The Thrill and Joy of Ownership
In 2022, there was a greyhound racing story to melt a heart of stone and bring a tear to the eye.
When builder Micky Barrett, a dad of three and a grandfather, sadly lost his life to cancer, his friends wanted to do something to honour his memory. 67 of them got together and bought a racing greyhound in his name. But the dog – Mickys Barrett – turned out to be even more of a wonder than the syndicate expected.
After impressing with his initial performances, Mickys Barrett was entered for the English Greyhound Derby to compete in the sport’s most prestigious 192-runner race. And not just that – he ran so well that he reached the final, where there was a first-prize purse of £175,000 up for grabs.
Before the final, syndicate organiser Ashley said: “The majority of us knew little to nothing about greyhound racing but the whole journey so far has been a whirlwind. To say we are excited is an understatement. It is going to be electric.”
The whole syndicate was there at Towcester Racecourse for the occasion and watched Mickys Barrett put on a fantastic performance, finishing third overall and winning them a substantial sum.
He has since gone on to win a major competition and there is now even talk of a feature film about his story!
You, too, can be part of the ownership experience.
Owning a racing greyhound is easier than you think – with different options, it needn’t cost a fortune. Within such a large syndicate, the Mickys Barrett guys paid just £100 each.
And although only a few greyhounds reach the sought-after final of the Derby, you can have a great deal of enjoyment all year round for a modest outlay.
Become an Owner
There are multiple options for ownership, giving you flexibility. You can own as an individual, in a partnership of up to four people, or as a syndicate involving an unlimited number of participants. Obviously, the more of you there are, the less you will pay.
The process set out below deals primarily with syndicate ownership, but the principles are very similar. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via info@gbgb.org.uk.
Or visit your local track and speak to staff there!
1. Get your group together, then pick a name and a syndicate head.
You may be a sports club, share a common interest, work for the same employer, want to commemorate a person or event or just want to step up your involvement in the sport!
While all of you will be involved in your greyhound’s racing journey as part of a syndicate, you’ll need to nominate someone to take overall responsibility for signing the paperwork as ‘syndicate head’.
2. Work out how much you want to spend and what you can afford.
With modest registration and set up fees, you can get a racing greyhound for anywhere between £1,000 and £50,000. You should consider not only upfront costs but also any ongoing costs to support your greyhound’s welfare and care. This includes their training, food and board.
Some people like to pay more upfront to reduce monthly costs, while others like to spread payments over a greater period of time. Consider what works for you, explore your options and take advice!
3. Pick a trainer.
There are greyhound stadia up and down the country – you can find a list of our licensed tracks here: GBGB Racecourses. Most people start by buying a greyhound to race at their local stadium. That way you can watch it run more easily and get the most enjoyment out of your ownership experience.
Each track has licensed trainers attached to it who race their greyhounds there. Most tracks have a website which also lists their trainers’ names and contact details. If your chosen track doesn’t have a list of trainers online you can telephone its Racing Office for information or visit the track and ask in person.
Choose a trainer you like the look and sound of, or shortlist a few options. Speak to as many as you want as part of your research. When you’ve made your selection, it’s a great idea to arrange a visit to their kennels too.
4. Pick a greyhound.
If you’re new to racing it is very important that you rely on your chosen trainer to do this. Racing greyhounds can be acquired in many ways and your trainer will advise you on suitable options within your price bracket.
Your trainer will also talk you through what monthly charges there will be for them to look after your greyhound if you haven’t chosen to pay a bigger lump sum up front to cover this.
5. Receive your greyhound.
Not personally – your greyhound will arrive at your trainer’s kennels. It may have been there already, especially if you have bought it from them (most trainers will have some greyhounds of their own for sale). If it has been bought from elsewhere your greyhound may take up to a couple of weeks to arrive.
