Dog Tales / Editor / 12 November 2007 / Leave a comment

Blue Square's PR chief tells us why she's still in love with the game...

Describe your role within the greyhound world...

I am the racing PR manager for Blue Square, who sponsor amongst other events, the Greyhound Derby. As the Derby is greyhound racing's biggest event, I try to be an ambassador, and also use it as a tool to promote greyhound racing as a whole. It is one of Blue Square's proudest sponsorships, and hopefully we're helping in a small way! I've also been asked to assist the BGRB/RGT to find ways to raise the profile for the RGT and for Greyhound racing as a whole.

How did you get into the sport?

Via my Father who has been an on-course bookmaker at Hove for many years. I started off going along as a child, and eventually began working for him. I'm pretty sure I even had my 11th birthday party there!

What has been your proudest moment?

There have been many. When the first greyhound I owned won his first Open racing at Hove. He was a big fawn and white dog called Generous Artist, and was a game as they come. Ask any owner and they'll tell you that there's no greater feeling than watching your dog win when they're not expected to! More recently it has to be Greyhound Derby final night. The reception that we were given by the public was amazing, and to have hardened dog people coming up and saying it was one of the best Derby's they remembered was incredible, and definitely made me feel very proud.

...and your lowest?

I was at Hove the night that Centaur Corker broke down. A fantastic dog, and it was a huge shame to see his career end that way.

Greyhound racing is better than horseracing because...

I work in both greyhound racing, and horseracing, and love both sports. Greyhound racing probably pips horses to the post though for various reasons. I think that greyhound racing is far more accessible as an owner and viewer than horseracing. I also think that greyhound racing is so much more hands-on than horses. It's not like you can rock up at Alan King's and ask to ride-out My Way De Solzen on a Sunday! Whereas with greyhound racing, you are actively encouraged to go along and interact with your greyhound. One of my favourite things is going to the kennel and watching some quite tough chaps be totally soppy over there beloved hound!

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

Course form. - I would very rarely back a dog that hasn't at least trialed around the track.
Draw - So important, and should never be ignored!
Price! - Sometimes, they are just too short/too big. Have an idea in your head of what odds you think a dog should be before you go and see the bookies.

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

I think each track needs to make more effort to promote themselves in their local arena. I have friends in the Brighton and Hove and south west London, who have no idea that there is even a greyhound track within the vicinity. Everyone is aware that greyhound racing exists, and it is widely acknowledged to be 'a great night out' so that aspect needs to be better promoted. I don't think it would hurt to have some 'celebrity ambassadors' for the sport. Those that do have an interest, and could be encouraged to promote greyhound racing to the key demographics that we need attending.

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

I think Nick Savva's achievement of training three Derby winners in a row is incredible. To breed, rear, and train the greyhounds that he has is exceptional, and to have done it for so long is just as special. Equally so, Charlie Lister is another very talented trainer, and seems to be able to nurse dogs through their individual intricacies like no other can. I think either of the above two will make my 'greatest ever' list.

Who is your best mate within greyhound racing and why?

My Dad without a doubt, I wouldn't be involved without him. He ran a book for us on Derby final night, and after doing a piece with Sky up in the restaurant, I looked down to see him whipping the crowd up with his arms to get the Derby roar going. He had the most enormous smile on his face, and the crowd were loving every minute of it. I just thought that was really special, to still be so in love with the game after having been involved for so long.

Which is your favourite-ever dog and why?

I know it's obvious, but it has to be Westmead Hawk. To win two Derbys is an incredible feat, but to do so in the manner that he managed to makes him incomparable in my opinion. I just think he's the one we all aspire to owning. Everytime we buy another pup, or invest in another sapling, we're all secretly hoping he's the next Westmead Hawk. When he won his first Derby I'd been fortunate enough to get tickets to the Live8 concert. Everyone said I was crazy to have done it, but I left early to go to Wimbledon and see him win! I have seen thousands, and thousands of greyhound races over the years. His semi-final run against Mineola Farloe will stick in my memory forever, and still gives me goose-bumps when I watch a replay.

Which is your favourite track and why?

Hove - It's the same as going home for me.

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

Understand that it can be the most frustrating, exasperating, maddening, disappointing, disheartening, and vexing industries around. But you'll still love it.

Do you ever read the Betfair forum?

Yes, and thoroughly enjoy it.

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

I saw a little black dog of Charlie Lister's run at Doncaster last week. It's name was Farloe Reason, it's only a March '06 whelp, but had packets of early. I'd be very surprised if Charlie didn't already have it earmarked as a Derby dog.

Tags: Derby Betting, Dog Tales