The Boulevard Stadium in Hull held it's final meeting on Saturday 27th June. Speaking prior to the track's closure Ian Taylor, GBGB Chief Executive, commented:“It is regrettable to learn of the closure of the Boulevard Stadium in Hull.“Despite the industry providing considerable support to the stadium since it recommenced racing in October 2007 it is saddening to hear that lease holder Dave Marshall has been unable to realise the aspirations he held for the track.“GBGB will be working with all relevant stakeholders, including the Retired Greyhound Trust, to make arrangements to ensure the welfare of Hull greyhounds and trainers.”

THE GBGB's pilot project to evaluate microchipping as a permanent method of greyhound identification has entered its second stage with chipping due to commence at a second GBGB-licensed track.So far, 491 greyhounds at Crayford Stadium have been implanted with a microchip that has generally performed well, with only a very small number of cases of migration reported. With the vast majority of the Kent track’s racing strength now chipped, and the supporting hardware currently in the final stages of development, the second phase of the trial is about to start at Monmore Stadium.Welfare Manager Peter Laurie explained:"We are still at the trial stage but Government is already proposing that all racing greyhounds be chipped under their Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations due to come into force in 2010.'The results so far from Crayford have been pleasing and now the supporting hardware is in place, trainers and stadium staff that have seen it in operation are excited by what the technology offers. The chips have all been implanted by a trained Paddock Steward and the process is very quick and pain-free to the greyhounds. Importantly, there do not appear to be any adverse affects of microchipping on greyhound welfare or race performance. In fact, quite a few greyhounds representing a variety of trainers have won first time out after being chipped!"

Stadium07/04/2009“Hunny Bunny” will be giving “Old Growler” a run for it’s money at the 5th Annual Beer Festival at Pelaw Grange Stadium. The Houston Breweries “Hunny Bunny Ale” and Nethergate Breweries “Old Growler” are just two of the greyhound themed tipples available trackside from Thursday 9th April at 6.30pm until Monday 13th April.Jeff McKenna, stadium owner said: “Pelaw Grange is the only greyhound stadium in the country to hold a beer festival. After the tremendous success of previous years we decided to run the Festival as an annual Easter Weekend event.”There will be about a dozen different cask conditioned beers on offer from various breweries throughout the country. The greyhound theme runs throughout the festival with beers such as Wold Top Breweries “A4 Amber Ale”, Saltaire Breweries “Trio Pale” on offer.“It’s a great chance to sample something different to your ‘usual’ and with greyhound racing on the Friday afternoon, Saturday night, and Monday afternoon to keep you occupied, what more for the discerning drinker ask for?”For more information contact Jeff McKenna at Pelaw Grange Stadium on 0191 4102141

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has appointed John Blake as its first Director of Accreditation. The former chief executive of The Jockeys’ Association is tasked with managing the process of the GBGB becoming UKAS accredited.The United Kingdom Accreditation Service is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services.Speaking on his appointment, John Blake said:“When GBGB achieves UKAS accreditation as a certification body, a key element in the process of maintaining self-regulation with oversight from an independent organisation will be in place.‘Although not mandated by Government, the successful completion of this programme is clearly in step with the industry’s ambition for a transparent and modern sport with welfare objectives at its heart. To communicate the rationale and direct benefits of this project to all involved in greyhound racing will be a key task in underpinning its success.”Blake has direct industry expertise working as racing and greyhound editor with Teletext Ltd. In addition to this he has held managerial positions within horseracing and football with British Telecom, Ladbrokes and Racecall.Ian Taylor, GBGB Chief Executive, commented:“I am pleased John has joined the Greyhound Board, his ability to communicate and implement a structured change management program working co-operatively and in unison with our key stakeholders in Licensed Greyhound Racing will be instrumental in achieving a significant landmark. UKAS Accreditation is fundamental to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, and I am delighted that somebody with John's knowledge and ability has taken on this exciting challenge. John has significant regulatory experience and a sound understanding of the standards we are working towards as well as a wealth of racing industry experience.‘It is the intention and a clear ambition to achieve and maintain this initial accreditation in the next 12 months approx. to fall in line with the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act in April 2010.”John Blake will work with the Greyhound Regulatory Board at the GBGB’s Holborn headquarters.