Belle Vue had decided to delay greyhound racing’s 90th birthday celebrations – due to take place on July 24 will now take place on October 1.
GM Mick Hardy said: “There was too much going on squashed between the football and the Olympics and we felt it would be better to hold it on the darker nights.”
The track have opted to look after the graded runners with increased prize money on a 13 race card, but have not ruled out supplementing with a couple of Belle Vue staples, the Gorton Cup and Northern Flat if sponsors can be found. The meeting will be devoted to local themes of the past: the zoo, the fare, a flatcap competition, fancy dress etc etc.
Hardy added: “We will be raising money for a couple of charities including the RGT – plus probably Help the Heroes and a local worthy cause. It should be a great evening.”
The Oaks and Laurels final are confirmed for a live SKY night on December 14. Despite a number of enquiries, sponsors for both events are still to be found. Enquiries to the stadium please.
Racing manager Dave Brayshaw has seen a significant change in the condition of the track following recent major work on drainage.
He said: “We have traditionally had a problem with drainage, mainly between the first two bends but even in the centre of the track where puddles could hang around for days.
“The new system is all electronic and controlled from above ground and just pumps the water away. In the centre, the grass has been raised and grass seed planted to reduce the amount of water. We have had a lot of rain just recently and the difference in the condition of the track has been noticeable. Basically, the new system has worked exactly as was promised.”
The Zoo have adjusted prize money for all runners following the recent £60K prize money injection from live streaming. Brayshaw said: “It averages out at around £4 per runner but I wanted to review the split between the different grades anyway so some might have gained £5, while others have only gone up by £3.”
