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Two Category One competitions confirmed for January – and Monday fixtures switched to evenings

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Oxford Stadium will host additional Greyhound Racing fixtures in 2023 following the sport’s successful relaunch in the city a decade after it had seemingly been lost forever.

The Cowley venue – also home to the world-famous Oxford Cheetahs and Frank Bruno Foundation centre – has increased its weekly greyhound racing schedule from three meetings per week to four.

Fixtures will now be held every Monday evening from 6.17pm with Tuesdays and Thursdays hosting 12-race cards from 10.46am. A fourth meeting scheduled for Friday evenings from 6.17pm which will be televised globally via Racing Post Greyhound TV.

A fifth meeting held on Saturday evenings is also likely to be introduced from February to target families and friends in search of a fun and alternative night out with all restaurant and hospitality provisions open to the public.

James Chalkley, Director of Racing at Oxford Stadium, welcomed the expansion and said the move will contribute significantly towards Oxford becoming a self-sustaining multi-purpose venue.

“We’ve been really encouraged by the start greyhound racing has made in Oxford and expanding our race programme is a great way to begin the new year,” said James.

“Our two Gala Race Nights proved to us there is a demand for greyhound racing locally among both enthusiasts of the sport and occasional racegoers looking for a fun night out.

“The track has settled in nicely and we are confident in our ability to provide one of the safest running surfaces in the country for our much-valued trainers and owners as part of this expansion.

“We’d like to extend our appreciation to anyone who has been trackside during our first four months of operation and hope to welcome many more in years to come.”

The Stadium has also confirmed two Category One competitions – the highest grade of UK greyhound racing – will be held in January with £10,000 on offer to the winner of each event.

The BGBF British Bred Puppy Cup over 450m and the WKH Development Services Diamond Stakes over 847m will run on consecutive Friday nights from January 13-27.

It follows the successful staging of the RPGTV Cowley Puppy Collar and bet365 Challenge Cup, which were won by 2023 English Greyhound Derby ante-post favourite FromPostToPillar and Hunt Cup champion Chelms Cub.

James added: “We promised to deliver the best action on track for greyhound racing enthusiasts across the UK to get stuck into.

“The RPGTV Cowley Puppy Collar and bet365 Challenge Cup fulfilled this promise and we look forward to hosting more major competitions this year, starting with another Puppy Cup and the Diamond Stakes.

“All races will be broadcast online and increase our reach to not just local racegoers, but viewers watching around the world too.”

Admission for Oxford Stadium’s fixtures on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays is free to everyone while prices for Friday night meetings have been frozen at £9 online or £12 on the door. Further information about Oxford Stadium is available online via www.oxford-stadium.co.uk.

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