Betfair Official Blog

Old Dogs have a new trick with the Great Greyhound Gathering

Emma Johns is in poochie paradise as the retired racers enjoy a day in the sun

The Great Greyhound Gathering lived up to its name with more than 500 dogs and a 2,000 crowd at Nottingham Racecourse for the first ever national show for the Retired Greyhound Trust. It was supported well locally with John Heppell MP, Deputy Mayor and Sheriff of Nottingham and VIP guests, while greyhounds and owners travelled hundreds of miles to attend.

Betfair played a big part in the day, sponsoring the first ever RGT Retired Greyhound of the Year event. Greyhounds representing 20 RGT branches travelled to the show with their owners to take part in the special class. The winner was Sunny (Come on Flo) nominated by Pat Philpott and Greyhoundhomer RGT (Essex). He won the branch £5,000.

Sunny now lives with Karen and Greg Woods in Letchworth with his litter sister Sophie and an elderly cat. Karen said: "For me, one of the best parts of adopting an ex-racer is watching their personality change and develop as they settle into their new life as a family pet.

"He's a big softie who loves a cuddle; a gentle giant who gets on well with cats, dogs and people. He's a cherished member of the family who's brought love and laughter into our lives."

Pat Philpott said: "We knew he was a lovely dog and they are such a super family - but we are still in shock that he won for us. When we got the phone call we were over the moon!"

Steve Saward from Betfair was on hand to present the trophy, rosette and presentation coats to winning connections. He said: "The whole day was a huge success. The GGG was much bigger than we could have imagined and we were delighted with the response to the first Retired Greyhound of the Year award and our sponsorship. I am looking forward to presenting the cheque and meeting representatives from the branch in the next few weeks. Thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a success from Nottingham Racecourse, to all the sponsors and, most of all, everyone who turned up."

Best in Show was 'Barney', owned and showed by Northampton-based Gemma Warfield. In the afternoon every dog had his day in the novelty classes before the action moved across the road to the Greyhound Stadium and a gala night for the Midlands RGT

A special feature on the GGG will be shown tonight - Tuesday 25th September - during the Sky Sports 3 greyhound racing coverage from Belle Vue, Manchester. For more pictures from the GGG see www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk.