CENTENIAL CLUB A WONDERFUL INITIATIVE

CENTENIAL CLUB A WONDERFUL INITIATIVE

Ian Fortune

By now most of you reading this would have seen the teasers on the various social media channels or indeed read the press release from the IGOBF on the newly formed Centennial Racing Club (The full release can be read by clicking the link - https://bit.ly/46Hmspo), but I felt it necessary to highlight just how wonderful it is as a concept.

In these times, as greyhound racing comes under increased pressure from outside voices, it is more important to stand together as a sport and as a community than ever before. The vast majority of those involved in greyhound racing have the same hopes and dreams and anything that helps spread the gospel of the sport can only be a good thing.

Over the past couple of years, the IGOBF have introduced some wonderful initiatives. The Junior Nominators competition for the Derby, the Derby Buster draw and perhaps most importantly the #Behindthetrack series which got such wonderful feedback and support.

Now the federation are planning to do more and the Centennial Club, named in honour of next year’s centenary celebrations for the sport on the island of Ireland, is something that most people can get involved in and enjoy.

Basically, it is an ownership club with a view to recruiting 1927 members, each paying €100 or stg£100. With those funds, the plan is to purchase six top class young greyhounds to race under the Centennial Club umbrella.

There will be no additional fees for the members outside of the initial joining fee but there will also be no dividends or money back. Quite simply, you are investing in the sport and its future. The six dogs in question will race through the 2027 and 2028 seasons and will be under the care of classic winning trainers. Any money earned by the venture will go back into the sport, be it through promotion, sponsorship or any other worthwhile ventures.

It will provide the IGOBF with a better platform to both promote and defend the sport, while also ensuring the legacy of greyhound racing in Ireland. And that should most certainly be applauded.

The main points regarding the club are highlighted below. Importantly, this venture is fully backed by the GRI, while there will be real transparency as regards the dogs. Indeed, one suspects the behind-the scenes-stuff will make for plenty of online content.

  • 6 DOGS*. ONE CLUB. – 6 greyhounds* will be selected by an appointed panel.
  • ALL COSTS COVERED – All training, veterinary and racing entry fees will be covered.
  • SUPPORTED BY GRI – GRI wholly supports the venture and will look favourably on all Centennial Club Members.
  • STAY CONNECTED – Be a part of a syndicate group chat with weekly updates.
  • BEHIND THE SCENES ACCESS – Opportunities for behind-the-scenes visits to stadiums and family training facilities around Ireland.
  • NAME THE STARS – There will be a naming competition to name the dogs. Members will have the opportunity to take part in competitions to name the club’s greyhounds.
  • REGULAR UPDATES – Stay connected with news, photos and insights throughout the 2027 & 2028 racing seasons.

If you wish to get involved, you can sign up on the IGOBF’s webpage at https://www.igobf.org/. Full details on the club and the sign up can be easily found on the page.