – the three most attractive slots for owners and sponsors.
“These were all systematically taken away with no regard for owners or trainers.
“As one of very few outside sponsors, I not only sponsored big races – including the Kent St Leger – but also smaller competitions and even graded events.
“This presents a good opportunity to entertain clients and suppliers on the three racing slots mentioned, but is not an option on Tuesdays or Sundays, which we’ve been left with. The falling attendances are solely the result of the company’s decisions.
“Clare also blames a lack of trainer interest. Well, when you have a trainer move on to pastures new, surely you advertise for a post for another trainer. Until very recently, despite being light on kennel strength, few advertisements were placed.
“For me, the biggest travesty is to the staff who work at the track.
“It was this time last year, not long before Christmas, when the new schedule was announced and staff were made redundant, just prior to Christmas. Now, they’ve been told they will lose jobs – again, weeks before Christmas. Clare says they will support staff and see what options are available. If they really cared, this announcement should have been made in the new year.
“I dread to think what the atmosphere will be like on Sunday evening.
“I, for one, felt like boycotting the night. However, I won’t out of respect and support for the staff who have worked tirelessly to make the event special – Dan, Jenny and Teresa in particular – and the trainers who have worked so hard to get their terrific hounds to the finals.
“I also couldn’t do that to the owners either, without whom companies like Entain would not exist.” |
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Post by SALFORD GIRL on Nov 22, 2024 15:20:29 GMT
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