A greyhound enthusiast who has worked in racing since leaving school is busting myths that the sport is male dominated by sharing her story to mark International Women’s Day.
Kaitlyn Linley has been going racing before she could walk and now works full-time as a kennel hand to Sunderland Stadium trainer Shirley Linley – one of six female trainers at the Newcastle Road venue.
The 25-year-old was introduced to the sport through her grandparents and hasn’t looked back since starting her first job as a teenager where she has since mastered her role’s core responsibilities including grooming, galloping, feeding, walking and race day tasks.
She now hopes her story can inspire other young girls and women with a love for animals to consider getting involved in racing too.
“Greyhound racing is my life,” said Kaitlyn. “Without the sport, I’m honestly not sure what I’d do for a living.
“I was going racing before I could walk because of my grandparents who introduced me to racing at a time where perhaps the sport was male dominated.
“But that’s completely changed now. There are so many talented female trainers and kennel hands working in our sport, and I’m very proud to be one of them.”
The team race five times weekly as part of Sunderland Stadium’s racing schedule which includes Friday nights and Sunday daytimes. Working long hours might be part of Kaitlyn’s role, but she wouldn’t change it for the world.
“It’s seven days a week,” said Kaitlyn. “But to me, it doesn’t feel like a job – it’s a lifestyle.
“None of the greyhounds can tell you it’s a Sunday, so you must keep their routine the same because, like pets, racing greyhounds are creatures of habit.
“My love for animals – and greyhounds specifically – is what makes the job so special. Seeing them develop through their careers and then finding them their perfect forever home in retirement is so rewarding. I have had some standout moments during my career, including Lughill Frankie winning Dog of the Year and last week winning the GBGB Kennelhand of the Year for 2024."
Kaitlyn even met her husband, Sam, Shirley’s son, through racing and the couple are parents to two greyhound obsessed boys Leo and Riley.
The happy family live at home with Woody – racing name Knock Knock – who retired from racing two years ago having won 16 races and champion how greyhounds make great pets in retirement.
“Leo and Riley are obsessed with greyhounds,” said Kaitlyn. “They love them – and I’m sure when they’re older they’ll be working in racing too.
“Greyhounds are fantastic with children which is why our two have taken such a shine to them. They’re so adaptable and promoting greyhounds as great pets is something we’re so passionate about at Sunderland Stadium.
“A lot of people think greyhounds are these huge bundles of energy which require lots of exercise – that couldn’t be further from the truth. They’re gentle giants, and incredibly loving.
“There really is a retired greyhound out there for every person, regardless of their age or mobility.”
Further information about greyhound racing at Sunderland Stadium is available online via www.sunderland-greyhounds.co.uk.
