Oxford Stadium will be the host venue of an exciting feature length documentary which will air later this year and uncover how greyhound racing operates in the sport’s new era.
The programme will offer viewers an unfiltered behind-the-scenes insight into greyhound racing and be produced by award-winning London-based production company Park the Bus.
Filming will take place through the summer months and document all aspects of the sport from what happens on the track to modern day regulation, rehoming and rearing of pups.
A major feature on the 2023 StarSports English Greyhound Derby will also be integrated into the programme which will feature ‘fly on the wall’ snippets from the team behind Oxford Stadium’s regeneration and its racegoers.
Kevin Boothby, Managing Director of Oxford Stadium, believes it is essential the public is exposed to all aspects of greyhound racing in its modern format amid campaigns to bring a phased end to the sport in the UK.
“We’re really pleased to partner with Park the Bus who have been granted unlimited filming access to document all elements of our sport and the people behind it,” said Kevin.
“This is a major opportunity for greyhound racing to stand up for itself and showcase exactly how we care for and look after these magnificent dogs contrary to staggering claims by organisations behind efforts to end the sport for good.
“At the same time, we mustn’t shy away or hide from the realities of participation which occasionally require our dedicated veterinary team to provide world-leading standards of care.
“Filming will be extensive and feature the input of everyone connected to the sport at Oxford Stadium including our trainers, owners, stewards, veterinary team and those who work behind the scenes.
“We look forward to watching the end product later this year and would like to thank Park the Bus for their interest in documenting greyhound racing.”
Founded in March 2019, Park the Bus has already published several productions for theatrical and video-on-demand purposes including ‘The Football Monologues’, ‘King Of Clubs’ and ‘In The Middle’ which is due for release in cinemas from March 31st.
“In The Middle’ recently won the Best Screenplay Award at the 2022 Paladino d’Oro Sports Film Festival in Palermo, Sicily – the oldest sports film festival in the world.
Director Greg Cruttwell added: “Greyhound racing has a great history in the UK, but it’s a sport many people – including myself – know very little about.
“We’re very excited by the potential of this documentary which will uncover those behind the sport and the regeneration of Oxford Stadium. We’ll also consider the reasons for greyhound racing’s recent decline, and what is being done to reverse trends of falling attendances and venue closures.
“Access of this kind has never been previously granted by a greyhound racing venue and as a sports fanatic myself we’re looking forward to the filming and production processes.”
Further information about Park the Bus is available online via its website – Park The Bus.
Filming for the new documentary will resume on Friday, March 10, when the Semi Finals of the Category One StarSports Galaxy competition begin. Tickets for racing that evening are on sale now and available to purchase via www.oxford-stadium.co.uk.
