Oxford's champion Ian Wills received further recognition when he was also voted the Midland's trainer-of-the-year at the Midland Greyhound Ball in Birmingham on Sunday.

Wills, who is based at Forest Hill, guided well over 300 winners last year to lift the title for the first time.

Also on the honours list was Oxford's Jenny Hebborn, who received an award for homing the most retired hounds in the region in 2007.

And to complete a nice treble for the Oxford track Laura Buckland, who works for Gilly Hepden, was named as kennel hand of the year.

The Stadium's 29 per cent tote retention was not lost on Racing Post editor Jim Cremin in his review of the Oxford track.

Cremin, who is reviewing all tracks and facilities visited Cowley during Cheltenham week and was unimpressed with the tote issue which caused a major loss of votes.

However, he still gave Oxford 37 points out of 50, as they finished ahead of Poole 35 and Crayford 36.

Trainers are reminded therewill be no trial sessions next week due to the re-sanding of the track.

George Cannon, 94, a lifetime stadium stalwart and the track's oldest owner, is recovering in hospital after a fall. In fact, he can't wait to get back to his twice weekly golf sessions at Frilford.

Isle Of Tara, trained by Angie Kibble, is being aimed at the Produce Stakes at Swindon next month, while Maurice Massey's Positive Step takes in an open here on Tuesday.

Futher Back and Hycos Tiger from the retiring Gloria Stringer's range have joined Gilly Hepden, while Pursue Vieri and Roxys Lady have gone to Robert Hannan.

OXFORD stage open racing for the next two weeks, but the events planned for April 22 and 29 have been shelved to give local owners more chance of a runner following the loss of the Wednesday BAGS date.

Run For Silver (Ian Wills), proved the fastest over four bends at Monday's trial session, but watch out for Michael Peterson's Finchogue Tutzy who posted 27.29.

In all, 34 hounds were graded on, bringing the total strength up to 405.

Broken hock victim Appleford Al is making great progress and connections hope he will be back racing in three months.Lowfield Bobby celebrates with connections after completing 100 races at Sandy Lane. Trainer Johhny Mayo is pictured holding Bobby, while Trish Mayo (far right) looks on