GOBATA aim for 15,000 members.

Byline: Jim Cremin

GOBATA, the Greyhound Owners, Breeders And Trainers Association, was yesterday given a 'soft launch' in front of an invited gathering of core supporters, which included some of the top names in the sport.

Martin White, a leading owner, and John Coleman, the professional trainer, addressed a gathering in Battersea that was principally intended for Sky's cameras and a formal launch next week during the programme from Romford's Champion Stakes.

Nick Savva, Steve Fluin, John Keefe, Len Ponder, Jim Reynolds, Paul Young, Gary Noble, Carol Grasso, Maurice Newman, Seamus Gaughan, Matt Dartnall and Eddie Lesley (who provided the facilities) listened carefully as the plan for the new organisation was outlined.

Bob Morton, three time Derbywinning owner and chairman of Henlow, is to be president, but that is the only role so far allocated. An inaugural meeting is planned where the structure is to be progressed.

Coleman said initial meetings to test the water had proved encouraging, and emphasised they were "not here to disrupt the work of the Greyhound Trainers' Association" [of which he is a former chairman, as was the also present Jim Reynolds], but they had to start somewhere, did not intend to be disruptive to the sport but rather find a process to input their expertise.

He explained the day was deliberately designed to avoid controversy and that a debate on detailed policy would follow later.

However, he read out a mission statement that GOBATA was to "Give an effective voice to all greyhound practitioners, owners, breeders, trainers and ancillary staff with the aim of assisting GBGB to (a) Develop a commercial strategy for the greyhound industry that will halt its continuing decline and be capable of sustaining the long term success of the sport and (b) Formulate policy and common issue interest".

White, the prime mover in reaching this stage, said: "The Donoughue Review put the onus on ourselves to get organised and help the GBGB address the reality that the sport had changed from being a spectator sport to providing a service for punters somewhere else."

He emphasised that he felt it necessary for everyone in the supply chain to band together with one voice, "and that should be GOBATA".

It was explained a website, gobata.co.uk, would be operating from Monday, where people could register for free membership, with leaflets to follow around the tracks.

Coleman hopes to represent 15,000 members in order to prove "they carry clout" but is aiming for 1,000 by the turn of the year.

CAPTION(S):

Looking for support: John Coleman and Martin White at yesterday's soft launch of GOBATA in Battersea