Cork not China - Bens Teddy is happily retired in Ireland
Allegations were made that ex-Pat Buckley star Bens Teddy was out in China, we are pleased to report that it is not the case and he is happily retired in Co Cork.
Bens Teddy happily retired near Cork
Unsubstantiated allegations concerning the whereabouts of one of greyhound racing’s best-known names have once again underlined how the sport is having to deal with misinformation from those intent on damaging it.
Bens Teddy, trained by Pat Buckley and third to The Other Kobe in the 2023 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby before winning over 600 yards at the Winter Festival at Shelbourne, had been alleged by Caged Nationwide of being in China.
The truth is he has never left Ireland since being retired from the track.
A social media post from Caged claimed: “We were told this young dog has been exported to China. We will update once this is 100% confirmed by ourselves.”
The post triggered a barrage of responses from their followers, responses described by one greyhound enthusiast involved in efforts to get the posts taken down as “full of hatred and xenophobia”, with connections of Bens Teddy during his racing career particularly targeted.
All the while, Bens Teddy was enjoying life with his adopter in Co. Cork - contrary to the prolonged allegations of Caged.
Ignoring repeated requests to withdraw the social media posts despite reassurances that Bens Teddy was very much in Ireland, enjoying his retirement after a successful track career, another pro-greyhound and greyhound racing source said: “It was easy to prove that Bens Teddy was in Ireland and had not been sent to China, but that’s really not the point.
“This group was responsible for an unsubstantiated allegation that resulted in their followers posting comments that have been quite horrid - full of hatred and xenophobia.
“Their self-appointed authority over the whereabouts of this dog was unnecessary.
“Greyhounds are the most traceable dog breed of all and any concerns they had could have been forwarded to Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI)."
Indeed Caged proceeded to highlight and then ignore what the GRI website said about Teddy with a scathing comment:
'Posted by Greyhound Racing Ireland as ‘rehomed’!
“Caged have declined to apologise for posting their unsubstantiated allegation and instead have used the opportunity to galvanise their followers to donate by posting ‘The pro greyhound racing/abusing community desperately don’t want you to donate to Caged that in itself is a reason to do so’.
“Where does this type of behaviour stop?
“It seems they can choose the name of any greyhound, put up a post, make allegations and encourage donations, all whilst the owner or trainer, or both, gets targeted with hate comments by their followers.
“That’s disgusting, of course, but remember their followers are also being misled if they are making donations based on an allegation that is later found to be false.”
As for Bens Teddy, his adopter Noel Ducey says he is loving life. “Teddy is living his best life here - on the couch most of the time!” he said.
“It means he’s inside most of the time but also has an acre of ground around the house to enjoy.” Bens Teddy also has a companion now.
“During our discussions,” said our source, “Noel asked whether Teddy might appreciate some canine company in his retirement. So now Teddy has a beautiful retired greyhound girl staying with him for a trial period to see how they get on.
“We hope it all works out well for Noel, Teddy - and Lola!”