6. Register you and your greyhound with GBGB.
Greyhound owners, while not directly licensed by GBGB, must be registered as an owner with us. To do so, new owners must supply proof of identity (either a copy of a UK driving licence or passport) and proof of address (a recent utilities bill or letter showing your current address). If you’re part of a syndicate, this will be the responsibility of your syndicate head.
Once registered as an owner, you will then be able to register your greyhound to trial and race at a GBGB-licensed track. Your trainer will be able to support you with this. There are just one or two simple forms to complete and sign. Trainers often send the forms to experienced owners by post to complete and return but if you’re new to this the best thing to do is sit down with your trainer and fill them in together. He or she will then submit them to GBGB on your behalf.
When you register your racing greyhound, you are also required to pay a bond of £200 – matched by £200 from GBGB – as part of the Greyhound Retirement Scheme (GRS). This will be released upon your greyhound’s successful retirement, assuming they go to an approved homing centre, to help with the costs of their rehoming. Again, your trainer can help you manage this process.
7. Your greyhound trials.
In order to be able to run at a GBGB-licensed track, every greyhound must complete a number of trial races so that the stadium’s Racing Manager can see how it runs – e.g. how fast, on the inside of the track, the outside etc. This will eventually enable the Racing Manager to place the greyhound in an appropriate trap in a suitable race.
Most greyhounds need to complete three such trials, but it can occasionally be more. You are welcome to visit the track to watch your greyhound trial. Many tracks now publish trials and races on social media, such as YouTube, so you can watch it there if you can’t get to the track.
8. Your greyhound races.
Once qualified following the trials process above, your greyhound will be listed to run in a proper race. Depending on the track you have chosen, this may be in the evening, in the afternoon or even in the morning. You can see when greyhounds are running by monitoring lists on your stadium’s website, on other popular websites and your trainer may also let you know.
If your syndicate head has opened an account on GBGB’s website, as part of the Owners’ Portal, they will also receive an email early on the day of every run. Your greyhound will then run every six to ten days or thereabouts, in line with your trainer’s advice.
9. Your greyhound receives prize money.
Each time a greyhound runs it is awarded prize money which is paid to your trainer. The amount varies from track to track and depends on which grade of race your greyhound is in. The money is appreciably higher when it wins.
If you have agreed with your trainer to pay kennel bills on an ongoing basis, the total of that month’s prize money is set against the kennel charges. If the greyhound earns more in winning races than it costs in a month, the surplus is usually carried forward so you pay less in future.
10. Enjoy the experience.
Going to watch your greyhound isn’t the end of it. Trainers encourage you to visit the kennels and to meet, walk your greyhound and give it treats. This is usually on a Sunday, but other arrangements are possible.
Many people who buy a share in a syndicate greyhound enjoy the process so much they go on to buy more, often on their own account.
When you visit the track to watch your greyhound race, you can dine in the restaurant – stadia restaurants tend to be very good these days – or you can hang out in the bar and terraces where you can mingle with other owners and greyhound fans.
As an owner, you can usually greet your greyhound when it finishes its race. If you are lucky enough to win a trophy race you will get the opportunity to have your photograph taken with your greyhound when you receive the trophy!
Helpful Resources
The following websites may be of use to a new owner (and to many established ones):
Owner/Trainer Written Agreements – GBGB strongly recommends that a written agreement is in place for the training of any racing greyhound. This is to ensure both the owner(s) and trainer have complete clarity on the arrangements involved and responsibilities for the greyhound’s ongoing care and welfare. We have created sample agreements for owners and trainers which you are welcome to use and adapt to your personal circumstances. You can find out more and download the template agreements here.
GBGB Results – the Results page of our own GBGB website where you can see your greyhound’s race and trial results (remember to tick the ‘include trials’ box when the information is displayed in order to see trial results also).
GBGB Approved Homing Centres – when your greyhound retires it will need to be found a loving home if it isn’t going to become your pet. This page contains the full list of centres which can help you do this as part of Greyhound Retirement Scheme. This is the scheme you (and GBGB) pay into when you register your greyhound to cover costs associated with your greyhound’s homing.
