GREYHOUNDS: EMMA JOHNS talks to Swindon greyhound trainer PAUL FOSTER, who has a runner in the last race at the Wimbledon Derby meeting on Saturday night.

The Foster kennels are an oasis of calm with just one dog barking and breaking the peace.

Along with paddocks for the dogs to stretch their legs, there are 20 or so kennels in a central block, each housing their own canine thoroughbred with a raised bedding platform for the dogs to stretch out on and sleep.

Greyhounds do a lot of that. Canine thoroughbreds they might be, but greyhounds are more likely to be asleep or eating when they are not actually racing.

Working quietly about the place are Paul Foster, his wife Denise and a small band of dedicated part-time staff.

Foster, 48, has been in these kennels and has had a licence to train greyhounds to race at the biggest tracks in the country for the last 12 years.

He said: "My Dad liked a drink and liked a bet and we always had a few dogs so I grew up with greyhounds.

"There is nothing like them. They are wonderful dogs although as a way of life it isn't easy, apart from a few top races there isn't a lot of money in the sport.

"We have had some success and good dogs and that keeps the enthusiasm going.

"We have some super owners and we couldn't do without Don Kinnett who does all the driving to the other tracks and the help from Joe Raeburn and Sue Wilson.

"Our daughter Michelle used to work here full-time but now just helps out when she can."

The recent success has been led by a dog named Call Girl (kennel name Shelley) She has been flying the Foster flag in the biggest races around the country since Christmas.

Owned by local businessman Mark Gilbert, she is now among the leaders in a new national points competition called Top Dog and would stand a good chance of winning the bitches category and the £25,000 bonus come the end of the year.

But in the meantime Shelley will be aimed at a big race on Derby final night at Wimbledon. She takes part in the Dorando Marathon traditionally the last race on Derby night.

The Derby dream this year ended for the Foster kennel in the second round but with more than 170 dogs taking part the early heats can be the canine equivalent of the Grand National.

Foster, pictured, said: "The Derby is the Derby and it is always good to be in it but sometimes you need a bit of luck and sometimes you just get beaten by better dogs on the day.

"I thought Drominboy Jet was unlucky not to go a bit further in the competition but both our entries (Lenson Bertie the other) are good dogs that will win plenty other races."

Denise added: "Even to have a dog in the Dorando on Saturday night is great and to win that, well that would be our own Derby!"

Aside from running greyhounds in the high profile open races those open to trainers from around the country Foster is also a contracted trainer at Swindon and has graded racers in his kennel that compete at the stadium.

Meanwhile his dog to follow for Advertiser punters is another of his open racers, Hondo Blue, running in six-bend races.

Greyhounds might have a poor race night persona muzzled up and raring to go but when they hang up their racing jackets (usually around four or five years old) they make great pets.

Foster said: "All our owners take their responsibility for the dogs very seriously. Some will have them at home as pets and others make sure they pay for the dog until he is found a new home.

"We work with a lady who has a general dog kennels who helps find the right home for each one of them but there is much good work going on from several charities locally and nationally."

To find out more about having a greyhound as a pet them contact the Swindon-based rehoming charity on 01793-750023 or www.greyhounds-r-us.co.uk