The next generation of greyhound trainers and kennel hands raised thousands of pounds at Sunderland Stadium during the school holidays in support of the track’s homing partners.
Six youngsters had the opportunity to lead a parade with one of their favourite four-legged friends before completing a lap of the 450m track once racing had finished.
Thanks to racegoers’ generosity, more than £2,100 was raised for Arena Racing Company’s northern homing partners which include Maxi’s Mates, Homes4Hounds, Darlington Retired Greyhounds, Greyhound Rescue Fife and Durham and District Retired Greyhounds.
Ava and Layla McNicholas walked retired stars Ava’s Attitude and Ballybrien Slick, Lillie Burrows partnered with Burgess Flame and Charlotte Burn walked Bessie Mates.
Leo and Riley Linley – sons of GBGB Kennelhand of the Year Kaitlyn Linley – also joined the fun with seven-year-old retired racer Knock Knock and 15-times Sunderland winner Jaguar Wildcat. The day was extra special for Leo as he owned Knock Knock during his racing career and in retirement with the Linley family who have named him Woody.
Luke Wilson from the stadium’s track team and kennel hand Abby Race also paraded with retired racer Luke from the Yvonne Bell kennel.
The fundraiser formed part of the track’s work to build awareness of how greyhounds make great pets in retirement and engage younger racegoers with the sport’s present operation.
Jo-Anna Burn organised the fundraiser with Kaitlyn Linley and Shannon Miller, daughter of local trainer Paul Miller.
Jo-Anna said: “The children loved it, and helped raise a huge sum of money for our homing partners which will make the world of difference.
“Greyhound racing is a fantastic, family friendly, sport and we do everything possible to make the experiences of our younger racegoers memorable.
“Showcasing the stars of the track by allowing people to see how friendly greyhounds are is a huge part of the race day experience at Sunderland. Ava, Layla, Lillie, Charlotte, Leo and Riley were all fantastic ambassadors for the sport, and no doubt represent the next generation of trainers in the north-east!”
Food treats and toys were also donated to Arena Racing Company’s homing partners.
In partnership with Sunderland Stadium, each homing partner operates to find a suitable home for greyhounds in retirement when their racing careers end.
Their work is underpinned by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain’s Greyhound Retirement Scheme. The scheme helps with costs associated with a greyhound’s retirement via a £420 bond – paid jointly by its owner and the GBGB – which goes towards kennelling, feeding and caring for each greyhound whilst it awaits a suitable home.
Further information about homing a retired greyhound is available online via www.withagreyhound.org.uk.
