month the British Greyhound Racing Board reports on its activities in the centre pages of the Greyhound Star magazine.Click here to download a PDF version of the latest double page spread from the July issue, featuring:• Comprehensive information on the forthcoming Greyhound Breeders Forum Festival at Harlow Stadium on 14th September• Interview with BGRB Director, Barry Johnson• Report on recent BGRB-funded track safety improvement projects• Result of the election to decide the new Chair of the Greyhound Trainers Association• Latest PR and press activity updateFor more information on any aspect of the BGRB’s work, email info@bgrb.org.uk or call 020 7808 7722The latest issue of the Greyhound Star magazine is out now and can be purchased from most greyhound tracks and some newsagents, priced at £2. For distribution and subscription enquiries call 01462 679439

28th APRIL 2008
The British Greyhound Racing Board today released its first Media Guide to the 2008 Blue Square Greyhound Derby.
To download your PDF copy of the guide, click here [File size: 6.6MB. Please right click and "Save As" to save to your local computer. Requires Adobe Acrobat version 6 or above available here].
BGRB Spokesman Peter Laurie explained:
“We have a hugely exciting Derby to look forward to in the coming weeks with the very best greyhounds from across Britain and Ireland competing for the sport’s biggest prize.
“The twelve page Media Guide that we have produced in conjunction with the event sponsors Blue Square, and with GRA Wimbledon Stadium, is designed to provide the wider media with a flavour of what the Derby means to everyone connected with greyhound racing.
“It offers a wealth of information about the event, and valuable perspectives from a range of individuals involved in the Derby, the showpiece of Britain’s third most popular spectator sport.
“I very much hope that the guide will help to generate media interest in this year’s competition and lead to the level of coverage that such an historic and prestigious sporting event deserves.”
More information:For more information on any aspect of the Derby, or to arrange interviews, receive photos or request a Press Pass, please contact Peter Laurie at the BGRB on 020 7808 7031 or at peter.laurie@bgrb.org.uk

The BGRB is today making available an additional £150,000 for graded prize money in 2007. The money will be split equally between all 29 NGRC tracks with the recommendation from the BGRB’s Racing Committee that each track puts on a number of Double Prize Money graded races over the coming months. David Lipsey, BGRB Chairman explained: “The £150,000 that we are distributing now is money saved by the cancellation of the 2007 Top Dog competition. This was scrapped earlier in the year because, having reviewed its first year, the Board considered it unlikely to achieve its aim of attracting more media coverage and increased live attendances. “Since then there has been great pressure on the BGRB’s income due to a reduction in greyhound betting turnover and the need for increased investment in welfare. However, the BGRB Board did agree in January that if it ever was possible to reallocate the Top Dog money, it should be guaranteed to be used as extra prize money for graded racing, in order to benefit the maximum number of owners and trainers. “I am very pleased that it has now been clarified that we are able to split the money equally between all the tracks in this calendar year so each receives approximately £5,000. Owners and trainers have said that prize money is vital to help them discharge their welfare responsibilities so I hope this addition, although modest, will provide a welcome boost. “The BGRB Racing Committee recommends that each track uses the money to fund Double Prize Money races, although tracks are advised to consult with their owners and trainers on this point. “I am also pleased to confirm that a further sum of just over £82,000 will be made available later in the year for each track to stage a series of Christmas bonus races in the form of promoted local sweepstakes. This money was included within the 2007 budget and more details will be made available shortly.”

LEADING trainer Tony Brett landed the time-honoured Grafton Maiden final on Thursday night when Never Surrender led virtually throughout.Never Surrender (Go Wild Teddy-Just Precious) was one of four winners on the night for three, three at Grafton and one at Albion Park.Box one ensured Never Surrender’s position as a dominant favourite in the Maiden Final and, after beginning safely, the issue was never in doubt. He was untroubled to score by four lengths from the locally-trained Miss Go Getta and Jan's Dream in 23.27. Charlie Northfield’s Kingsbrae Di led her rivals a merry dance from box one to take out the Sprinter’s Cup (407m). A solid 5-4 chance, Kingsbrae Di accounted for 7-1 shot Glad by two and a half lengths while Quick Feet Elite finished third, a further length away in 23.43. The win was Kingsbrae Di’s 32nd from 89 starts and, despite having won at Wentworth Park in a smart 30.21 over 520m, the daughter of Solve The Puzzle has been especially effective in shortcourse events at Lismore, Casino and Grafton and has won from every box. In the Stayers Cup, the widely travelled Holly Rock safely held powerhouse finisher Miss Grub at bay to score by three and a half lengths in 35.96. The win came as a welcome return to form for Holly Rock and it was the drop back in distance from her most recent 715m assignments at Sandown to Grafton’s 610m which proved critical. Special Phantom was third in the $3150 final. The three placegetters dominated betting and, collectively, boast a massive 54 career wins.