Racing manager Gary Baiden has been forced to appoint a new professional trainer.

Richard Baker, whose kennels are near Marston, will take up the post next month because seven of the current trainers are failing to supply the contracted number of 20 hounds for grading.

Baiden said: “I needed to take a look at the situation when five trainers failed to trial any new dogs at Monday’s session.

“For the last six months, the seven trainers have been below the required number, so I had to act to maintain a workable strength for the four meetings each week.

“I am finding it very difficult to maintain the 360 strength I need for the week’s racing.

“The Sunday BAGS has suffered because it is the last card to be graded and has proved troublesome with only 110-120 to select from.”

Baker is no stranger to Oxford and has been on the waiting list for five years.

He races at Henlow after previously being at Reading and Coventry.

He hopes to provide 25 hounds for grading and has invested in some new property for his retired greyhounds.

Oxford now boasts 16 full-time trainers of which Nick Colton and Michael Peterson are dual attached.

PADDY Curtin continues to set the pace in the race for the Champion Trainers title.

He has a ten-winner lead over holder Michael Peterson.

However, former six-time champion Angie Kibble sent out the most winners 26, last month and holds third spot.

Current standings: Curtin (21 winners last month), 195, Peterson (21) 185, A Kibble (26) 148, Tony Magnasco (13) 136, Maurice Massey (13) 136, Gilly Hepden (16) 114, Nick Colton (7) 110, Terry Kibble (17) 99, Ron Bicknell, (5), Bob Hannan (9) 87, Steve Rayner (5) 72, Terry Atkins (6) 62, Richard Yeates (8) 52, Johnny Mayo (10), 51, Ian Wills (8) 44.

KINGSBROOK Lea, probably one of the late trainer Gloria Stringer's best greyhounds, has died aged 11.

The black dog was best known for his runners-up spot behind El Ronan in the 2001 Oxfordshire Gold Cup final.

Lea spent most of his retirement with owner Ron Watkins on his allotment.

THURSDAY night was anything but blue for trainer Bob Hannan last week.

He sent four winners, Blue Rose Lady (4-1), Blue Risky (3-1), Bluejay Risky (5-1) and Angel Risky (9-4).

The last three were from the same May 2008 litter by Too Risky and Swift Cotton.

THE Angie Kibble-trained Larkhill Boy looks a very useful addition to the stayers’ strength after a sparkling 37.25 trial on Monday.

Nick Colton’s Jolly Poacher zipped round the two bends in 15.10 following a rest period.