Paul Foster set to retire from the training ranks

Picture from the Fergal O'Brien Racing X feed

Retirement announced by Paul Foster

Paul Foster is to hang up the leads after a long and successful career training greyhounds.

Based at kennels situated at the track at Swindon, the closure of the Blunsdon venue in December always required a fresh look at the situation and Foster has opted to retire from the sport.

He said: “Because of the long and drawn‑out closure of Swindon Stadium - for reasons that have been well documented - we have sadly made the decision to retire from the industry.

“My team and I have been based on-site as the resident trainer at Swindon for 32 years.

“Starting over would mean finding a completely new location, building a new set of kennels, and setting up everything from scratch in a suitable area nearby. That is neither a quick nor an easy undertaking.

“On top of that, the additional time and travelling to, say, Wolverhampton, for Dunstall Park or Monmore, or Oxford for each meeting would eventually take its toll.”

Foster belives the loss of Swindon to the industry should not be underestimated.

He added: “Swindon was one of the best running surfaces and gallops you could find.

“Its condition was a testament to those who cared for it so diligently throughout the years and it was a truly sad day for everyone involved when, on December 27, we stood on the finish line for the final time.

“Trainers, owners, stadium staff, punters, past and present, will all sorely miss the place. Their loyalty and dedication played such an important part in making Swindon’s dog track a real pillar of the community.

“I want to give special mention to the amazing people I have met along the way, in particular the kennelhands and owners who have supported me throughout the years - especially Mick Lawlor in giving 25 years of loyal and dedicated service to me in his role of assistant trainer.

“Many have become lifelong friends. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

“Greyhound racing isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle.

“For many, it’s a family‑run way of life, and the Fosters as a whole have thoroughly enjoyed our  time in the industry!

“We’ve had the privilege of caring for such beautiful animals, meeting wonderful people, and creating lasting memories. “Talking of memories, the standout for me would have to be Call Girl winning the prestigious Dorando Marathon in the final race on Derby final night at Wimbledon in 2006 - the night Westmead Hawk won his second Derby.

“Call Girl, who was known as Shelley in the kennels, was an outsider on the night, but the team felt confident she’d give her all, and she certainly did!

“We had a group of 24 or so in the restaurant, all dressed to the nines in black tie, led by owner Mark Gilbert.

“When Shelley came home a 20-1 winner - with everyone on her -  wow! The roar, the excitement, the disbelief. It was electric!

“Let’s just say the celebrations went on until about 4am and, being part of those incredible evenings, surrounded by great people, sharing the highs and riding out the lows, is exactly what makes greyhound racing so special.

“We’ve had some first‑class dogs and fantastic results over the years in major competitions and trophies - almost too many to list.

“But a few highlights do spring to mind - Lemon Lazer in the 1000 Guineas at Perry Barr, Dark Hondo in the Cesarewitch at Oxford, Drominboy Jet and Farloe Stormy in the Christmas Festival at Monmore, and Farloe Stormy in the Golden Crest at Poole.

“It wasn’t always plain sailing, however. Goldies Perryman being beat by a short-head in the Derby Plate at Towcester in 2022 still haunts me!

“Great times, wonderful memories, but now we move on.

“Mandy is booking us a well‑deserved break, and we’ll take a breather, take stock, and make our plans for the future.

“We wish everyone connected to Swindon greyhound track all the very best in their future endeavours. It’s the end of an era, but one that will never be forgotten."