Greyhound Racing UK launches with aim of sustaining and improving sport

Greyhound Racing UK officially launched yesterday with the clear intention to boost promotion and marketing of the sport - and to assist stakeholders in maintaining welfare standards and boosting the number of greyhounds successfully homed after their racing careers.

The brainchild of passionate and successful greyhound owner and businessman Mike Davis, Greyhound Racing UK is a not-for-profit organisation which will ensure a sustainable future for the sport, maximising its commercial opportunities and building strength in its brand and image.

Engaging already in partnerships with various areas of greyhound racing, Greyhound Racing UK is the umbrella organisation which includes Greyhound News UK, formerly the Greyhound Star, Greyhound Homing UK, and Gone To The Dogs, its broadcasting arm which hosts live-at-track programmes and weekly podcasts.

Studio-based broadcasts are also an ambition of those within the organisation with the various betting opportunities this will bring - including exotic pools and jackpots - helping to maintain and increase the amount of money coming back into the sport via bookmakers contributions to the British Greyhound Racing Fund.

Marketing initiatives and partnerships with UK greyhound tracks will aim to boost attendances on the major nights, while trainers and owners will also be assisted where possible - trainers with the offer and assistance of organising benefits for their staff, and owners in terms of improving the overall experience on and off the track. 

Davis said: “Greyhound racing is a passion of mine and has been for many years. Greyhounds are beautiful creatures who love to race - and myself and thousands of people love to watch them race and do what comes so naturally to them.

“Greyhound racing has come under increasing pressure in recent years in terms of competition for the leisure pound which has hit attendances and therefore awareness because of a lack of overall promotion and marketing.

“We want to stress what a great night out greyhound racing is and to improve the overall customer experience. Greyhound racing is also a fantastic betting product for the betting industry and working with the major firms is also very much at the heart of what we aim to do, helping to boost turnover which, in turn, helps the sport itself.

“We are interested in long-term growth and innovation, and in spreading positive messages about greyhound racing across social media. We will inform those not familiar with the sport and and educate those who want to damage it.

“Customer interaction is also important to us and we are building a database of customers and fans - and our involvement and help with the upcoming Star Sports English Greyhound Derby Festival at Towcester will give us the perfect opportunity to showcase some of the very best aspects of our great sport.”