SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Greyhound racing has become the latest sport in the UK to be suspended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the decision coming into effect as of today.
The suspension, confirmed by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), follows on from Boris Johnson’s package of new restrictions on travel and social engagements which will be reviewed in the next three weeks.
Commenting on the suspension, Managing Director of GBGB Mark Bird said: “In responding to tonight’s PM’s announcement we have to suspend all racing tomorrow as this is the responsible thing to do however there remains a need to clarify the government position in terms of ‘gatherings’ and ‘work’.
“I have contacted our contacts in Defra and DCMS and await their urgent clarification on these points. The GBGB has planned for this eventuality and we are ready to meet it head on.
“I firmly believe that the UK racing greyhound community are of the same stoic mind. Let’s remain calm and we will carry on.”
Just last week, the GBGB decided that the sport would be moving behind closed doors at all licensed stadia in England, with racing at Shawfield unaffected due the stadium being under Scottish Parliament’s jurisdiction.
COVID-19 has continued to have wide-reaching impacts upon the sports and betting industries, as betting shops and casinos were forced to close their doors with immediate effect for a period of two weeks on Friday, pending further review.
