The Greyhound Regulatory Board has today confirmed that Oxford Stadium has been granted its Racecourse Licence, under the GBGB Rules of Racing and Conditions of Licence.

Paul Illingworth, Senior Stipendiary Steward at the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, said:

“As part of our regulatory processes, we have been conducting regular visits to Oxford Stadium to inspect their preparations and ensure everything is in place for racing to begin. This has meant working closely with Kevin Boothby and his team, as well as bringing in experts at STRI, to ensure the track and facilities meet high standards we expect across our sport. We are pleased that, following an inspection this week, the Greyhound Regulatory Board has formally granted the stadium its Racecourse Licence, which will now be able to usher in a new and existing generation of racing fans. 

“Greyhound racing has been an intrinsic part of the UK’s sporting landscape for almost a century and we are delighted that it will be returning to Oxford. I know that the opening of the stadium is being met with much excitement and anticipation, particularly after the challenges of the pandemic, and we are looking forward to seeing it go from strength to strength as trials get underway from 16 August. We would like to congratulate the team there and wish them a very successful start.”

Kevin Boothby, Oxford Stadium Managing Director, said:

“It’s been an extraordinary challenge but it’s with great relief and pride to confirm Oxford Stadium is now a GBGB licensed stadium with racing returning in September.

“This is a huge moment for the stadium as we look to establish a new home for top quality UK greyhound racing where the welfare and care of our sport’s superstars will forever be our highest priority. Oxford Stadium will deliver the wow factor to our trainers, much-valued owners and the public whose support of our regeneration project has been truly overwhelming.

“We look forward to hosting racegoers on Friday, September 2, and beginning trials next week which form part of our thorough process to guarantee we can deliver a safe and secure racing environment.”