Shawfield are hoping to stage their RPGTV Scottish Derby around a month later than last year with GBGB shortly to announce the remaining open race schedule for the first half of 2019 writes Floyd Amphlett.
The problems have arisen for a combination of factors, but centred around the Star Sports/ARC/LPS English Derby. Nottingham were not awarded the fixture until the middle of December and are still to find the optimum slot for a five week event.
Not only do they have to work with their neighbours, the Nottingham racecourse, but they would also be keen to move the final back to the traditional ‘Saturday in late June’. The 2018 decider at Towcester concluded on June 2 to avoid the World Cup.
Last year’s RPGTV Scottish Derby Final took place on April 14, though it has proven a moveable feast in recent years with dates as early as April 2 through to May 21.
Shawfield racing manager Daniel Rankin said: “Everything evolves around the English Derby but our provisional dates – which I stress are still to be confirmed – are an April 27 first round, with semis on May 4, and final on May 11.
“Obviously the sooner we know the better because trainers will want to know when to have their dogs ready and whether to plan to get a couple of races into them before the start of the competition.”
We understand that the event will have a £20,000 first prize though some of the supporting prize money will be reduced and while the supporting 500m competition is due to take place, there will be no puppy competition.
