THERE are at least three potential buyers of Oxford Stadium waiting to pounce, according to former Shelbourne Stud manager Bryan King.

King, a leading light on the greyhound breeding side, who lives locally, said: “Three interested parties could be in line to buy the stadium and continue both greyhound racing and re-start speedway at Oxford.”

The three are Ladbrokes, former owner Don Joyce and Nick Budimir, who has runners at Oxford.

King continued: “The Greyhound Racing Association (GRA) are really part of a building company, not a leisure company any more.

“My feeling is that they are running certain tracks down.

“After speaking to Nick Budimir, he sees no reason why speedway and greyhounds can’t run side by side at the track.

“The probable reason why there is no speedway at the track is that any promoter would want a decent length of contract.

“So obviously it was not in the interests of the current owners to offer one when trying to get planning permission to build homes on the site.”

Meanwhile, staff and greyhound fans were infuriated when it was suggested that Oxford Stadium was not making a profit at the consultation meeting held in Blackbird Leys this week.

Although the stadium owners could be making even more money if they staged speedway again, most greyhound tracks would give their right arm for Oxford.

Its two weekly BAGS meetings bring income touching almost £1m a year.

Speedway alone was reckoned to be worth in excess of £50,000 during the season.

Under manager Maureen Ridley profits have increased for the last five years.

John Alcock, head of the Oxford Owners Association said: “How can a popular designated leisure facility supported by the council even be considered for planning?”

There will be many staff, trainers and owners and punters, not to mention at least 500 greyhounds wondering what the future holds.

Not only that, the stadium also boasts a dance studio and taekwondo, which again will affect many local people.

There is also a motorcycle training school based in the stadium car park, the closure of which could affect on industry across the region.

  • FRIDAY sees the first of the new night’s racing having taken over from Thursdays.

The move is to improve profitability, and management will be monitoring the effect of the changeover at the end of the month.