Sean Traynor, spokesman for the sponsors, has confirmed that the GAIN Greyhound Nutrition Three Steps To Victory will now take place at Sheffield in September.
He said: “Following discussions with the stadium management, and them now being able to allow the public through the gates, I am delighted that we are able to confirm the Three Steps To Victory on the dates previously stated. The event remains part of our continued commitment to greyhound sponsorship in Britain.
“Obviously, everything is subject to there being no changes in local authority regulations, in which case we would still go ahead, but delay the event until November. Hopefully that doesn’t happen.”
Confirmation of the event will be a huge boost for the owners and trainers of Britain’s most versatile top class performers. The hugely popular event has been won in recent years by a string of outstanding hounds including Bull Run Button, Swift Hansel, Geelo Sapphire, Patchys Kerry and Farneys Cookie.
Once again worth £10K to the winner, the three steps kicks off with the 480m heats on Tuesday September 15, the 500m semi finals take place the following Tuesday with the 660m decider set for Tuesday September 29. The closing date is Friday 11th.
Unfortunately there will be no GAIN GTA Trainers Championship meeting this year.
Traynor said: “Unfortunately, I think we have run out of time. No trainers would want to try to squeeze it in prior to the Derby in October. I haven’t spoken to Dave Houfton about it, but I don’t see any other option. But we remain committed to the event, and hopefully can run it again next year.”
