With no marathon Cat 1 events currently in the 2024 open race calendar (The TV Trophy is still to be confirmed with Entain and PGR both ruling themselves out of the running) Henlow Racing promoter Kevin Boothby is considering running a series of races for a select group of elite endurance racers.
He said: “We know there is a fairly small group of marathon stars, so I am suggesting a series of perhaps four races, two at Oxford (847m) and two at Towcester (942m) for the same six greyhound. Each race would carry points, as well as a decent winner’s prize.
“The dog with the most points at the end of the series would get a trophy and additional big cash prize.
“I think there are lots of things going for it. As someone who has owned marathon dogs, I know how frustrating it is when races don’t fill.
“These could be guaranteed to fill and because the distances and tracks are so different, you wouldn’t necessarily have the same dogs dominating at each track.
“Inevitably there would be injuries, off-colours or bitches coming into season, at which point one or more of the runners would have to be replaced. But otherwise it would be the same six greyhounds who would be well known to everyone and hopefully very competitive. You could build some big profiles around the runners which could appeal to the larger public.
“I mentioned it to Mark Wallis and he thought it was a good idea but I am looking for further discussion from owners and trainers.
“I still intend to run the Galaxy Marathon but was told by GBGB that there was no need to include it in the calendar at this stage, as a marathon can easily be slipped in between other Cat One competitions, and of course we will definitely be running the Dorando.”
The Towcester promoter is confident that the 2024 Star Sports English Derby will be the biggest staged since he took over the track.
He said: “Given what is happening with Irish Derby being put back a couple of months, I can see 2024 getting a record breaking entry and I gather a number of Irish trainers have already committed to being here.
“We will really push the boat out for next year and make it the best yet.”
One option being considered is the possibility of using an event accommodation partner to supply temporary accommodation (tents and yurts) to enable a weekend festival.
He said: “That might be possible because it would be ‘an event’. I still have loads of pods and tents here that were brought for last year but the local council have done nothing but try to obstruct me. We could bring a huge amount of trade to the town but they don’t seem bothered.”
* The fact that the trialstakes for the Bet365 Challenge Cup attracted 59 entries only adds to Boothby’s frustration that the GBGB have doubled down on confining almost all Category One events to 36 runners.
He said: “It is absolute madness. Confined to 36, that would be 23 pissed off owners who would have put their dogs aside for this. A nonsense rule especially when we will over 100 entries for the Maiden Derby at Towcester.
“How about the sponsors? They are getting one less round for their moPersonally, I think it is a personal GBGB vendetta against me and you can quote me on that. It is utter nonsense.”
* Meanwhile Boothby continues to engage with the Oxford community. He is sponsoring the match ball for the Oxford United home game against Reading on Feb 3 with the Oxford team invited to the track that evening. He has also set the speedway world alight by announcing a new Premiership team, the Oxford Spires.
Monmore are mourning the loss of one of their most popular and supportive owners, Martin Lloyd.
Racing Manager Tony Williamson said: “Martin was a loyal owner with Paul Sallis and big supporter of Monmore with ownership and the sponsorship of the Joyce Lloyd Memorial.
“Before that, he had dogs with Mark Wallis, one which brought him success was Plan Ahead. After leaving Mark, the dog went to Paul and finished third in the 2018 Gold Cup Final.
“Probably his proudest moment was winning Arc graded greyhound of the year with a prolific winner Cold Mountain. Martin will be sadly missed by Paul and Esther and the team and all of at Monmore.”
Next Tuesday sees the first round of the £10,000 BGRF British Bred Derby at Sheffield – entries close at noon on Friday.
One of the leading fancies for the event, Queen Joni was given a first sighter of the circuit yesterday. The Produce Stakes winner and Swindon track record holder clocked a very satisfactory 15.92.
