They have had to close before due to floods in 2020 after the Rhymney River overflowed its banks but people were determined not to let this have a detrimental impact, with the owners and supporters of the greyhounds giving their time and money to help restore the track and repaint the stadium.Īnd while Malcolm has big plans for the site, there is a huge question mark over whether there is a future in greyhound racing in Wales right now, with such vocal opposition gaining some political momentum. The dog, who was known as "Boss", completed the 310-yard course in 19.20 seconds on July 20, 1976.īut things have not always been smooth sailing for this business. There have been a few key moments that have stuck out to the staff and audiences there over the years, according to Malcolm, including when the first greyhound won at the facility back in 1976. The greyhounds who go to the track in action- the dogs can reach speeds of 35mph. Malcolm's next big move is to make sure Valleys Greyhounds can become regulated under the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), and under GBGB’s over 200 Rules of Racing, all greyhounds would be carefully monitored and supported across their lifetime. But the greyhounds love it too because when they race, they're doing what they were born to do." We are all about family entertainment and we've got CCTV right around the track. "We have signs up which clearly say, no foul language. But the greyhounds love it too because when they race, they're doing what they were born to do. Malcolm said: "When people come here, there's women, children, men and people from all backgrounds. Malcolm believes his track offers people a unique place to not only enjoy the sport and place bets on the dogs, but also a place to come together and socialise that is both family friendly and a buzzing atmosphere. Owner and manager of the site, Malcolm Tams. The petition gathered over 35,000 signatures, and it was decided by the Senedd on Wednesday, March 8 that an in-depth consultation needs to be carried out. This comes after the petition started by Hope Rescue to ban the sport in Wales entirely, after they claimed to have rescued around 200 dogs from the track since April 2018. Valleys Greyhounds, in Hengoed, is the last greyhound racing track in Wales and Malcolm is at the forefront of an effort to keep the sport going despite vocal opposition from animal rescue charities.ĭiscussions have been carried out in the Senedd about whether greyhound racing should be outlawed altogether due to welfare concerns. Read more: Concerns about what will happen to existing track dogs as greyhound racing ban looms And Malcolm has now been passing down his knowledge of the sport to his sons who are all grown up now. His wish came true when he decided to take over Valleys Greyhounds in 2008, and since then, renovations have been made to the stadium including fully licenced bar, a lounge, TV race-replay monitors, and panoramic viewing. From that moment, Malcolm was hooked and his love for the animals compelled him to make a career in the racing industry. The 67-year-old from Blackwood was introduced to the sport by at the age of 18 when his uncle, who always kept racing dogs when Malcolm was growing up. Malcolm Tams has dedicated 49 years of his life to greyhound racing.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |