Paws will be swapped for trainers on New Year’s Day at Oxford Stadium when it hosts its first human race in aid of local good causes as part of a major race night to be broadcast globally.
The Sandy Lane venue will cap a bumper 11-race programme of greyhound racing where over one thousand spectators are forecast to be trackside with a special event featuring a host of local personalities.
Already confirmed to race are two of the city’s sporting mascots – Nobby of Oxford Speedway and Olly The Ox from Oxford United.
The stadium will be represented by a local trainer whose identity will be revealed on the night and there will be a chance for racegoers to get involved, with the final position being auctioned off on the night with proceeds from the auction supporting a local greyhound homing charity. The two remaining runners will be confirmed shortly!
Kevin Boothby, Managing Director of Oxford Stadium, said the venue’s New Year’s Day race night will ensure the third year of the Sandy Lane venue’s regeneration starts with a bang.
“Our regular racegoers are well-accustomed to watching our four-legged stars of the sand perform to the highest level,” said Kevin. “But we’re yet to establish who has the quickest feet in the city, and so our New Year’s Day human race will decide just that!
“Even better, all participants are invited to raise funds in support of a cause which means something to them. We’ll be monitoring the ability of each competitor closely and handicapping the race accordingly, so everyone has a chance of being first to the bunny at the finish line.
“We’re especially grateful to Oxford United for their support of the race which I’m sure many people can’t wait to see.”
Admission for the evening has been slashed to just £2 with all U16s entering free to make it accessible for families in search of a fun, family friendly, night out.
Included in all advanced bookings is entry into the stadium’s New Year’s Day raffle with prizes including VIP tickets to speedway fixtures later in the year, spaces in the venue’s grandstand restaurant and a bonus cash prize of £100.
It will mark the first of monthly planned ‘Gala’ race nights at Oxford Stadium through 2024 and follows the success of its inaugural National Greyhound Week fixture where 1,500 people raised a glass to the one-year anniversary of greyhound racing’s return to the city.
Kevin added: “Greyhound racing in Oxford is thriving and we’re extremely proud how our great sport is firmly back in the heart of Oxfordshire’s sporting landscape.
“We have a bumper festive programme of racing scheduled, including the Category One bet365 Challenge Cup and our Boxing Day special. If you’re yet to experience racing, we couldn’t recommend it enough.”
Tickets for Oxford Stadium’s New Year’s Day Gala race night are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here. Doors open at 5pm with the first race due off at 6.17pm. The charity human race will begin at 9.30pm.
