Oxford Stadium will celebrate the return of greyhound racing to the city by hosting two major Category One competitions this year as part of the multi-purpose’s venue’s launch.
Competitions for 48 greyhounds over 450 metres and 645 metres have been announced, with the winning owners of each event receiving a £10,000 first prize. The move has been made possible thanks to a significant investment by bet365 into UK greyhound racing.
The betting firm will sponsor two highest graded competitions at both Oxford and its sister track Towcester Racecourse, home of the prestigious English Greyhound Derby, as part of the agreement.
All races will be broadcast globally via SIS and Racing Post Greyhound TV, the industry’s dedicated channel for live racing.
Kevin Boothby, Managing Director at Oxford Stadium, said: “Attracting greyhounds of the highest quality and rewarding their owners with good prize money is important to the venue’s success.
“We’re pleased to partner with bet365 and look forward to hosting some of the country’s best greyhounds at our two Category One competitions this year,” said Kevin. “We want Oxford Stadium to boast the wow factor when people enter our doors for the first time in over a decade.
“Top quality greyhound racing coupled with the return of speedway and much-needed community programmes will help us to fulfil this ambition and we are grateful to bet365 for their support.
“There is a lost generation within Oxfordshire communities of people who have never experienced the thrill of live racing before. We want to tap into that audience and demonstrate how much greyhounds enjoy their racing and the care and attention they receive both onsite and at home with their trainers.
“It’s an exciting time for the sport and we look forward to hosting visitors trackside very soon.”
A bet365 spokesperson added: “We are delighted to support competitions across UK greyhound racing and are confident customers around the world will enjoy top quality racing as a result of our long-term commitment.
“This sponsorship showcases the commitment we have to greyhound racing as well as the tracks and people involved.”
Further information about both Category One competitions at Oxford Stadium will be revealed this summer.
