Oxford Stadium have welcomed the return of Friday racing – though this time it's in the afternoon rather than the evening.

In the new British Afternoon Greyhounds Service (BAGS) contract, Oxford will continue to race on Sundays, but they will also take in a Friday lunchtime BAGS meeting.

This comes as a result of swapping fixtures with sister track Hall Green, who will take Oxford’s existing Monday lunchtime meeting instead.

These changes, which will see Oxford's trials day returning to Monday, are expected to start on January 1.

Gary Baiden, Oxford Stadium's racing manager, said: ‘‘Wwe are very happy to have secured a contract for 2009 that includes two BAGS meetings.

"The swap of days will help, especially as it allows us to revert back to a Monday trial day.

"The award of another contract is due to the hard work from all the staff and trainers throughout 2008, and Oxford Stadium would like to thank them for all their efforts.’’ TOMORROW night's Stadium Bookmakers Standard race has attracted an exceptional field.

Among the runners are Oxfordshire Stakes champion Brickfield Class, Gold Cup winner Barnfield Joe and track specialists Positive Step and Lancelot. The 450m flat race starts at 9.45pm.

MICHAEL Peterson's Staneile is to be sent to Ireland for hurdling. His replacement is a stayer, Jet Heart Post.