Welcome to the GTA Zeebras Cricket Club Greyhound Syndicate. Some may see this as the most ridiculous idea we’ve had but after some banter on the forum and a bit of investigation it appears it could be a feasible idea so what the hell; The GTA Zeebras want to buy a racing Greyhound.
The Proposal
The proposal is to buy a racing greyhound and then keep the dog in training so we can race the beast at Wimbledon under the name of Chin John Neil.
Why?????????
Basically it’s another way to ensure that the GTA Zeebras control our members’ entire social lives and have a good laugh in the process. The dog will run up to five times a month giving us plenty of opportunities to meet up and have a few beers while cheering Chin John Neil on, and who knows we may even make some money out it (Please note in no way do I expect to make any money out of this and would be surprised if any Dog we owned ever won a race).
As owners we get free tickets (not each but would reduce the costs of entry to those wanting to go) to Wimbledon dogs each time Chin runs and the chance to stand in the winners enclosure and pick up a trophy. We also have the chance to go and walk the dog on Sundays at the trainers Kennels which is something I’m sure we’d all like to do. The only catch is that when the dog stops racing someone has to look after it, however we already have a few interested parties and that shouldn’t be an issue.
If you need any more convincing read this which doesn’t sell it to me but shows I’ve done some research:
If you get carried away when you go once a year for an office party or hen night and have your £5 'on the dog wearing the stripey coat' imagine how that feeling is magnified if you actually own that dog? You walk him most Sundays at his kennels, you know his favourite food, his dislikes and have watched him progress through the ranks at your track. You probably know most of the dogs and owners in his race and might even stand to win a memento for your mantlepeice should he win. Win, lose or draw - well dead heat - you will feel the thrill of having your pride and joy step out on to the track, having your name in the racecard and shouting Fred or Spot round the first bend
What does it cost?
To buy a Greyhound costs between £300 and £10000 depending on the quality and breeding of the dog. Realistically we would not be looking for a top dog and would want to spend around £500. This would give us a dog that would run in the lower grades of racing. Once purchased there would be a small fee to change its name and to keep it in training would cost £6 a day plus any Vet fees.
How are we going to pay for it?
We intend to sell a minimum of twenty £30 shares in the syndicate to allow us to buy the greyhound and then each shareholder commits to paying £10 a month into an account for training expenses for as long as the dog is in training. (Please note this is likely to be around three years) This should cover the monthly costs with a few pounds over to cover the Vet fees.
Should we win any races that Prize money will be taken of traing fees leaving us a surplus to pay towads and end of year do for the syndicate. Prize money is not huge but at the level our dog will be racing it ranges between £50 and £100.
Example:
Who Can Join?
The offer to purchase a share is open to any Playing or Social member of the GTA Zeebras Cricket Club. If you so desire you can buy more than one share an as a result you would receive an extra share of any prize money.
How Do I sign up?
Firstly we need to ensure there is enough interest outside of the usual crowd on the forum for this to go forward, so please register your interest by either posting on the forum or contacting me on 07730 565664. Once we have enough interest details of where to pay your money and standing order forms for the monthly fee will be provided.