Racehorse trainer's hunting ban fears (From Stroud News and Journal)

Racehorse trainer's hunting ban fears

A TOP racehorse trainer from Stroud says he will be out with the Cotswold Hunt as usual on Saturday despite the controversial hunting ban which comes into force at midnight on Thursday.

Tom George, 37 said: "The government is trying get rid of every bit of heritage we have in this country. They have got absolutely no idea what they are dealing with."

The Slad stable owner trains 60 racehorses, including several Cheltenham Festival runners and four Grand National Entrants.

He added: "When all my horses retire they go to the hunting field. They need to be with knowledgeable people who know what they are doing."

He said the Cotswold Hunt would be "hunting legally" on Saturday but said there would be hounds there.

Gloucestershire police say enforcing the ban will be a low priority.

"We are hoping that people will obey the law," said Chief Inspector David Peake. Stroud MP David Drew, who voted for the ban, encouraged people to shop any illegal hunts in their area to the police.

"We will have to be on our guard," he said. "I expect people to be vigilant and see that it doesn't take place."