The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has today published its Open Race calendar for 2023 featuring an exciting schedule of Category One events including new competitions.
For the first time a full roadmap for the racing year ahead has been produced by the Open Race Planning Committee following an extensive review which set out to alleviate pressure around planning events, better manage potential clashes and bring an end to a two-part calendar.
Working in collaboration with tracks, sponsors and promoters, this joined-up approach has also helped facilitate an increase in Category One competitions around the country, creating more opportunities across each of the sport’s categories.
GBGB’s Racing Operations Executive Scott Harvey said: “We want to give owners and trainers every chance of top-flight success, and that’s starting with the pups. So, in 2023 there will be a Cat One puppy event each month, excluding June which is when the Greyhound Derby takes centre stage.
“Giving trainers a full year’s calendar will allow them to plan properly and identify the best opportunities for them and their greyhounds. It’s a comprehensive programme which offers something for everyone.”
In April, Sheffield will stage a new competition for young dogs, the Steel City Puppy Derby, followed by The Gymcrack at Kinsley which returns after a five-year hiatus. The RPGTV Cowley Puppy Collar renews again next October, won a few weeks ago by Liz McNair’s exciting prospect Fromposttopillar.
The marathon division also receives a welcome boost with new events at Oxford – the Diamond Stakes in January and Galaxy Marathon in March – both to be staged over 845 metres.
Harvey added: “With Oxford reopening there was always going to be an increase in open race competitions next year, and it’s fantastic to see events like the Pall Mall return home to the Sandy Lane circuit – a competition rich in history, first staged at Harringay in 1935.
“To have a Category One list as structured and as varied as this before the end of the year adds a real level of reassurance. We can now look forward to the prospect of seeing our favourite greyhounds compete against each other at the tracks in 2023.”
CATEGORY ONE
