SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Following the decision to move greyhound racing behind closed doors, pool betting operator Colossus Bets has backed a number of kennel sweepstakes events at Central Park.
Starting next week, heats will be staged on the Kent track’s SIS-covered Monday and Tuesday cards with the finals live on RPGTV on Sunday night.
The operator was initially due to sponsor the longstanding greyhound sprint competition, the Kent Silver Salver. However, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the sport will take place without spectators. Continuing to support the sport, Colossus Bets will now support the track’s graded strength.
Bernard Marantelli, the CEO and founder of Colossus Bets, expressed his excitement at the event: “Everyone knows my love for the sport of greyhound racing. My father has been a bookmaker for 50 years, has always loved the greyhounds – and the focus is very much on them now.
“It is good to support trainers and an independently owned track in Central Park. They are under immense pressure at the moment, as many people are. It’s a good time to mutually support each other.”
Dan Homewood, Central Park’s racing manager, added: “This is a real boost for our owners and trainers. They have been very supportive and understanding given the current situation.
“We had to cancel our Friday and Sunday cards this week in light of the suspension of open racing, but have a strong kennel strength and are staging these competition across different grades.”
“It’s great to have the support of Colossus in these difficult times,” said Central Park promoter Roger Cearns. “We still intend to stage the Silver Salver later in the year but this is a tremendous news.
“We are racing behind closed doors, but still operating and racing for the wider betting industry, our staff, our trainers and kennel hands – and, of course, the greyhounds themselves.”
