Bookmaker Steve Harris, after just a month on the rails at Cowley, has praised the professionalism of the staff at Oxford Stadium.

And he just about has his head in front at the moment.

Suitably impressed, he has promised to sponsor a major competition here next year.

He's confident that when Reading trainer Richard Yeates has settled in, we should see some punters from the Berkshire track heading this way.

Yeates, who took up his post on Wednesday, was pleased with the trial of his highly-promising Fine Lord who posted 27.20 before racing on Tuesday.

  • MOTOR-SERV, one of the biggest car parts-accessories outlets in the Thames Valley Area is sponsoring tonight's 12 race card.

They are taking up all three executive suites, and it appears that Oxford have gained a new major sponsor.

  • IT was a bonus night for owners on Thursday when all runners received an extra £10 courtesy of the British Greyhound Racing Fund.
  • ANGIE Kibble, who pulled off an open race double with Isle of Tara and Admiral Benbow on Tuesday, is delighted with litter from the top class Fragrant Blossom.

In fact, she is so delighted that she is waiting for her to come into season and travel to Ireland to be mated again.

The first litter by Droopys Woods, Run For Cover, Admiral Benbow, Kingsbrook Ciara, Pewseys Pride and Fragrant Rose, have come on in leaps and bounds and are all near top grade.

  • MAFIA Man, Jumping Jack Judd and Silverduff Jet have all completed a hat-trick of victories for trainers Paddy Curtin, Paul Clarke and Ian Wills respectively.

Jet also reached the final of the £2,000 Henlow Maiden Derby.

  • ONLY 40 of the 400 racing strength at Cowley are qualified to run over six bends, the lowest of all tracks owned by the Greyhound Racing Association.