‘Vital’ that the Derby be seen

“One way or another, the Derby will definitely be broadcast. It is critical for the industry that it is, in one shape or form or another. If necessary we will resurrect the on-line service, Towcester TV.”

Towcester promoter Kevin Boothby remained defiant that this year’s Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby will be available to view on screen following the announcement on Monday that Sporty Stuff TV (RPGTV) will cease operating on March 31.

All three of Boothby’s tracks – Oxford, Suffolk Downs and Towcester are currently hosts for the satellite broadcaster. While it is rumoured that a phoenix channel, with reduced greyhound racing content, will emerge in the aftermath of Sporty Stuff’s demise,  that seems unlikely to happen prior to the start of the sport’s major spectacle in May.

Boothby said: “I think the channel has lost its way a bit, editorially, but it keeps so many people interested in the sport who don’t live near a track, including a lot of owners.

“On-line isn’t ideal though we made a decent job of it before and had roaming cameras and ran interviews as part of the service.”

Even with the internal internet broadcast, the off-course audience will probably be the lowest in years with no agreement in place to show the Derby in Entain shops or on its digital service.

Boothby said: “This could be one of the best Derbys in years. With the Irish Derby being delayed until November, I am expecting a full entry of 192 runners, plus reserves. The early ticket sales are going very well and following the Maiden Derby, the main event is almost on us.”

Boothby has also confirmed that following the closure of Sporty Stuff, a number of major events planned for either Friday or Sunday meetings will be transferred to Saturdays.

One event that is already destined for Saturday evenings – and live TV coverage – is the TV Trophy from Oxford. Entries close on Wednesday with Boothby’s Queen Mother Cup winner Savana Heross among the confirmed entries.

Gracie still dominates

Coppice Gracie continued her domination for the BGBF British Breeders Stakes with another impressive semi final win, though the decider has a Fenwick v Ferguson look to it with the Newcastle trainer and Yorkshire trainer breeder sending out all six finalists between them including FOUR Acomb littermates.

Tony Brealey – owner of the favourite – took a series of head-on photos showing how the runners positioned themselves in each semi.

The final will be supported by the £1,500 BGBF British Breeders Sprint with only three quarters of a length between the two semi final winners.

Keefill George  clocked 18.02 in the first semi, while locally bred and trained pup Fabulous Tempo won for the second time in four races in the other qualifer.  Final draw.

Bresbet Gymcrack/Steel City bonus

Bookmakers Bresbet have stepped in to sponsor the £17,500 to winner Gymcrack at Sheffield – and they’ve thrown in a huge bonus.

Racing Manager Andrew Mascarenhas said: “Not only have Bresbet agreed to sponsor the Gymcrack, but they have also agreed to double the winner’s prize of their other event – the Steel City Cup – if the same greyhound goes on to win both. Effectively a £10,000 bonus.”

The Bresbet Gymcrack – open to May puppies and younger – gets underway on Sunday April 7 and concludes a fortnight later.

Springbok scrapped

After receiving only nine entries of the 24 planned entries, Hove RM Rob Abrey has reluctantly decided to cancel this year’s Springbok.

He said: “It is so disappointing. We have tried hard to raise the level of interest but the numbers just weren’t there. It seemed disrespectful to the history of the competition to stage it for nine runners so we have decided that it won’t go ahead.

“I would like to remain hopeful that it might be resurrected later in the year but I’m not hopeful.”

Opens

Thursday: Hove ♦ Suffolk Downs ♦ Swindon

Friday: Romford