Greyhound Racing Ireland – the GRI, the Irish equivalent of the GBGB. If your greyhound came from Ireland or ran there, you will be able to see details of its performances on this site by using the ‘Greyhound Search’ function. This will also give you information about its breeding and greyhound relatives.
Racing Post Greyhounds – the Racing Post Greyhound Bet site which also carries every UK greyhound’s race results but also shows racecards for that day and beyond so you can see when your greyhound is running, form and other details of the race it is running in. There is also a link to RPGTV where you may be able to watch your greyhound perform if it is running at a meeting that the service is covering.
Greyhound Star – the Greyhound Star. The industry’s dedicated greyhound newspaper, now only available on the web, which keeps us up to date with stories, articles and developments in the greyhound world.
FAQS
Common frequently asked questions
What ownership options are available?
Owning or co-owning a racing greyhound is a hugely rewarding experience and there are options to suit all individuals and budgets.
There are plenty of options when it comes to greyhound ownership – these fall into three main categories: single ownership, a partnership or a syndicate.
Syndicates are a group of more than four persons who are given a collective name and who all co-own a greyhound. It is a great way to spread the cost of greyhound ownership but also enjoy the experience with family, friends, or colleagues. For many, it is their first route into ownership.
Every syndicate must have a nominated Head member who will be solely responsible for all matters relating to the syndicate and, as an owner under the GBGB Rules of Racing, must act accordingly.
How do I apply to become an owner?
If you wish to register a greyhound, speak to your trainer or contact your chosen track’s Racing Office. Your chosen trainer will be able to provide you with a GBGB registration form and discuss the next steps with you – you can find details on how to pick a trainer below.
Greyhound owners, while not directly licensed by GBGB, must be registered as an owner with us. To do so, new owners must supply proof of identity (either a copy of a UK driving licence or passport) and a proof of address (recent utilities bill or letter showing your current address) during the initial registration process of their greyhound.
GBGB registration fees vary dependent on the type of ownership you are embarking on – if you would like more information on fees, please contact GBGB’s registry department at registry@gbgb.org.uk.
When registering your greyhound, you will also need to pay your owner contribution towards your greyhound’s Greyhound Retirement Scheme bond. This is normally £200 which is matched by GBGB if and when your greyhound enters a rehoming centre. This money will help pay for their care while they await their forever home. You can read more about GBGB’s Greyhound Retirement Scheme below.
Where will my greyhound live?
Most owners will work together with a GBGB licensed Professional Greyhound Trainer who will train and care for their greyhound during its racing career. This means that the greyhound will live with the trainer at their residential kennels and will be looked after by the kennel staff there on a day-to-day basis.
The exception to this is if the owner wishes to train the greyhound themselves, in which case they will need to apply for a GBGB trainers’ licence. For this, you will need to have a suitable kennel facility that will be inspected for suitability by GBGB. Many greyhound trainers also own – or part-own – greyhounds in their care.
Your trainer will be responsible for getting the best out of your greyhound and ensuring they are enjoying their racing career.
They will train your greyhound at their kennels and will transport them to and from their races – this will usually be at their ‘attached’ track, unless your greyhound is entered into an ‘open race’ competition which are held at tracks across the country.
What should I consider when choosing a trainer?
There are several things to consider when choosing your trainer. These include:
Welfare – as a GBGB licenced trainer, your chosen trainer must uphold the sport’s high welfare standards. It is important, however, that you are satisfied that your greyhound is getting the highest levels of care and attention.
Location – where do you plan to watch your greyhound race, and how far is this from you? Will you be able to visit your greyhound regularly?
Experience – there are trainers with a variety of experience levels across the UK, from Derby-winning kennels to younger trainers with plenty of potential and enthusiasm. Both options have their own benefits, so it is worth thinking about what is best for you and your greyhound.
Finally, communication between owner and trainer is vital – therefore pick someone whose company you enjoy and with who you can develop a good working relationship with.
