GRA boss Clive Feltham reports a decent start to the year for his four tracks, but points out the picture is quite complex.

He said: “Saturdays are showing very good numbers. But Fridays are disappointing.

“Also, January was down on last year, though last January was particularly strong.

“Overall the picture is quite complex. Quite why people don’t want to go out on Fridays is a mystery. In some cases, the prices are the same as Saturday, in other cases, they are set lower.

“It doesn’t seem to make the slightest difference and the results are the same across the country, from Belle Vue to Wimbledon.”

Feltham is not anticipating any change in the Wimbledon situation any time soon.

Galliard Homes’ plans to develop the site are due to go before Merton Council in either April or May.

Feltham believes that even an immediate ‘slam dunk’ for the plan for 610 units would take a year to implement, but the realistic time line is so much longer.

He said: “I don’t think anyone believes for one second that it will all be sorted at that meeting.”

Feltham concurs to the view that even if approved by Merton, local residents objections would lead to an appeal, almost certain intervention by the Environment Agency, on the flooding issues, and the Greater London Authority.

Allowing for further revised plans to be submitted, there is also uncertainty on whether NAMA would call in the non-recourse loan.

Feltham said: “It is not hard to see this dragging out over a minimum of two to three years.”

*Meanwhile Feltham was praised by Crayford racing manager Danny Rayment for allowing the Gold Collar to return to the south of England, as reported yesterday.

Rayment said: “I’d also like to express my gratitude to Clive Feltham for allowing us to take over the rights to the Gold Collar and I’m really looking forward to bringing the competition back home to the area.

“Having started my career in greyhound racing at Catford it was always the highlight of the year at the old track and as well as myself and my deputy Graham Banks having come from Catford.

“We do of course still have long time sponsor of the competition, John Humphreys, as one of our track bookmakers here.”