Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation.

Statement: 22/12/2018

On Tuesday 18th December representatives of the IGOBF met with representatives of the IGB, namely chairman of IGB Frank Nyhan and CEO Ger Dollard.

After formal introductions, chairman of IGOBF Pat O'Neill outlined the wish from the Federation members to bring forward ideas and concerns in a constructive manner to the IGB, in turn we take back to our members ideas and concerns from the IGB. This will lead to a better understanding for both the participants and the governing body.

Frank Nyhan and Ger Dollard welcomed constructive engagement. The meeting then opened asking the group attending to put forward their thoughts and ideas.

IGOBF Welfare is a major issue for the industry and support for the people and various bodies involved in rehoming greyhounds as pets, the walks being staged and promotions at every track needs to be ongoing and strengthened where possible.

Frank Nyhan said IGB have to keep our regulations up to the mark. We have to look after our racing greyhounds and our retired greyhounds. Retired greyhounds are now present at many tracks on race nights. It will need volunteers to help with this and expand the activity. GOBAs could look at supporting this as has already happened at various tracks.

IGOBF put forward concerns over the perception of drugs in the sport. IGOBF would be in favour of unannounced full meeting testing. The way things are being done presently is not serving the industry well. The perceived in house laboratory would be better outsourced and participants did have concerns regarding the control committee’s implementation of sanctions.. From the taking of samples to conclusion of a finding was too long and it undermined integrity, causing long running rumour and innuendo to damage the industry.

Frank Nyhan responded that the control committee and the laboratory effectively operate independently of the Board, although the IGB cover the costs of both from industry funding.
IGB are working to shorten the time taken to process samples and have findings dealt with promptly. Where cases take longer to conclude it is generally because of legal actions. IGB have recently won two significant High Court cases and will continue to defend any actions should the need arise. The number of tests at kennels and at meetings before and after racing is having the desired effect with a very low percentage of unsatisfactory findings.

IGOBF put forward that participants in the SIS racing appear reasonably happy from feed back we have received. There are queries as to why Irish racing is getting less per race meeting, a fraction of what our UK counterparts are paid. This form of racing should remain secondary to premium racing and participants should also pursue feature and classic events.

Frank Nyhan's response was that this initial phase of SIS racing was a learning curve for all parties over the coming six months and will be reviewed. All going well it can move on from there and assuming that the trust gained in the quality and integrity of the product is not diminished by any individuals actions. As for the difference in the money paid to UK racing as apposed to ours, Irish racing is currently going into a fraction of the betting shops compared to UK racing. It is understood that this form of racing is part of the overall Irish greyhound racing product and that the main goal is to retain a premium racing calendar of events.

IGOBF stated that breeders are in desperate need of financial help as the cost of breeding and rearing a litter is prohibitive.

Frank Nyhan stated it had been put to IGB that prize money would encourage breeders and that was one of the things they hoped was helping. They are willing to listen to any constructive ideas. A suggestion to distribute the prize money between six dogs rather than the first three was discussed. IGOBF agreed to put it to our members before the next forum.

Numerous points were put forward and openly discussed and will be taken up at a later date .

Frank Nyhan extended an invitation to attend the forum whose next meeting will be January 30th 2019 and welcomed further consultation going forward.

IGOBF thanked Frank Nyhan and Ger Dollard for their time and open discussion which we found very positive and encouraging for the future.

Only by working together for the industry as a whole can we hope that with the stormy waters that lie ahead can we survive and hopefully prosper. The participants have seen enough negativity and want to see a way forward.

IGOBF wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a New Year full of prosperity. Padjoe Dorney PRO IGOBF.