Oxford Stadium Managing Director Kevin Boothby has been recognised for his services to greyhound racing by the Greyhound Writers’ Association (GWA).
Mr Boothby was named as the latest recipient of the ‘GWA Services to Greyhound Racing Award’ for his successful promotion at Towcester and Henlow plus the reopening of Suffolk Downs and exciting regeneration of Oxford Stadium.
Last year, Mr Boothby returned the prestigious £175,000 English Greyhound Derby to Towcester and has overseen the Northamptonshire venue’s development after it was placed into administration and forced to close in August 2018.
This spring, his latest track – Oxford Stadium – will reopen for the first time in almost a decade with the Cowley venue transformed into a seven-day-a-week community hub.
The stadium’s regeneration will bring back much-missed sports including greyhound racing, speedway and go-karting with facilities including a wellbeing centre, grandstand restaurant, sports bar, executive suites and a community café.
GWA Chairman Jonathan Hobbs said: “Congratulations to Kevin, for whom the award, voted for by GWA members, is fully deserved.
“Kevin is a passionate greyhound man and owner. His ‘Savana’ prefixed greyhounds have been an ever-present on the track for many years, but this award is more about Kevin Boothby, track promoter.
“Henlow has long been a staple of the greyhound calendar, but reopening Towcester after such a difficult time in terms of the bombshell of it falling into administration – and then continuing to operate through the pandemic – is one of the sport’s success stories.
“And while Towcester is, of course, to the fore when it comes to Kevin’s work in 2021, much of the year has been used to prepare for the reopening of Oxford and Suffolk Downs. We at the GWA wish him well with those businesses.
“Again, this shows Kevin’s utter commitment and love for the sport which makes him the perfect recipient of the GWA Services to Greyhound Racing award.”
Kevin Boothby added: “I’m very proud to receive this award from the GWA and grateful for their recognition.
“Greyhound Racing has been a huge part of my life and I’m passionate about delivering top quality racing while prioritising the welfare of these magnificent animals.
“I want the sport to reach its full potential in the UK by attracting new racegoers to our family-friendly race nights and educating younger audiences about the respect and care every greyhound receives.
“The regeneration of Oxford Stadium will play an important role in ensuring we fulfil this objective, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our facility soon.”
Other individuals recognised by the GWA include recently retired trainer Jo Burridge, Central Park Promoter Roger Cearns and Derby winning trainer Mark Wallis among others.
Oxford Stadium is a multi-purpose sports and events venue situated in Cowley, Oxford, which will reopen later this year.
