The racing headlines this week have been grabbed by greyhound racing, something that doesn’t happen too often, and it’s not for good reason, unfortunately.

A shock move came on Tuesday when the Welsh Government announced a ban on greyhound racing in the country. Currently, there’s just one track racing in Wales, so in terms of size, when we look at people and greyhounds affected, it’s small, but of course, there’s a much bigger picture in play.

This brings in two elements, greyhound racing in the rest of the UK and, of course, horse racing. Are things in danger? No, I don’t think they are. But are we closer to the edge? I think we’ve stepped a little closer this week, yes.

Greyhound Racing Comfort Blanket Beginning to Move

I think many within horse racing circles have always viewed greyhound racing as a bit of a comfort blanket. There are a few potential areas of change where horse racing looks at things, and knows it’s safe while ever greyhound racing is there.

Areas such as racing fully behind closed doors, key welfare issues, and of course, at the top of the list, being potentially banned in certain countries.

It may be Wales only, and it may only affect one track, but there’s no doubt that part of the comfort blanket has undoubtedly removed part of the comfort blanket.

I’m not expecting anything else to come anytime soon. I think remarks from people saying that UK greyhound racing is next, or that horse racing in Wales is next, are some way off the mark, to be honest. But the easy target, the first layer of security, the comfort blanket, however you want to call it, has been removed.

If greyhound racing goes next, the only way to go after greyhound racing is to go for the rest of the UK or Ireland, a much bigger part of the sport.

If horse racing is next, in Wales or elsewhere, then unless there’s a massive swing in public opinion, it’s going to be a very tall order.

I don’t think this is a time to panic or a time to change anything about what we currently do as a sport. But it’s a warning shot, and it has to be taken note of.

Should Racing Take Any Next Steps?

I don’t think now is the time for change, like I’ve said. But perhaps, with two huge events on the horizon, it’s a good time for racing to make sure it’s being squeaky clean.

Don’t leave anything to chance, don’t attract bad publicity, and give people a reason to talk about the future of racing.

While events such as the upcoming Cheltenham Festival and Grand National meeting are a chance for the sport to shine, you wonder whether a quiet, simple few weeks in racing is the best thing to have right now.

I don’t think racing is in any kind of danger, but we may have seen the very first layer be peeled away with this move, taking away the first comfort blanket from the sport. It’s a warning shot, one to take note of, but we don’t need to be looking at the more drastic commentary that some areas of racing have been coming out with.