What a great new greyhound web site, full of initiatives views and news on a regular basis. Congratulations to Mark for having the vision and foresight to produce a site which hopefully will be enjoyed by thousands within the sport of greyhound racing.

Congratulations must go to Linda too, the latest recruit to the ranks of the NGRC as a steward. Everyone who knows Linda will understand quite clearly what she will add as an individual to the NGRC. Her prime concern is and always has been the welfare of the greyhounds. Good luck Linda.

By means of my personal introduction, my name is Ian Lavery. I am a member of the welfare group Greyhounds Voice. I feel the need to emphasise that GV is no pressure group who want to “welfare” greyhound racing to extinction, quite the opposite. GV unlike other welfare groups within the sport wish to see the sport flourish by working with and not against the authorities to ensure that the welfare of the greyhound is of paramount importance. GV has on its committee. Champion trainers, owners, veterinary surgeons, re homing experts and yes even promoters.

GV see the future success of greyhound racing largely dependant on the recommendations which will follow from the Donoughue review. We sincerely hope that consideration will be given to our suggestion of the establishing of a new welfare body which would be funded from the current bookmakers levy but wholly independent of the NGRC and the BGRB. This body would take total responsibility for all welfare issues within the sport without interference from those people who maintain an interest purely for self interest and self gain.

On the racing front, as a Geordie boy, Newcastle by the way !! I am delighted to see the massive interest expressed in the new Sunderland Greyhound Festival. What could be better than experiencing the best dogs in the UK and Eire competing against each other at your own track. Well done to William Hill who are after all great sponsors of the sport.

My friends and I still hope to win the derby this year with one of our open race team. We have held this hope like many others for twenty years. The closest came with Wee Bobby who was terribly unlucky not to reach the semi finals in 2004. With Harry Williams at the helm supported by his staff , Gary, Laura and Rita we know we always have a chance. We live the dream, that what this sport is all about.

The North East was once the hot bed of Independent racing. Flapping. I have heard comments made with regards to the welfare issue of dogs running at these unlicensed tracks many of which make my stomach churn. Yes Seaham is in the North East and the Seaham debacle is nothing short of horrendous however I must state that the flapping lads look after their greyhounds as if they were part of the family. Extremely well looked after, a man's pride and joy. Don’t listen to the scaremongers, come up and see for yourself.

In concluding may I wish every owner and trainer the very best of luck for this year. Hopefully with the right conclusions from Donoughue this will be THE YEAR OF THE GREYHOUND

IAN LAVERY (GREYHOUND VOICE)