'Big blow for greyhound racing' as SIS cancels contracts at Oxford and Suffolk Downs

Sports Information Services (SIS) on Thursday announced it has dropped Oxford and Suffolk Downs from its schedule with effect from Monday, effectively ceasing operations at both.

Announcing a "streamlining and rationalisation of greyhound content", a statement from SIS said: "The move comes as the wider betting industry prepares for the impact of the changes to betting duty and taxation announced in the recent Autumn budget which has led to suggestions of significant contractions in the off-course market.

"The headline in the SIS changes is the cessation of coverage of racing at Oxford and Suffolk Downs with other UK and Irish tracks unaffected although alterations to schedules are likely to be announced down the line.

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“At SIS, our priority is to provide a greyhound schedule that delivers the highest quality of racing content.

“In light of recent UK regulatory changes and the financial implications on the wider industry ecosystem, we have taken the strategic decision to update our greyhound schedule to ensure we continue to operate in a profitable and sustainable manner.

“As a result, we have removed content from both Oxford and Suffolk Downs greyhound tracks with effect from Monday, April 6.

“SIS remains committed to delivering a premium greyhound offering to global operators. We are working closely with our existing promoter partners and Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) to fulfil our optimised schedule."

SIS said it did not want to add to its statement.

Kevin Boothby, promoter at Oxford and Suffolk Downs, pre-empted the SIS bombshell earlier in the morning.

In an email to staff and trainers, Boothby wrote: "With a heavy heart, I must share difficult news. Early this week, Richard Brankley from SIS [head of greyhound operations] informed me that our contract will end after this week’s racing. This means no further SIS racing from Oxford or Suffolk Downs after this week.

"The reason is that SIS has faced extreme losses over the last two years, forcing them to reduce their UK fixtures. Sadly, Oxford and Suffolk Downs are first affected.

"However, we are in talks with Premier Greyhound Racing to explore a potential contract. Though they are fully committed with existing tracks and schedules, we’ll know more by Tuesday next week.

"I want to deeply thank our loyal staff, trainers, and owners who have supported us at both tracks. This is a sad day and a big blow to greyhound racing. A major media company stepping back due to financial issues is disastrous for the sport.

"My heart goes out to all of you. We will fight for any opportunity, and I’ll keep you informed. I am devastated."

It is understood that both tracks have been effectively subsidised by SIS, with Boothby suffering from ill health.

The news will be a hammer blow in particular to Oxford, given Suffolk Downs already planned to switch to Premier Greyhound Racing from SIS. Arena Racing Company (Arc), which partners with PGR, acquired the lease for the track and will take it over in May, when it will revert to its original name of Mildenhall.

The other British SIS tracks are Doncaster, Harlow, Star Pelaw and Valley, with the latter likely to close in the short to medium term due to the Welsh ban on greyhound racing.

PGR managing director Garry Nash responded: "Premier Greyhound Racing notes with disappointment the sudden cessation of racing at Suffolk Downs and Oxford Stadium.

"This development represents a significant moment for the sport, and our immediate thoughts are with the staff, trainers and greyhounds affected.

"We recognise the challenges this situation creates for those directly impacted and encourage trainers and staff to engage with their nearest PGR track to explore potential opportunities within our network.

"At present we are assessing all options."

The GBGB is closely monitoring developments, with CEO Mark Bird saying: "GBGB understands why SIS has made this decision and shares its concerns about the situations at Oxford and Suffolk Downs.

"While Suffolk Downs was due to change hands next month regardless, Oxford's closure will be a real loss for our sport and the track will undoubtedly be missed by all its connections.

"With such a sudden closure, our priority is the welfare of the greyhounds connected to both tracks and we are also concerned for the staff and trainers who will be affected. We will ensure that our stipendiary staff are liaising with trainers and their staff as to the situation.

"Kevin [Boothby] has made a considerable impact on greyhound racing during his time in the sport, and everyone in it will remember the success he made of the Derby in the years he promoted it at Towcester."

Kevin Hutton, leading trainer at Oxford and based nearby in Burford, expressed his shock at the move.

"There had been rumours for some time as there always are nowadays," he said, "but for it to happen this quickly is tough. It's too soon to consider what my next move might be, I'll probably take a week to take stock.

"Getting back into Oxford when it reopened was perfect for the kennel, and the way things are with the cost of living – feed, fuel and everything else – means travelling long distances to tracks isn't very appealing."

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