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Greyhound Racing is subjected to changes in the UK

Greyhound Racing is subjected to changes in the UK
Initially, the intention is to speed up the matches, increasing the flow, thus speeding up the time between one race and another.
by Academia   |   comments 0
Thursday, June 11 2020

Greyhound races held in the UK will receive modifications to their races. Initially, the intention is to speed up the matches, increasing the flow, thus speeding up the time between one race and another. Thus, giving the green light in the third stage for unlimited races with a 20-minute interval between them.

After a strong review of the operational policy for the five phases of the greyhound racing, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has stated that it has successfully completed Phase Two and will be able to accelerate Phase Four on June 15th.

Current GBGB managing director Mark Bird reported that "We know that trainers, owners and  fans of our sport have been patiently waiting for an update regarding  open racing and we are pleased to provide the green light for this  today."

In addition, Mark spoke about ensuring resumption "Whilst the staging of opens will be a  decision taken by each racecourse, we are confident that our measures  and the government’s guidance are now in such a place where this can be  done with minimal risk to health and safety".

“As the first sport back, greyhound  racing has really flown the flag for the UK over the past week but we  are proud to have done so responsibly, taking one step at a time. We know people will be eager to see  the calendar for the return of open racing and the Committee is meeting  later this week to discuss further details.  We will of course update the industry with a schedule as soon as we are able."
- He added.

According to information, the races will be open to the public starting only from the 29th of July, with banners indicating the individual distance between people and with x% of the allowed capacity.

GBGB Senior Paul Illingworth says, "Tracks and trainers have clearly  demonstrated that they were able to fully comply with the new measures  in place to keep everyone safe over the course of the first two phases  of our Operational Policy.  We have always said that we would  keep our Policy under continual review and we are pleased that we are  able to move ahead of schedule."

“We have taken feedback on the Policy into account and tracks are now able to speed up the process should they wish. Individual stadia will need to take  into account what works best for them, but they will now be free to  stage more races within a meeting and reduce waiting times."

"Of course, there cannot be any room  for complacency as we move forward and, as the requirement to wear face  coverings in all enclosed spaces at the track now shows, there are new  processes we will need to add into the mix as government guidance is  updated.”
- He concluded.