GRA boss Clive Feltham has confirmed that he is still to determine where the Greyhound Derby will be held next year – but it will not be at a GRA track writes Floyd Amphlett.
With Wimbledon’s owners Galliard Homes having called time on the Plough Lane lease, the stadium WILL close in July, Feltham is already seeking an alternative venue with the integrity of the event his prime concern. (The ‘Greyhound Derby’ title is owned by Feltham’s GRA Acquisitions)
He said: “I have been talking to different people about where the Derby will be run next year, assuming somebody wants to take it on. My priority is to do what is best for greyhound racing. We will licence the event to the most suitable venue in terms of facilities and race distance, and somebody who can find a suitable sponsor. But we will not be looking to make any money for doing so. It certainly won’t be at one of our tracks.”
So who are the likely contenders to stage the 2017 Derby?
Feltham said: “I don’t think there can be more than five or six: Hove, Sheffield, Nottingham, Towcester, Monmore, and Newcastle are the obvoius ones; whichever is the best option. Attendances are not a major factor, with SKY and RPGTV coverage, you only really need to cater for 2,000 people.”
And the favourite is. . .
“I honestly haven’t decided yet. I am still speaking to different people. I repeat, it will be what is best for greyhound racing as a whole.”