Where do I find available greyhound trainers?
If you are interested in becoming an owner, we would advise that you first contact your local track who will let you know which of their trainers have capacity at their kennels. A list of all GBGB racecourses can be found here.
Can I visit a trainer and their kennels before deciding?
Absolutely. The best way to decide which trainer is for you is to go and see their kennel facilities for yourself and meet their staff and greyhounds.
They will be happy to show you around, give you a run-down of their routine and answer any questions you may have.
Where do I buy my greyhound?
Your chosen trainer will be able to advise you on the right greyhound for you – it may be that they already have a suitable dog in their kennel for sale.
Alternatively, your trainer will be able to direct you to a greyhound sale. Sales take place throughout the year online and at tracks across the country – they are advertised in the GBGB Calendar which you can view here. When buying a greyhound at a sale, particularly as a new owner, it is important that you set yourself a budget and stick to it. Your trainer may also be happy to accompany you to make sure that you spend the appropriate amount for the greyhound.
If you are new to greyhound ownership, it is best to take the advice of your trainer. They will be able to properly assess your prospective greyhound’s value and whether they are suited to running at the track you would like them to race at. The most important element to keep in mind is whether the greyhound is healthy and fit – it is important to always ask the current owner or breeder to provide a veterinary certificate.
How much does a greyhound cost to buy?
Most owners purchase their greyhound at one of three different stages: as a puppy (with no training or racing experience), as a sapling (who has no race experience but some training) or as an actively racing dog (a greyhound who has already had some experience on the track).
The cost of a greyhound varies greatly depending on their pedigree and experience. For example, a well-bred unraced puppy can vary in cost from £500 to £5,000. Your trainer will help advise you on the right greyhound for your budget.
When purchasing any greyhound, is it worth setting yourself realistic expectations. With puppies, it is worth remembering that it is not a guarantee that the greyhound will race – there is always some possibility that it will not take to chasing or may not grade on. On these occasions, these greyhounds will need to be found a loving, forever home to enjoy life as a pet.
When considering whether to purchase a bitch or a dog, you must keep in mind that a bitch will have a seasonal break during which time they cannot race. Kennel bills must still be paid during this time.
As well as the initial investment of your greyhound, you will also be responsible for paying for their health and wellbeing throughout their careers and ensuring a plan for their retirement. A breakdown of typical costs associated with greyhound ownership can be found below.
What costs are involved in caring for my greyhound?
As an owner, you will pay kennel fees for the daily care of your greyhound – this will cover their boarding, food, heating, and exercise. On average, kennel fees range from £7 to £11 +VAT per day (some trainers charge VAT and some do not).
In addition to this, you will also need to pay for any veterinary care – this includes routine vaccinations (and yearly booster jabs), worming and flea treatment, as well as any specific veterinary treatment or physiotherapy they may need.
Each trainer will do things differently and will have their own payment arrangements. It is, therefore, vital that you get a clear idea of costs before you embark on your ownership journey to ensure that you can afford the process.
Can I name my greyhound?
One of the joys of becoming a greyhound owner is naming your new pride and joy. They will be given a name when they are registered with the Stud Book and, after this, they can have one further name change.
It does mean, however, that if the greyhound you are buying has already had a name change, you cannot change it again.
What are my long-term responsibilities as a racing greyhound owner?
Racing is only one chapter of a greyhound’s life. They typically race from the age of 15-18 months to the ages of three or four years old, which means they have a long life ahead of them once they leave the track.
Every greyhound owner is required to plan for when their greyhound’s career on the track comes to an end. This is a requirement under Rule 18 of GBGB’s Rules of Racing and you must inform GBGB of your greyhound’s retirement destination once they retire.
Retired greyhounds make wonderful pets and many racing owners decide to bring their greyhound’s home with them as pets. For those who can’t for any reason, GBGB has a network of approved homing centres that find forever homes for retired greyhounds. These have been verified as having the high welfare standards we expect for our retired greyhounds.
