Oxford Stadium has announced that its first greyhound racing fixtures since 2012 have been postponed.

Speedway returned to the Blackbird Leys stadium in April and has been a big success.

The return of greyhound racing has been welcomed by sports fans but it has been opposed by some animal rights activists.

Read again: Greyhound racing will return to Oxford Stadium

The fixtures planned for the end of the month are not going ahead, the stadium has confirmed.

Oxford Mail:

A spokesman said: "Oxford Stadium can confirm our first scheduled greyhound racing fixtures on Friday, August 26, and Saturday, August 27, have been postponed. 

"The decision has been made to guarantee all facilities connected to greyhound racing have been tried and thoroughly tested before the first race meeting takes place.

"We would like to apologise to anyone who has been inconvenienced by this decision and confirm all ticketholders will be eligible for a full refund or transfer.

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"Further information about our new launch night for greyhound racing will be confirmed as soon as possible via our website and social media channels."

Kevin Boothby is the managing director of Oxford Stadium and has brought it back to life after it remained derelict for a decade.

Oxford Mail:

Speedway returned to the stadium in April following a 15-year absence, while a bar at the site has been named in honour of the late Oxford United legend Joey Beauchamp.

Last month Mr Boothby said he expected more than 2,000 punters to be trackside to watch the greyhounds on the opening night and was planning to increase the venue’s capacity to cope with demand.

Oxford Mail:

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He said at the time: "Subject to the completion of a Greyhound Board of Great Britain inspection this month, Oxford Stadium will proudly open its doors to racegoers in August."

He added: "We’ve experienced an overwhelming response for the return of speedway, and we forecast similar demand when greyhound racing returns to Sandy Lane.

Oxford Mail:

“We are leaving no stone unturned concerning the redevelopment of our racing facilities so we can guarantee welfare standards at Oxford Stadium will meet world-leading standards."

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF