THE current foul weather hit some Oxford greyhound trainers hard, so much so that several were not able to get to the track for Monday's trial session following the weekend storms.

Terry Atkins and Dave Egan, based at Hurst and Windsor respectively, were the worse hit, with it taking Egan nearly three hours to cover the normal hour's journey to Oxford on Tuesday.

Fortunately, the track is standing up well to the elements and it's recent expensive refurbishment is paying big dividends.

The neighbouring speedway track has been flooded, but it has made no difference to the greyhound surface, and it's running almost as well as the summer months.

Stadium track manager Alex Edwards said: "It's been brilliant so far. There's no doubt that had we had the same surface as last year, we would have been flooded out.

"The track has taken so much water it's unbelievable, but the new drainage system is coping very well. With so many meetings coming up we can't afford to lose one."

Meanwhile, the Stadium staff are gearing up for the next likely problem the arrival of frost.

Edwards added: "We still have salt in stock from last year, but a new consignment will be arriving next week and we are prepared for any eventuality."

The new BAGS contract gets under way on Wednesday, followed by the Friday and Sunday meetings next week.

What with the usual meetings on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, plus Monday trials, the Stadium has never been busier.