OXFORD Stadium has been rocked by the resignation of top trainer Michael Peterson.

Peterson, 28, champion trainer in 2010, comes from a long family dynasty in the greyhound world where his father, John, mother, Glenda, brother, John and grandfather, Dai Davies, have all been through the training ranks.

In fact, he was the youngest trainer to receive the Champion Trainers award at Cow- ley.

“As a 28-year-old living with in-laws and spending hardly any time with my fiancee and two children, I feel I’m missing out on something – and it’s the right time to make the decision,” said Peterson.

“Although very much family-orientated, the amount of work as a trainer is ridiculous supplying runners to two tracks.

“I want to watch my children grow up, get married and buy my own house.

“I am taking some time out, because after all, I am still young enough to say, come back in ten years’ time.

“I need to have a bit of a life. Currently, I haven’t got that.

“I would like to pay tribute to my owners who have been fantastic and the team around me who have been very supportive throughout.”

Peterson will quit at the end of May and now intends to put his complete kennels and greyhounds up for sale.

He currently has 100 hounds in the kennels at Ludgershall, near Aylesbury.

Meanwhile, Oxford will advertise the post for an experienced trainer who will have to track at least 30 hounds on the racing strength.