KATHY Russek, a stalwart owner at Oxford for many years and committed supporter of cancer charities during that time, is appealing to the Oxford greyhound fraternity to support the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home.

She is organising a charity meeting at Oxford on Saturday, May 28 following the recent death of her husband Peter.

She said: “They were absolutely marvelous with Peter and have been looking after me ever since, so I want raise a nice amount for the hospice.”

She has brought the likes of racing stars Bob Champion, Tony McCoy, Desert Orchid, Aldaniti and Corbiere to Oxford for previous charity events.

Race sponsorships for local trainers cost £100, businesses £200 and dogs at £10 each. Anyone interested parties should contact her on Kathy.Russek@ live.co.uk or 01628 482682.

  • BAGS supremo John Johnson’s initiative of adding some spice to the racing appears to be paying off with a rekindled interest in the mostly daytime meetings.

Johnson has introduced sponsorship to give every BAGS track’s owners and trainers the chance to compete in a £500 race. Oxford stage their first race next month.