WHAT a night! Close to 2,000 spectators turned up to witness the final meeting at Oxford Stadium on Saturday,writes John Gaisford.

What was supposed to be a sad night turned into a night of celebration.

And if that wasn’t enough to appease the Oxford City councillors, nothing will as both greyhound and speedway fans fight to to keep the stadium as a leisure facility.

The attendance easily eclipsed the 1,600 Boxing Day turn-out and was a record crowd for general manager Maureen Ridley.

“I think we did ourselves proud. she said. “The staff were brilliant right to the end and many punters stayed behind for the disco until the early hours.

“Sadly there were some emotional scenes from younger members of the staff.”

There was some thrilling racing which included a dead-heat in the sixth race when the judges could not separate Builders Fantasy and MS Calypso.

Many punters, whose hard earned cash had gone to raising the jackpot pool to £8,500 were none too happy that it wasn’t paid on the night.

It could have gone to those who were still in it after three or four legs, but Ridley was told it would be transferred to another GRA track if not won.

All eyes will now be on prospective purchasers of the Stadium.

SATURDAY NIGHT’S RESULTS

7.35: 1 SALTHILL FOXY 5-2 jt fav, 2 Burwood Indy 8-1. Trio: (3x2x6). Trainer: Peckover. Time: 28.13. Aggie Jo (1) 5-2 jt fav.

7.50: 1 CRINKILL FLASH 5-2, 2 Wee Secret 2-1 fav. Trio: (4x6x2). Trainer: Clarke. Time: 27.93.

8.05: 1 URARD ROCKET 7-2, 2 Bound For Fun 3-1. Trio: (3x4x1). Trainer: Clarke. Time: 15.49. Gulleen Millie (2) 2-1 fav.

8.20: 1 TICKSY WICKSY 2-1 fav, 2 Phoenix Messi 9-4. Trio: (2x5x6). Trainer: Carter. Time: 38.13.

8.35: 1 PENNYS ZAC 2-1 fav, 2 Dustysmatejack 4-1. Trio: (6x2x5). Trainer: Magnasco. Time: 27.51.

8.50: 1 BUILDERS FANTASY 3-1, 2 Ms Calypso 5-2 fav. Trio: (3x5x4). Trainer: A Kibble. Time: 27.82.

9.05: 1 MILLBANK SEANIE 6-4 fav, 2 Saleen Tango 4-1. Trio: (6x3x5). Trainer: Bicknell. Time: 27.79.

9.20: 1 AERO PETREL 6-1, 2 Shilohs Battle 5-1. Trio: (3x2x6). Trainer: Hepden. Time: 27.77. Follow The Light (5) 9-4 fav.

9.35: 1 GENEVA COVE 8-1, 2 A Little Light 5-1. Trio: (2x4x3). Trainer: Massey. Time: 27.54. Pickles Found It (3) 2-1 fav.

9.50: 1 SLICK SINATRA 2-1 fav, 2 Geneva Robbie 5-1. Trio: (6x1x5). Trainer: Rayner. Time: 15.21.

10.05: 1 SHELBOURNE CHERI 5-2, 2 Uncle Des 3-1. Trio: (3x6x4). Trainer: Baker. Time: 37.46. Light The Way (2) 2-1 fav.

10.20: 1 MOORSTOWN MYSTIQ 2-1 fav, 2 Prima Facie 5-1. Trio: (3x4x2). Trainer: Baker. Time: 27.63.