A GREYHOUND in honour of Oxford United legend Joey Beauchamp is set to be one of the highlights when racing returns to Oxford Stadium next month.
Family and friends of Beauchamp have purchased a greyhound, named Oi Oi Joey, in readiness for racing coming back to Sandy Lane.
Following an almost decade-long absence, greyhound racing is set to return to the Cowley venue on August 26.
Racing will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings initially, stadium bosses announced earlier this month.
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Oi Oi Joey will be based with greyhound trainer Richard Baker at his kennels in Oxfordshire and run for The Joey Beauchamp Syndicate.
The syndicate is made up of 25 of Beauchamp’s closest members of family and friends, who have each contributed towards purchasing the greyhound ahead of Oxford Stadium’s first fixture.
Paul Woodburn, the man behind the syndicate, bought Oi Oi Joey after he won impressively on debut by nine lengths at Limerick Greyhound Stadium in Ireland.
Beauchamp was a regular visitor to Oxford Stadium, often visiting after U’s matches.
“Joey came alive at Oxford Stadium,” said Woodburn.
“Football was his career, but greyhound racing was his passion and if we can cheer on Oi Oi Joey with half of Joey’s enthusiasm then we’ll be onto a winner.
“Joey and I would travel straight from his Saturday fixture with Oxford United to the dogs, that’s how much he loved the sport.
“We both owned greyhounds from a young age and shared our passion for racing together.
“Oi Oi Joey is a fitting name – it’s what Joey would shout at the top of his voice from the Oxford Stadium terraces when one of his greyhounds crossed the line in front.
“It’s devastating what happened, but hopefully Oi Oi Joey can do us proud and create new memories for everyone who misses him so very much.”
The 18-month-old greyhound made his first visit to the Cowley venue to mark the launch of the Joey Beauchamp Bar inside the stadium’s main grandstand.
The bar has been adorned in United memorabilia and photos of Beauchamp, and opened its doors to the public for the first time on Monday.
It will remain open for all upcoming greyhound racing and speedway fixtures.
Beauchamp’s brother Luke said: “It’s been a really challenging few months for everybody. Joey was always attending meetings at Oxford Stadium and it’s really fitting the team has decided to open the Joey Beauchamp Bar in his honour, to keep Joey’s name alive.
“I really wish Joey could’ve seen the huge outpouring of love from the Oxford and wider footballing communities.”
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