Kaitlyn Linley announced as the GBGB Kennelhand of the Year

KAITLYN LINLEY is the 2024 GBGB Kennelhand of the Year.

Kaitlyn, 25, who works at her mother-in-law Shirley Linley’s Sunderland kennels – and is married to Shirley’s son, Sam – has long been a key member of the successful Linley operation.

Kaitlyn’s dedication impressed the Kennelhand of the Year panel of Duncan Gibson, GBGB’s welfare and integrity manager, Louise Warr, the Board’s regulatory administrator, Cheryl Miller, head of Greyhound Trust Harvel (Croftview Kennels), and broadcaster Tanya Stevenson.

Gibson said: “The panel were really impressed by Kaitlyn’s dedication. Greyhounds are very much central to her life, as they are for all our kennelhands and it’s always difficult to single out anybody.

"However, Kaitlyn is a shining light in the industry. She not only works with the greyhounds in the kennels and at the track but also spends her spare time spreading the word on social media, promoting both racing and retired greyhounds.”

Kaitlyn herself said: “I am both shocked and honoured to have been nominated never mind win this prestigious Award.

"I absolutely adore my job as a kennelhand and feel very lucky to be part of the Linley kennels with my mother and father-in-law Shirley and Joe, husband Sam and the future stars of the kennel my two sons Leo and Riley.

“I will continue to promote only the highest welfare standards that every greyhound receives and what an amazing breed they are in all aspects of their lives, from racing to retirement.” 

The GBGB annual awards ceremony takes place at The Milner, York on Thursday 6th March.