Racegoers inspired by greyhound racing’s return to Oxford Stadium could own a future star of the sport by attending a live sales event open to all members of the public this month.
The Cowley venue will host its re-opening sale on Tuesday, September 13, from 9am with 48 greyhounds all at the beginning of their careers trialling before being sold via auction.
Organised by Greyhound Trader, the sales offer racegoers of all experiences the opportunity to purchase their own greyhound and place it in training with a Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) licensed trainer.
Spectators can bid for a greyhound that catches their eye either in-person at the stadium, online or via telephone.
Greyhound Trader co-founder Nathan Corden believes the sales will have a positive impact on greyhound racing’s interest locally and hopes bidders can unearth an Oxford-based champion.
“Every greyhound has its own story,” said Nathan. “Regardless of what level it competes at, the thrill and satisfaction of cheering on your own dog from trackside cannot be beaten.
“It’s why we’re encouraging racegoers yet to experience greyhound ownership to get involved by attending next week’s sales. Since launching Greyhound Trader, we’ve experienced a sharp rise in the number of people wanting to get involved with ownership.
“It can cost as little as £8 per day to have a dog in training and increasingly groups of friends and family are turning to owning a greyhound as a cost-effective way to share memorable moments together.
“Being an owner means you can visit your dog as often as you wish and help your chosen trainer and dedicated kennel hands with walks and day-to-day routines. Best of all, when your dog retires it can either enjoy life at your home or be put up for adoption through a rehoming centre.”
Founded in 2021, Greyhound Trader operates several on-track sales at UK greyhound racing venues annually.
It also hosts monthly online sales via its website with the aim of encouraging new people into the sport through affordable ownership opportunities.
Greyhounds sold at Greyhound Trader events in the last year which have gone on to win Open races – the highest grade of UK greyhound racing – include 2022 English Greyhound Derby finalist Savana Beau, Category One Puppy competition winner Antigua Sugar and Getwiththetimes who won at Oxford’s launch fixture.
“We want to make greyhound ownership accessible to everyone in the modern, digital, age,” said Nathan. “The atmosphere on the terraces at Oxford Stadium on opening weekend was truly electric.
“It’s our ambition to provide everyone in Oxfordshire with the opportunity to experience that buzz as a proud owner.
“For a group of eight people wishing to buy a greyhound, ownership costs fall under £10 per week per person. It’s extraordinary value for money, particularly in challenging times where budgets are squeezed by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
“Owners receive free passes to fixtures and have every reason to dream of one day owning a greyhound challenging for the £175,000 English Greyhound Derby first prize – it’s what dreams are made of.”
Oxford Stadium’s Greyhound Trader Sales event starts at 9am on Tuesday, September 13, with the first trials starting at 10am. Further information and advice about how to get involved on the day is available by clicking here.
