NEW Oaks sponsor Colin Davey has announced that kennelhands of the finalists in the bitches’ Classic, which starts at Swindon on Sunday, will each receive £1,000.
Under the banner of his company Property192, Davey stepped into the back the Oaks last month when the event looked in danger of not being run in 2020.
Supporting the event to the tune of £25,000 – including a first prize of £15,000 and an additional £5,000 to the winning trainer – kennel staff have now been rewarded.
“It’s just something I feel is important, especially in the very difficult times,” explained Davey, a longtime greyhound owner and now big-race sponsor.
“Kennelhands work long hours, starting out early and in some instances after racing not getting back until the early hours of the morning.
“For many it’s surely a labour of love, but something like the Oaks is the perfect race to reward those at the sharp end. I’ve been in contact with Swindon to ensure this happens.
“The Oaks is alongside the Derby as hugely important races in the GBGB Calendar,” he added. “From a breeding perspective, especially, it is massively important.
“Trainers who I’ve spoken to feel there’s not really been enough bitches-only races in 2020, but the Property192 Oaks at Swindon should be a real end-of-season celebration.
“It’s fantastic that every single race will be live on TV with RPGTV and Sky Sports Racing showcasing the event – and I’m sure we’ll see some high-quality racing.”
Entries closed on Monday and Swindon reports plenty of interest in the competition, which starts with 12 heats on Sunday, live on RPGTV.
Davey is the owner of one-time leading Derby fancy Ballymac Inspeed, who is currently recovering from injury at John Mullins’ kennel.
A return to the track has not been completely ruled out, but Davey plans to stand the Liam Dowling-bred May 18 son of Definate Opinion and Ballymac Razl at stud.
“He’s with John [Mullins] and enjoying life. He’s coming along nicely, but I’m not really fussed whether he returns to the track or not, because his stud potential is great.”
