Greyhound cards called off this week due to the hot weather

Hot weather policy in full effect with meetings abandoned 

Romford and Monmore have both cancelled their Tuesday meetings due to the hot weather.

With temperatures forecast into the mid to high 30s celsius, the two Entain tracks were the first to postpone meetings at their venues - Romford making the announcement via social media on Sunday.

Romford racing manager Mark Arkell said: “We made the early decision to cancel racing as the forecasted temperatures are way above the GBGB Hot Weather policy guidelines and, as we all know, welfare is absolutely paramount. 

“An early call helps put the trainers at ease and not have to worry about whether we’ll be on or off. Afternoon meetings can be at risk with soaring temperatures generally at the peak of the day. 

“We have trainers travel from various areas and this way they can focus on keeping their greyhounds as cool as possible.”

As for Monmore, the Wolverhampton track's racing manager Tony Williamson said: "As earlier this year we've taken the decision to act in advance, so allowing trainers every chance in terms of routine. 

"And, of course, the welfare of our greyhounds is paramount at all times. "A further decision will be made for Wednesday and Thursday's meetings, again due to the extreme heat forecast."

Later on Monday afternoon Entain made the decision to have no racing at any of their three tracks until Friday at the earliest.

Paul Illingworth, Entain's head of stadia (commercial), said: "We have reviewed this week's forecast and temperatures are expected to exceed the maximum allowable under the GBGB Hot Weather Policy through to Thursday across all three tracks. As a result, we have taken the decision to call the meetings off early.   

"Greyhound welfare will always be our priority.   

"This approach allows trainers to focus on managing the greyhounds at their kennels without the added stress of racing.   "It also gives customers fair notice to re-book events at alternative venues this week, if they wish."

Valley announced the abandonment of their Tuesday and Wednesday fixtures as well on Monday morning. The forecast has things cooling down for the weekend so they will advise on Thursday as soon as possible. They hope to be back in action on Friday and Saturday this week but that will be dependant on the cooling of the weather that is forecast.  Elsewhere on the SIS service, both cards at Harlow have been abandoned on Wednesday.

Other meetings that have already been announced as off include Central Park and Towcester on Tuesday, Dunstall Park, Doncaster and Nottingham on Wednesday as well as Monmore and Dunstall Park on Thursday. Nottingham are monitoring the situation for their Thursday card.

The GBGB's Veterinary Executive, Tiffany Blackett, said: “With high temperatures predicted this week, particularly in the south, we have already received several notifications of race cancellations in line with GBGB’s Hot Weather Policy. 

“All tracks are implementing measures to safeguard the health and wellbeing of greyhounds during this period of hot weather and we are very grateful for their proactive approach – particularly the early communication of cancellations, which helps ensure trainers do not make unnecessary journeys and can focus on keeping their dogs cool at home at their residential kennels. 

“We remain in close liaison with racecourses to ensure they are fully prepared for the peak temperatures expected in the coming days and that they continue to meet all Policy requirements.”