The owner of the last greyhound to win at Oxford Stadium has revealed his overwhelming joy after learning the multi-purpose venue will reopen this year.
Dave Reynolds was part of a capacity crowd at 10.20pm on December 29, 2012, when his dog Moorstown Mystiq lined up as 2/1 favourite in the evening’s final race.
Trained by Marston-based Richard Baker, Moorstown Mystiq held off the challenge of her five rivals to go down in Oxford Stadium history, winning the 480m flat contest by half-a-length.
Now, almost a decade on from the Cowley venue’s closure, it’s due to reopen and will serve as a seven-day-a-week community hub bringing back much missed sports, leisure activities and wellness projects.
“It’s great news Oxford Stadium is going to reopen, I’m so pleased for everyone involved and excited to attend the first meeting,” said Mr Reynolds. “I was raised around greyhound racing and to see Moorstown win the final race at my local track was a huge honour.
“I remember the final night like it was yesterday. She pinged from the traps and after that I couldn’t watch the race. I held my head up to the sky and prayed she’d make it around in front, which she did.
“The entire family owned Moorstown in a syndicate, it was a fitting send off having spent a lot of my childhood at Oxford Stadium.”
Moorstown Mystiq lived a happy retirement with Mr Reynolds and his two retired greyhounds Robyn Doll and Droopys Stowe.
Sadly, she had to be put to sleep at the end of 2021 due to deteriorating health aged 12.
Mr Reynolds added: “She was a lovely dog – like all greyhounds. They’re so affectionate and caring and I would trust them around everyone.
“Greyhounds are fantastic with children, they have the most wonderful temperament and my grandkids loved playing and taking her on walks.
“When her racing career ended, she came to live with me straight away and settled in wonderfully. She might have been fast on the track but at home she was so placid – a sleeping giant.
“She loved her routine, her bed and walking with Robyn and Stowe. We miss her greatly, but Moorstown lived a fabulous life, and she gave me and my family some fantastic memories we’ll never forget.”
Oxford Stadium is a multi-purpose sports and events venue situated in Cowley. It first opened in 1939 and hosted speedway and greyhound racing for 73 years before closing in 2012.
Managing Director Kevin Boothby secured a 10-year lease to return the stadium to its former glory in June 2021. It will re-open later this year.
For more information about rehoming retired greyhounds, visit Greyhound Trust – Finding homes for retired racing greyhounds since 1975 or contact the charity’s Oxford branch direct via oxford@greyhoundtrust.org.uk or 01865 374792.
