THE Richard Yeates kennel received a double boost this week with Freedom Emma whelping a litter of five (four bitches and a dog) to Derby winner Westmead Hawk.

Then at Monday’s trial session, newcomer Roseville Bullet posted a superb 27.01secs with a 3.72 sectional in his first trial in England.

The Irish import is a new acquisition for the shrewd partnership of Mick Lowe and Pete Dawson and looks something special.

It was bought following a phone call from Ireland when the vendor apparently said buy it now or it will cost you £20,000 after another run.

Let’s hope he was super confident and not uttering a bit of Irish blarney!

  • PUNTERS can look forward to seeing some of the top jockeys in the country later in the year as Oxford host an Injured Jockeys Fund night.

National Hunt legend Tony McCoy was guest of honour the last time they staged a meeting here ten years ago which raised over £5,000.

  • FOLLOWING preliminary investigations into the running of Price Tag (Bob Hannan) and Swift Primrose (Nick Carter) a few weeks ago, the local stewards have referred the hearing to the stipendary steward.
  • INTERESTING fact that uncovers the origin of the name Pall Mall, Oxford's biggest race of the year.

Apparently it was a lawn game played in the 16th and 17th centuries, a precursor to croquet. So now you know.

  • OXFORD Stadium will undergo a Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) annual inspection of the paddock including areas such as kennels and air conditioning.

Inspections will be carried out before and during racing to ensure that the welfare of the greyhounds is as it should be.