Gambling advocate Sir Philip Davies to chair Greyhound Board of Great Britain
Davies will replace Jeremy Cooper as the board faces challenges to the greyhound racing industry.
UK.- The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has announced the appointment of Sir Philip Davies as its next chair. He will take up the post on September 1, replacing Jeremy Cooper.
Sir Philip is a long-time advocate for greyhound betting. He served as Conservative MP for Shipley in West Yorkshire between 2005 and 2024 during which time he sat on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee as well as the Panel of Chairs. He has been chair of Star Sports Group since losing his seat in parliament in last year’s general election.
The appointment comes at a crucial moment for the sport in the UK, with plans already announced to ban greyhound racing in Wales. The GBGB has submitted a legal challenge to the Administrative Court for Wales in a bid to prevent the ban.
Commenting on the appointment, Cooper, said: “Throughout the appointment process, Sir Philip showed himself to be a fervent supporter of licensed greyhound racing. He demonstrated a strong understanding of our sport and is clear on its future direction. I know that this appointment will be welcomed across the licensed racing community and I wish Sir Philip all the very best as he begins his tenure.
He added: “Thanks to the Greyhound Commitment and our long-term welfare strategy, animal welfare has been placed at the very heart of the sport and our greyhounds now receive higher standards of care and attention than ever before. This has only been possible as a result of the combined efforts of the greyhound community and I would like to acknowledge the part everyone throughout the sport has played in driving up standards right across the sport.”
Davies said: “I am honoured to have been appointed Chair of GBGB. Licensed greyhound racing is a fantastic sport which has held an important place in the fabric of our country for almost a century. Greyhound and horseracing have been an integral part of my life since my childhood when my mother ran a betting shop in Doncaster. As such, I know just how important greyhound racing is to local communities and what an important contribution it makes – both economically and socially.
“The sport has a very bright future ahead and I would like to thank the GBGB Board for putting their faith in me. I look forward to working with tracks, owners, trainers and our wider stakeholders as we safeguard the future of our sport and ensure it thrives for many years to come.
The body has also announced that Mark Bird will remain as chief executive for a further two years. He had previously announced his intention to step down but has been invited by the board to remain as CEO. The board has also added Tony Brealey as Owner Practitioner Director as well as Dave Baldwin, Katie Bennison and Kim Sanzone.
Bird said: “This is an important and exciting time for GBGB and licensed racing and it is vital that there is as much stability and continuity as possible within the organisation. Our sport faces a number of opportunities as well as challenges and, with Sir Philip at the helm, I believe we are very well placed to take advantage of these opportunities and address the challenges head on.
“I look forward to working with Sir Philip as we take the sport forward. Securing long-term, sustainable funding from the betting industry remains a priority and I am confident that under Sir Philip’s leadership we can make significant progress together.”
