A greyhound named in honour of Oxford United legend Joey Beauchamp will make its UK debut in front of 2,000 spectators when racing returns to Oxford Stadium after a decade tomorrow.
Oi Oi Joey will run from trap two in the Call Star Sports on 0800 521 321 Open over 450 metres at 8.10pm on Friday night as the Cowley venue hosts its first fixture in 3,534 days.
Trained by Marston-based Richard Baker, Oi Oi Joey has made a faultless start to his British career by winning all three trials he has participated in at Oxford Stadium.
Read again: Greyhound racing returns to Oxford Stadium
Fans paid tribute to the former U's winger when he died aged 50 in February.
Ahead of Friday’s race, Joey’s brother Mark said excitement was building.
“It took him a while to settle in and get used to his new surroundings, but he’s really developed in recent weeks, and we’re pleased with his trial times,” said Mr Beauchamp.
“He has a tough draw. Makeit An Alien (trap three) has shown he likes to run the rail and Adeles Johnjoe (trap one) is a quality trapper, so getting a good start will be important.
“We purchased Oi Oi Joey thinking he’d work his way up the grades, so to go straight into open class is unbelievable.
“Everyone in the syndicate has enjoyed getting involved, he gets more fusses and kisses than any other dog in Oxfordshire!
Hopefully our family walks have given a boost to his fitness, and he can finish the race in front.”
Read more: Tributes for Oxford United legend Joey Beauchamp
Friday’s race will provide a different challenge to the trial runs as the 22-month-old dog makes his competitive debut at open race level - the highest grade for greyhound racing in the UK.
Oi Oi Joey is owned by a 25-strong syndicate of either close family or friends to the Oxford United legend.
Oi Oi Joey will appear in the third of eight races scheduled at Oxford Stadium on Friday night to mark greyhound racing’s return to the city, with the first race starting at 7.30pm.
A second fixture with 10 races programmed will be held on Saturday, September 3, with racing scheduled for every weekend in the run up to Christmas excluding the first week of November due to local fireworks celebrations.
Among the facilities open on the night will be the Joey Beauchamp Bar.
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The bar has been adorned in Oxford United memorabilia and photos of Joey and opened its doors to the public for the first-time last month.
Mr Beauchamp added: “We’re really looking forward to the first night - and to have a runner on the card is just a bonus.
“It’s hugely exciting we’re at the stage where we can be planning nights out at Oxford Stadium again where Joey loved spending an evening with friends.
"We’ll all be cheering Oi Oi Joey on, and I expect we’ll blow the roof off if he manages to win.
“We’ll keep our fingers crossed and regardless of the result all we ask like every other owner and syndicate is he comes home safe.”
Tickets for Oxford Stadium’s opening greyhound racing fixture are on sale now and can be purchased from just £9 by clicking here.
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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