Retireds meet-and-greet the highlight of Valley's Family day

VALLEY in Ystrad Mynach, around 15 miles north of Cardiff, staged a Family Funday on Sunday as a prelude to the GBGB's National Greyhound Week.

A meet and greet with retired greyhounds was one of the highlights with former track champion Glenmalure Flyer the star of the show.

Valley also hosted GBGB greyhound ambassador Bob Boswell and his retired greyhounds Mojo and Cookie for the day.

Attendees of all ages at the event were keen to interact with the retired racers, noting their gentle and playful nature.

Reflecting on the event, Boswell said:“It was wonderful to join the celebrations at the Valley’s Family Funday on Sunday and soak up the friendly, community atmosphere at the track.

"It’s clear the positive impact which the venue has in the area not only for the thrilling racing on offer, but also as a social hub for local people and families.

“National Greyhound Week is both an excellent opportunity to celebrate the introduction of licensed racing in Wales, and to highlight what fantastic family pets retired racers can make.”

Peter Broadbridge, GBGB stipendiary steward for Valley Stadium, added:“Following the success of the first National Greyhound Week last year, I’m so pleased that we could bring the event to Wales this year to celebrate our historic sport.

"The stadium has transformed in the past year as a regulated racecourse, and it was fantastic to be able to mark this with the local community. Thank you to everyone who came along on the day, and to all staff at the Valley who put on such a wonderful event.”

In the first days of National Greyhound Week there have been celebrations across the country, with family-oriented events taking place at Romford, Crayford and Nottingham stadia.