GBGB runs the Greyhound Retirement Scheme(GRS) to ensure that the retirement of every greyhound is safe and secure before they even step foot on the track. As an owner, this means that you pay £200 at the point of registering your greyhound with GBGB. This £200 is then match-funded by GBGB to create a £400 bond which stays with the greyhound and is unlocked when it reaches one of GBGB’s approved GRS homing centres.
What if my greyhound picks up an injury?
While every measure is taken to ensure that greyhounds are racing on the safest possible surfaces, injuries do occur. In the majority of cases, this may be a minor strain which your greyhound – with proper veterinary care and rest – will recover from and they will be able to continue their racing career.
If your greyhound unfortunately sustains an orthopaedic injury while trialling or racing, you can access GBGB’s national Injury Recovery Scheme which is in place to support owners to pay the required veterinary fees. Many stadia also have their own schemes to further help owners and ensure that these greyhounds get the necessary treatment. In most cases, greyhounds with career-ending injuries are able, with the correct veterinary treatment and aftercare, to go on to enjoy long and fulfilled happy lives as pets.
When will I know when it’s the right time for my greyhound to retire?
This is a decision you will make together with your trainer based on the health and happiness of your greyhound.
This may be at any age and maybe earlier than expected due to injury or for medical reasons. It is therefore very important that you have a plan for your greyhound’s retirement from the start of their racing career.
Can I visit my greyhound at their trainer’s kennels?
Of course. Many kennels hold an open morning or afternoon for their trainers once a week – these usually take place on a Sunday. Your trainer may also be happy to have you come to the kennels on arranged visits on other occasions.
This is a great time to meet and get to know other owners at the kennel and spend some quality time with your greyhound.
What is the owners’ experience like at the track?
Win or lose, there is nothing quite like the thrill of watching your own greyhound race. Whatever their grade there is real joy to be gaining from watching them reach their potential on the track.
As an owner, you will be able to make the most of the facilities at your chosen track. While benefits differ from stadium to stadium, most will have free admission for owners as well as discounts at their restaurants.
Many also have special celebrations and trophy presentations when your greyhounds meet significant milestones, such as three or more wins – as well as presentations for dog or bitch of the month. Many also hold regular ‘Owner Nights’ where you can enjoy a meal and socialise with other owners’ at the stadium.
Will I receive prize money if my greyhound wins?
Every greyhound is awarded run money every time he or she races which helps towards the monthly kennel costs – run money varies from track to track but is usually between £30-£50 depending on the track and the grade of your greyhound.
If you are lucky enough that your greyhound wins a race, any prize money will be paid directly to the trainer who will arrange to pass this onto you. Each trainer will do this differently, so it is worth discussing this from the outset of your relationship.
Prize money varies greatly depending on the race-grade of your greyhound and the track at which it competes. It is worth noting that most greyhounds are not champions, so set your expectations at the outset. Greyhound ownership is a wonderful hobby but, in the majority of cases, it is not a hobby that you will make money from.
Unless you are looking to own a top open-race greyhound, the chances of them winning a major competition – while not impossible – are low. It is best to treat any prize money your greyhound receives as a bonus.
A Good Life for Every Greyhound
It’s a privilege and a joy to be a racing greyhound owner, but also a responsibility.
As an owner, you are responsible for your greyhound from the moment you buy it until it is comfortably curled up on its retirement sofa. There may be periods during its racing years when it might be injured or in season if it is a bitch and therefore unable to run. When its racing days are over there may well also be a period when it has to remain in kennels until a suitable home can be found. You will still be financially responsible for it during these periods when the dog may not be earning any prize money, so you should budget accordingly.
At GBGB, we put the welfare of the greyhound above all else and we expect you will want to do the same. You can read more about this work in our Welfare and Care website area or if you are interested in rules governing an owner’s responsibilities you can view GBGB Rule 18.
