Young duo leading the way at Sunderland

Sunderland kennelhands sing praises of greyhound racing

A pair of young kennelhands at Sunderland are keen to spread the word on how great greyhound racing is.

Abby and Macy, aged 16 and 15 respectively, are currently studying for their GCSEs but spend most of their spare time working at the kennels of local trainers Yvonne Bell and Chantelle McNicholas.

As well as caring for the greyhounds at their kennels, the pair also travel to the track with the canine stars and are involved in the pre-race and post-race care.

“The best thing about working in the sport is seeing our dogs do what they were born to do, and that’s race,” Abby told the GBGB website.

“There’s nothing more exciting than a race day for not only them but for us too. It’s a chance for our dogs to shine as the stars of the show and there’s nothing more special than the feeling of them winning, particularly when we know the work that goes on behind the scenes to make it happen.”

They are also determined to highlight the social benefits of the sport and how they have developed friendships with many other young women involved at Sunderland Greyhound Stadium.

Macy said: “There is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes, so you need to be really dedicated, but it’s great being part of the younger female group at Sunderland sharing the same interest. I have made good friends from the track and it makes working easier when we all get along so well. We help each other out when anyone may need it.”

Despite their educational commitments, Abby and Macy’s enthusiasm for greyhound racing remains as strong as ever and the pair are balancing their responsibilities well.

“It’s hard to juggle our lives, as it’s not a job that you can just switch off from,” Abby explained. 

“We race almost every day, and it can sometimes feel non-stop. I’m sitting my GCSEs at the moment but still get to the track every meeting that I can.”

Myth busting high on the agenda

They are especially enthusiastic about dispelling some of the common myths around greyhound racing and changing misconceptions about the sport. 

Abby added: “I’m very passionate about changing perceptions of greyhound racing. For too long I think those looking from the outside expect to see old men wearing flat caps, when this really couldn’t be any further from reality.

“Greyhound racing has diversified so much in recent times, and what many people might not think is that it is one of very few sports where men and women can compete against each other on an equal footing. After all, it’s hard work and dedication that gets our dogs over the winning line, not our gender.

“My advice to a woman looking to take up a career in the sport would be to just go for it, as you won’t regret it”. 

More information about Sunderland Greyhound Stadium can be found on their website here.