John McCririck: Greyhound racing is an asset to London
DIANE McLEAN, the organiser of Monday's Show Of Passion at City Hall, was on Friday tying together final details and dealing with a stream of media interest.
She said: 'Special permission for us to bring the Big Dog Limo into nearby Battlebridge Lane has now been confirmed and it will be there from 1.30pm, along with rosettes to mark the day.'
A coach will leave from Wimbledon Stadium at 12.30pm, and anyone interested in joining it should contact Wimbledon greyhound owner Fred Wright (mobile 07946 385475, email fredwright@blueyonder.co.uk).
Wright said: 'The cost is £10, people can see me at the track on Saturday night - I will be with Richard Rees round by the kennels.'
Tom Levers, the Wimbledon trainer who with Julie Collier of RPGTV/Sky has taken a key role in galvanising support, added: 'Everyone is playing a blinder and there is a positive feeling surrounding the stadium - which is exactly what is needed.'
John McCririck, speaking from America, said that he had written to Boris Johnson and pointed out that the legacy he must avoid is leaving London without a greyhound track.
'Can you imagine London without a Twickenham or a Cup Final at Wembley? No, of course not, but it's just as ridiculous to think of the capital ending up with no dog racing. We're at the end of the line, and the list of tracks which have closed is frightening - especially when I think about having been to them all.
'It's sad and sobering but Wimbledon is still there and that's why Monday is important in terms of proving there remains passion for our sport. Boris must listen to me - and he must listen to every dog fan, greyhound racing is an essential, genuine asset for London.'
Monday's agenda
From 1.30pm Show Of Passion rosettes will be available from junction of Battlebridge Lane and English Grounds (half-way between London Bridge and Tower Bridge), with the Big Dog limo in attendance
From 1.45pm organisation of participants in front of City Hall with greyhounds to the fore2pm sharp Sir Edward Lister, deputy mayor and chief of staff will accept a letter at City Hall from Ray Butler TD on behalf of the Irish government regarding the importance of greyhound racing
2.15pm A horseshoe of supporters will form in front of City Hall with a parade of greyhounds led by Derby winner Kinda Ready. Greyhounds are welcome to wear any presentation jacket that they have won. However, a condition of receiving permission is that there is to to be no leafleting. The organisers emphasise that the occasion is a show of support for the Mayor and his team.
3.00pm Official end of Show of Passion to be followed by a gathering in the Bridge House Bar & Restaurant, 218 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2UP
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