NICK Carter says he can’t wait to get started after being appointed as a new trainer by bosses at Oxford Stadium.

Currently training at Harlow, he will become the fifth trainer at Cowley to be dual attached and with over 80 greyhounds (including some retired) in his Essex kennels, will be well-placed to suit Oxford’s needs.

With Oxford’s racing strength dropping to a low of 315, the 30-odd dogs he will bring here will push the numbers up to an ideal 350.

Racing manager Gary Baiden said: “Nick comes highly recommended and will put us back on track in fulfilling a normal race programme.”

Carter, who is based at Langley, near Slough is looking forward to his new challenge.

“It’s a new opportunity and can open doors,” he said.

“Currently, I only have two meetings a week at Harlow, so with double that amount at Oxford I will get more runs for my dogs. “Obviously, I have owners in the Essex area, and as long they are on board, I will happily stay dually attached.”

He added: “I will start with 30 dogs at Oxford and hopefully build up from there.”

  • OXFORD favourite Jolly Poacher will be attempting to triumph in an unprecedented third major final in the Blanchford Oxfordshire Gold Cup at the Sandy Lane track next month.

Poacher, who has lifted the trophy in the last two years, is currently suffering from a calf strain.

However, his trainer Nick Colton (pictured right) hopes to have him ready in time to create history as no other dog has ever celebrated three Gold Cups wins on the trot.

He is expected to be joined in the event locally by Tipp Are Back and Pats Cash.

Meanwhile, Terry Kibble’s kennels have struck form of late.

Kilcarrig Tiny has completed a four-timer, with Ballyer Bullet hitting a three-timer, while Gilly Hepden’s Barn Owl has also recorded three wins on the spin.

  • OXFORD Stadium will feature in the new ITV series of the popular Lewis.

Filming is due to start shortly and will include a six-dog trial from the track.