OXFORD Stadium has hired a racing manager to ensure ‘the highest levels of integrity, welfare and care’ are met when greyhound racing makes its expected return this summer.
Kiaran O’Brien will oversee all aspects of the racing office at the Cowley venue, with support from assistants, stewards and veterinary staff.
O’Brien will be responsible for operating race nights in line with the Greyhound Board of Great Britain’s strict rules and regulations.
READ ALSO: Karl Robinson addresses links with jobs elsewhere
He said: “This is an exceptionally fantastic opportunity which I cannot wait to get stuck into.
“Oxford Stadium is a greyhound track with outstanding potential given its history and location, and we want to bring back the good times by attracting crowds the sport became accustomed to during its heyday.
“That means making greyhound racing appeal to everyone and placing Oxford Stadium at the very heart of people’s plans for Friday and Saturday nights.
“This will be a big challenge for the team as competition for the leisure pound has never been greater.
“Therefore, it’s our responsibility to deliver our customers with the best race night experience possible and make them part of our exciting regeneration project.
“Oxford has always been a popular greyhound racing venue.”
Oxford Stadium hosted its last race in December 2012, and it is expected greyhound racing will return to in July, with trials beginning in June.
O’Brien was stadium managing director Kevin Boothby’s first racing manager at Henlow in 2004.
He has owned racing greyhounds since the 1990s, including Irish Grand National winner, Joe Bananas.
READ MORE: Andy Lewis leads way in tricky conditions + Aunt Sally week four results
“Greyhound welfare will always be our biggest priority at Oxford Stadium,” O’Brien said.
“We are committed to providing every dog with an enjoyable life through their racing careers and in retirement.
“Racing is in their blood, and no greyhound will ever be forced to run for the entertainment of others.
“As an owner of a retired greyhound myself, I wish one day the welfare requirements for domestics pets in the UK is taken as seriously as they are across greyhound racing.
“Greyhounds are the true stars of our sport, and will we cut no corners in providing every dog with the care and attention they deserve.
“We’ll also be engaging with the community to educate people about how we care for and love our dogs.”
Oxford Stadium reopened last month, after first operating in 1939.
The Sandy Lane venue hosted speedway and greyhound racing for 73 years, before closing in 2012.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here