On track for a racing win

Buy photos » Owner Harry Findlay believes Brandon has the best course in the country. (S)

HARRY Findlay has high hopes of making Rugby the home of Greyhound Racing after a successful opening month at Brandon.

Professional gambler Findlay, who earned his reputation betting on major sporting events, re-opened the course at Brandon Stadium last month after a two-and-a-half year break.

He is known for having taken big risks over the years but this latest gamble looks to be paying off with successful race nights already taking place.

And with the re-launch providing 70 new jobs at the stadium, Mr Findlay is adamant his latest venture will benefit people in the borough.

"It's been great so far," Mr Findlay told the Observer. "I've been very impressed with the level of support we have had and I'm very confident we can grow bigger.

"I’ve put plenty of money into this but it’s going to be worth every penny and I'm determined to make it a big success."

The track at Brandon currently hosts two regular race nights, on Thursday and Sunday evening.

But Mr Findlay has big plans in the pipeline and admits he will be doing everything in his power to bring next year's Greyhound Derby to Brandon - the biggest event in the dog racing calendar.

It has not been all plain sailing for however, with around 20 members of a greyhound protection group staging a protest outside the stadium on the opening evening.

The protesters, who gave out leaflets and held anti-greyhound racing banners and placards, said they were determined to force the closure of the track.

"I welcome these protesters to come in for free and see how safe dog racing at Brandon is," Mr Findlay added.

"I think they'll be surprised by what they see and I think it's important they know not one dog has suffered any injuries because of the quality of the track.

"It is without doubt the best track in the country and not one dog has been injured so far which is the biggest success."

Regional news »