The schedules for a series of major open race competitions were released earlier today. They include:
English Oaks, 476m, Swindon
Commences: Thursday 7th October
Final: Sunday 24th October
(second round and semi-final dates to be confirmed)
St Leger, 710m, Perry Barr
Heats: Thursday 16th September
Semi-finals: Thursday 23rd September
Final: Thursday 30th September
GBGB Managing Director and Open Race Planning Committee Chair, Mark Bird, said:
“The Committee agreed that the dates for the St Leger and Oaks should be set as soon as possible to allow owners and trainers to plan ahead for these revered events. This will also assist the Committee and other tracks with scheduling using these competitions and the Derby as foundations.
“We are pleased that ARC and Swindon have responded so promptly and shown their commitment to these Classic races.”
Rachel Corden, Greyhound Operations Director for ARC, said:
“We are looking forward to staging another great St Leger competition at Perry Barr this year and are totally committed to the open race events we announced in November.”
GBGB are now asking all tracks to submit details for their ‘established events’ (i.e. those that took place at the track in 2020 or 2019). These events will be announced once they have been organised into a cohesive schedule. Tracks will then be requested to submit any new events for 2021, which GBGB will incorporate into the schedule wherever possible and will aim to publish a list of races for 2021 by mid-February.
BGBF Breeders Stakes,500m Nottingham
Heats: Monday 8th March
Heats: Monday 15th March
Heats: Monday 22nd March
Northern Puppy Derby, 480m, Newcastle
Heats: Wednesday 17th March
Heats: Wednesday 24th March
Heats: Wednesday 31st March
