Oxford have been inundated with enquiries following last week’s call for potential contract trainers to get in touch.
The track expect to be ready for GBGB inspection by the end of March and Director of Racing James Chalkley is actively sorting through enquiries.
He said: “There have been enquiries from at least six tracks, including two of our own, Henlow and Towcester so there will undoubtedly be some trainers who are dual attached. It wouldn’t be appropriate to talk about the others, because although there are some who are clearly committed to joining us, while some of the others might just be testing out their options, which is understandable.
“What was particularly pleasing though was that a couple of the trainers who have been in touch are ex-Poole trainers who have decided to take out their licences again.
“It is likely that we will have to manage the racing strength is stages because as things stand, Oxford will only be racing twice a week until the end of the year. But from January onwards, it will be at least four or five meetings per week.”
On Wednesday Chalkley was given a demonstration of the new timing system which is partly funded by cash raised by volunteers in their battle to see greyhounds and speedway return to Sandy Lane.
He said: “It can be used for dogs and speedway and is very similar to the one in operation at Shelbourne Park. It will be situated in the centre of the circuit and will show the result, the winning time and a sectional to the third bend of the standard distance but could also be used for the sprint.
“If it operates as well as I am expecting it to, the plan is to introduce it at our other tracks.”
Meanwhile developments continue at a pace. Work has started on the kennels and paddock area. New carpet has been laid in the grandstand. Next week will see the arrival of the new running rail, 400 tons of sand and the new traps.
Promoter Kevin Boothby said: “Trainer Bob Baker has been brilliant. He has so much stuff which he took into store when the place closed, including things like the arms for the traps. It has been a huge help.”
A significant non-racing related event is due to be unveiled at the stadium next week.
Nathan Corden is due to forward proposals to GBGB for a series of Category One events to be held at Oxford during the year.
Given the number of competitions involved some are likely to be revivals of old events, while others may require entirely new competition titles.
Kevin Boothby said: “We’ve got six Cat Ones lined up including the Pall Mall which will be for £20,000 to the winner with plans for it ideally to be held in July.
“It is a case of then trying to find slots for other events that don’t clash. In all honesty, we’ve only scheduled six competitions, but with the sponsorship that we’ve been offered, it could be at least ten. There just won’t be enough months left in the year.”
