News
LOCAL GIRL BRINGS GREYHOUND RACING TO THE NATION!
Newcastle born Kelly Macari is poised to explain her passion for greyhound racing on National radio on Monday evening. The awarding winning Chris Evans show on Radio Two will feature Kelly in its sports locker section talking about training of greyhounds as part of the build up to the finals of the UK Festival of Greyhound Racing on Tuesday 22nd May at Tetley’s Sunderland Stadium.
The festival which has become the ‘Cheltenham’ of dog racing has attracted top trainers and dogs from all over the UK with a large contingency coming over from Ireland – the trainers have been tempted by the total overall prize find of over £120,000! The Radio Two programme has never carried a feature on greyhounds before and is fascinated by the commitment of a young girl to what used to be thought of as ‘a man’s game’.
Having grown up with family owned greyhounds, it seemed obvious that Kelly would go into the sport. She now trains for herself and has 40 greyhounds in her kennel at Rowlands Gill. One of Kelly’s dogs, Undaunted, will be contesting the Red Mills Oaks Final with an impressive 13 wins in her short racing career – known as Bonnie at the kennels, she is still only 2½!
“The festival has been a fantastic event for all involved, the dogs, trainers, owners and for the sport itself,” commented Kelly. “It is a real high profile event for us, a bit like our Ascot or Cheltenham and I’m really looking forward to the finals night on Tuesday.”
Kelly is quietly confident for Undaunted’s chances in the final commenting that she knows the track very well and if she has a good clear run she has every chance.
Kelly’s commitment itself is, however, daunting, working a seven day week to care for and train her dogs. “It is such a rewarding career, greyhounds are so loving and when they race they are performing for you, they want to do well for their trainer.
“Strangely enough greyhounds are basically quite lazy and don’t need loads of exercise – and they do make fabulous pets.”
The sport is starting to attract many more women; both working within it as well as spectators, in fact Kelly is one of 8 female trainers based at Sunderland against 3 male trainers! In last years North East Awards the two top trainers were women and head of Sunderland Stadium’s rehoming centre was awarded top rehomer.
The Festival concludes with final heats on Saturday 19th May and the Grand Finals night on Tuesday 22nd May will be shown live on Sky Sports. For further information on ticket availability contact Tetley’s Sunderland Stadium on 0191 568 6200 or book online at www.sunderlanddogs.com.
ENDS
For more information please contact Clive Reeves on 01543 501111 or email clive@wardlovett.com