Tony Brealey elected as new GBGB Owner Practitioner Director

Brealey wins vote to become new Owner Practitioner Director 

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) have announced that Tony Brealey has been elected the new Owner Practitioner Director.  

As Owners’ Representative, Tony will represent the views of all GBGB registered owners and ensure their interests are heard at Board level. 

Based in South Derbyshire, Brealey is a company director who has owned greyhounds for just under a decade and, in that time, has had six Category One wins. 

He has had the pleasure of seeing one of his greyhounds, Coppice Fox, become a Derby semi-finalist. Last year, Tony won the BGBF British Bred Oaks final at Oxford with Coppice Ella, who also finished third in the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Perry Barr in October. 

Brealey  said: "I'm very pleased to have been elected as Owners' Practitioner Director, and would like to thank all other owners who voted for me. This is an exciting opportunity to work with GBGB, owners and tracks to make sure all owners have a positive and enjoyable experience of greyhound racing. I'm hoping to meet lots of other owners soon at tracks around the country to make sure their voices are heard." 

The election count took place today at the GBGB Auditor’s office, Barnes Roffe LLP.  None of the candidates were present. Out of the 3,205 voting cards that were sent out to registered GBGB owners, 603 were returned (a return of 19%).  

The result was as follows:  

Tony Brealey – 242 votes

Ben Collins – 200 votes

Kaitlin Petch – 110 votes

Alun Williams – 51 votes

Announcing the result, GBGB Chief Executive Mark Bird said: 

“Firstly, my congratulations to Tony Brealey for winning the vote and I know that he will really strive to make a real difference for the sport, and especially the owners’ experience within greyhound racing. Secondly, my sincere thanks to the other candidates who put themselves forward for nominations. Many in the sport see the practitioner’s role as an invidious one, but there is a genuine need to hear from owners and to value their views.

“I can assure Tony that the GBGB will totally support him throughout his three-year term and I trust that owners and trainers alike will do similarly.”

Brealey delighted at new role

Expanding on his joy at landing the role, Brealey told Greyhound News UK: “I thought it was going to be a close contest and I wasn’t sure which way it would go. It’s a really nice feeling and hopefully I can use some of the experience I’ve gained over the years to help the sport.

Brealey already has a few issues he would like to tackle, but he’s aware that he won’t see results overnight.

“Personally, I would like to see run money and prize money addressed,” he added.

“Also, I want to look at how we can make the experience better for owners and working to see what we can do to make things different.

“There is a lot to do. I’m not expecting to go into this role and change the world within three months, but it’s about chipping away at it and working with other people who are on the board.”

Positive approach the way forward

Brealey admits to being a ‘glass half full’ kind of person and he is hoping that his positive outlook can help create change for the good.

He continued: “I’m really excited about getting started. In my day job, I’m a positive person and I want to take that positivity into this role to hopefully to create a real buzz. I will get satisfaction from making a difference and knowing I have improved things for people.”

“I would love to bring some new owners into the sport. It’s got to be fun for everyone involved”

“I’m looking forward to engaging with people. I’m a fanatical networker and that’s why I do well in business, I believe. I know everybody and I’m approachable.”

Brealey will join the GBGB Board for its next main board meeting on 28th May 2025.