Dog Tales / Editor / 22 October 2007 / 1 Comments

Sky's assistant producer on all things greyhound-related...

Describe your role within the greyhound world

I work as assistant producer on all the Sky Live Greyhound Racing shows. I have recently started doing quite a lot of reporting too which I really enjoy. It's great travelling around and meeting all sorts of really cool people - I recently met Arsene Wenger at the Variety Club Sports Awards! I've been working on the programme since 2002, initially as a runner. The production team are great and I really enjoy it.

How did you get into the sport?

When I was younger my mum and dad bought a greyhound called Gentle Flash. She was a grader at Wimbledon. When she retired we had her at home - she was soooooo lovely. People say it all the time but they really do make great pets. They are very affectionate and easy to look after. I am not a big gambler but I love the dogs!

What has been your proudest moment?

When I got promoted to being assistant producer I couldn't quite believe it. It seemed like a massive step but I am still here! But my proudest moment has to be buying my new greyhound. She is a Westmead Hawk/Roxholme Girl puppy! I was sent to do a shoot at Mark and Hayley Keightley's kennels when the pups were just eight-weeks-old and they were absolutely gorgeous. Six were definitely sold or being kept by Mark and Hayley and they were contemplating keeping the seventh but luckily let me buy it! I have since formed a small syndicate and got my dad involved. Although there was only one puppy left I had a choice of four as three were being sent to their owners and they hadn't specified which they wanted. I chose a gorgeous little bitch who has exactly the same markings as Westmead Hawk. Hayley has nicknamed her Skye but I haven't chosen a racing name yet. It's so exciting!

...and your lowest?

When our pet greyhound died would be one of the lowest point of my life, never mind within greyhound racing. She died from cancer when she was seven so we were very unlucky. I still miss her.

Greyhound racing is better than horseracing because...

People like me can afford to own a greyhound and get involved - I would have no chance of buying a horse!

What are the three most important factors to consider before backing a dog?

1) Who the boss tips

2) If a trainer has tipped it

3) If the dog has got a very waggy tail

Other than that, my biggest tip -don't bet!

What must the sport do to attract more investment and interest from Joe Public?

Well, in my humble opinion, I think everyone in the industry needs to make a conscious effort to change the image of the sport. Whenever we go to Ireland for the Irish Derby, it always strikes me how much 'sexier' the sport is over there. I know there are people now working to help improve the image of the sport and I think it's a really good time to do it. Westmead Hawk has attracted more attention than the sport has had in a long time and there is a new breed of young people coming through, trainers and owners. I think they should be pushed to the forefront. I recently made an advert that was aired on ITV...it had young, good looking people in it, was colourful and hopefully 'sexy'! I am not sure if it has helped but I hope so and I will always try to keep doing things to help get a new generation of people interested.

Who is the best trainer around at the moment? And who is the greatest ever?

Well I haven't had too many years in the sport. Our first greyhound trainer was Mary Harding who was a lovely lady but to me the greatest trainer ever and now has to be Nick Savva. What he has achieved in the last three years is amazing. Westmead Hawk was an exceptional greyhound but then to get Westmead Lord out of the traps as he did in last year's Derby was amazing. Nobody expected it and I don't know what he did but it was fantastic! He deserves all the credit he gets. I have been lucky enough to meet Nick on a number of occasions and got to know him a bit...he has said he will train my greyhound when she is ready so I am very happy. I think it gives her the best chance possible.

Who is your best mate within greyhound racing and why?

Thats a tricky one. Like I said, I have met some really nice people through the sport but my best friend would have to be Derek Knight's niece who did some work experience with us and went on to get a job at Sky. Her name is Gemma Knight - she is lovely. Oh, and my boss Dave Lawrence for giving me my job - of course!

Which is your favourite-ever dog and why?

I loved Premier Fantasy - I thought he was an amazing animal. Obviously Westmead Hawk too - dogs like those make it a pleasure to work in the sport. I am also totally in love with my new little puppy - even though I have only seen her twice. She is six-month-old now. I last saw her one month ago and she was so well behaved. Hayley Knightley has done a really good job of disciplining them and they are all really good and in such good condition. However, my favourite dog of all time has to be our first greyhound Gentle Flash. She came to live at home with us and we called her Jenny. She was so affectionate - we all really loved her.

Which is your favourite track and why?

I like Walthamstow a lot, particularly on Racing Post night when we all go to Charlie Changs after! I never finish work until about half 10 so I think the tracks that have good places to go out afterwards. Sheffield are always very hospitable...and we go to the casino afterwards!

What one piece of advice would you give someone starting out in the industry?

Depends what they were starting out doing. If it was in TV I'd say speak to Dave Lawrence...and be very nice!

Do you ever read the Betfair forum?

Occasionally...but often from a Sky point of view there are too many people having a go at our camera angles. I think they look great!

And finally give us a tip for next year's Derby...

I never back favourites but I can't look past Barnfield on Air at the moment.