Betfair Official Blog

First ever RGT Greyhound of the Year to be announced at national Gathering for breed lovers

... and Betfair will award £5,000 for the top dog

Some Betfair forumites may have heard of the Great Greyhound Gathering (GGG) after catching coverage on Sky Sports, the Racing Post, the Greyhound Star and the NGRC Calendar.

If not, then with nearly a month to go there is still time to get involved.

The GGG is a free family day featuring a greyhound show and any other breed companion dog show organised hosted by the Retired Greyhound Trust with Nottingham Greyhound Stadium and Colwick Racecourse in Nottingham.

It is all about celebrating the greyhound as a breed and as a pet. Hundreds of greyhounds and their owners are expected at Colwick Park on Saturday, September 22. The GGG will include the first ever Retired Greyhound Trust - Greyhound of the Year class.

All RGT branches - there are around 70 nationwide now - have been invited to nominate a dog they have rehomed to be judged with owners.

Thanks to a sponsorship deal from Betfair the winner will £5,000 for the branch that rehomed the greyhound and a trophy.

GGG show organiser Emma Johns said: "While every dog is special this event will gain plenty of positive coverage for the charity. A cash injection this big will really make a difference to the winning branch and we are very grateful to Betfair for making it truly an accolade worth winning on this the inaugural year."

Steve Saward, Betfair Greyhound Representative said: "It is a great chance for Betfair to underline its commitment to the greyhounds themselves.

"We are looking forward to being a part of the first year of the GGG, which is a brilliant showcase for the RGT. We have been involved with the Trainers' Championship for several years and are committed to supporting greyhound racing on all levels as part of our portfolio."

Johns added: "We have a huge variety of entertainments laid on. We want to appeal to people who might not have seen a greyhound up close before as well as being a great day out for the already converted!"

In the evening the action moves across the road to the Greyhound Stadium where a special night of racing will be staged in aid of the Midlands RGT branch.

There are still some sponsorship opportunities at the GGG including some greyhound show classes left costing £100 to have your name - or the name of your favourite dog - in the show programme and also the opportunity to present the trophy and rosettes on the day.

Johns said: "I know many people were touched by the story of Jumbo a few months ago and it might be a nice way to remember him? If anyone wants to find out more or can come along on the day to help then please email or call me."

To find out more contact: emma.johns@bigdogmedia.co.uk or m 07903 665614