Champion trainer elect Ian Wills is ready to pop the bubbly after stretching his lead over title holder and nearest rival Paddy Curtin last month.

With a 50 plus lead and only a couple of weeks to go, Wills, who already has over 300 winners, is riding high.

Six other trainers have passed the 200 winner mark - Curtin (279), Angie Kibble (249), Ron Bicknell (228), Terry Kibble (219), Michael Peterson (210) and Tony Magnasco (202).

Certain to join them by the end of the month are Gilly Hepden and Maurice Massey, currently on 194.

Wills took his tally last month to 324, 55 winners ahead of Curtin with the remainder: Gloria Stringer 178, Johnny Mayo 178, Robert Hannan 163, Terry Atkins 126, Paul Carke 91.

More awards in the offing concern the Greyhound and Bitch of the Year award by the racing office.

They have narrowed the choice for the dog of the year down to three, Appleford Al trained by Angie Kibble, Sparta Flyer (Terry Kibble) and Regthefruitcake (Robert Hannan).

The latter tops the wins list with 13 victories.

There is no mention of the bitches award so far.

The stadium lost a lucrative BAGS meeting to the frost on Wednesday.

Despite the track being treated with almost half a ton of salt at the weekend, Jack Frost had the last word.

Mind you, if as reported it was watered before Tuesday's meeting, it certainly wouldn't have helped with it being around minus 4C during the night.

There is speculation that Stock Car racing may replace speedway at the Stadium.

With the new type of safety fencing needed, it would be almost impossible to view greyhound racing down the back straight.

The popular Xmas Bonus Sweepstakes, which give owners and trainers a boost thanks to cash from the British Greyhound Racing Fund, will continue until the end of the month.

Patrons are reminded the Boxing Day meeting will start at 1pm and not the usual 11am .

Trainer Paddy Curtin is looking to lose four stone in the New Year and is looking for sponsors.

Any cash raised will go the Oxford Retired Greyhound Trust.