Oxford trainers thought they were in for a New Year’s present from the GBGB in as much they were reducing the licence fees next year.

However, it appears a double -edged sword as now trainers have to pay £60 for an annual vets visit.

The racing office will be looking for more than 40 hounds to be added to the racing strength next month to cover the Christmas meetings.

The racing manager is trying to get all trainers to achieve 70 per cent of their strengths.

However, another big problem is that the lower grades far outweigh the top graders making life difficult.

Trainer Steve Rayner enjoyed a superb 700-1 four-timer at Sunday’s BAGS.

He took the first three races with Eagles Storm (7-2), Blue Natalie (8-1) and Moonveen Paris (4-1), and three races later Glyncross Edna 4-1, completed the quartet.

Angie Kibble also had three winners.

Richard Baker has sent his top bitch Ballymac Class to Ireland to mate with stud dog Ace High Rumble.

Gilly Hepden has a promising new recruit from Ireland in Right Speed, while Ian Wills is pleased with newcomer Confident Niel and reckons she will make top heat here.