A £500 cash donation was made to Crossing Cottage Greyhound Sanctuary by Oxford Stadium thanks to an extraordinary late burst of speed by a dog racing in support of the charity’s work.
David Elcock trained GetWithTheTimes was fortuitously selected by the stadium’s Golden Wheel to run for the trust ahead of the Wolvercote Stayers’ Trophy Open over 650 metres.
The Wheel operates at the Cowley venue’s Friday and Saturday evening fixtures and allows racegoers the opportunity to win up to £500 if the colour they are allocated matches the jacket of the greyhound that wins the following race.
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One race at every fixture is dedicated to supporting a local or industry charity. After four winless races, The Wheel’s jackpot was increased to £500 ahead of the charity race.
GetWithTheTimes appeared to be unlikely to bring home the money when entering the first of six bends in fifth. But the three-year-old recovered to draw upsides race leader Coppice Brewer entering the final straight before winning by a length.
Oxford Stadium MD Kevin Boothby said GetWithTheTimes’ victory was the most celebrated of the night.
“The Wheel has been a tremendous success and helped to really engage our racegoers with the action on track during our weekend fixtures,” said Kevin. “We’re a community-focused venue and are therefore keen to give back to local groups.
“Our twice weekly charity races do just that. We cannot guarantee how much money will be on offer, nor which greyhound the charity will be supporting – but the excitement all contributes to a fun, alternative, evening out.
“It looked like GetWithTheTimes had blown Crossing Cottage Greyhound Sanctuary’s chances of scooping a quick £500, but she raced bravely to the line and we were overjoyed to see her become the first charity winner.”
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Owned and managed by John and Judith Morton, Crossing Cottage Greyhound Sanctuary near Newark, east Midlands, provides modern, purpose-built, kennels capable of providing a comfortable temporary home for up to 30 retired greyhounds.
The pair have been rehoming greyhounds since 2000 and invite visitors to meet dogs in search of a forever home, offer expert advice to prospective owners, carry out home checks and arrange adoption dates.
Greyhounds based at Crossing Cottage Greyhound Sanctuary can be rehomed for just £175 with the fee including a leather greyhound collar and lead, muzzle, house collar, identity disc, four weeks free insurance, 15kg bag of greyhound food, health check and vaccinations.
Mrs Morton said: “Greyhounds are the original low-maintenance companion animal. They are intelligent, affectionate, dogs and make fantastic pets for owners of all ages and experiences.
“Since launching our rehoming centre, 2,500 greyhounds have gone on to life healthy and happy lives in retirement. We are open seven days a week and are always on the lookout for volunteers to assist with care, event organisation and fundraising.
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“We’d like to thank Oxford Stadium for choosing us as their nominated Spin The Wheel charity and GetWithTheTimes whose amazing late burst of speed netted us an unexpected and welcome donation.”
Further information about Crossing Cottage Greyhound Sanctuary and its work is available via its website - Home | rgteastmidlands.co.uk.
Charities interested in taking part in The Wheel on Friday and Saturday nights can contact the stadium via info@oxford-stadium.co.uk or call 01865 966900.
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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
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