There is some very mixed news for open race fans at the halfway stage of 2019 writes Floyd Amphlett.

Trying to compare like-with-like is virtually impossible but a few facts and figures help shine some light on the current state of the open race scene.

When it comes to sheer volume of open racing, the figures look healthy. To date this year there have been 2,144 opens up to June 30. That compares with 1,912 for the same period in 2018. That represents roughly 11% growth.

The figure is even more interesting when you consider that the 2018 figures included 119 races, incorporating the Greyhound Derby, at Towcester.

There is a further twist when you realise that those races haven’t actually been added onto Nottingham’s total. Indeed, even with the Derby included, Nottingham have actually staged fewer open races than at the same stage last year (248 from 271).

So where have the extra races come from?

The track to see the biggest increase is Central Park who have more than doubled their open race fixtures from 145 to 300. In fact, the Kent track staged precisely the same number of O/Rs as the most prolific open race venue of the last decade – Romford.

In terms of sheer volume, Hove are up to 237 (from 201), Crayford to 188 (from 128) and Sheffield have staged 275 from 230. Both Harlow and Henlow have virtually doubled their opens to 146 and 143 respectively.

Despite the extra races, the aggregated win prize money is down by nearly £18K. The reasons are not hard to find.

The Derby winner’s prize is actually down by £75K. The £8K Betfred Gymcrack Final was just one of 19 races not staged at Kinsley this year. Nor have we had the Gold Collar, which has been moved back to November.

Don’t expect any immediate rally in the second half of the year.

The loss of sponsors William Hill will see July’s schedule robbed of the £25K Classic with no £15K Grand Prix, Puppy Plate or Flyer.

Although a sponsor has been found for the £8,000 Ted Lloyd Classic, it is a sobering thought that 12 years ago, the two Sunderland events were worth £40K and £20K respectively.