👀 GENERAL NEWS in 2024 👀

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PRESS RELEASE: AYOZAT TO RELAUNCH SPORTY STUFF TV

Media and streaming company

Ayozat have announced plans to relaunch Sportystuff TV which was due to go off air at the end of the month.

More details will presumably follow. In the meantime here is the link to the press release

Link to press release
HERE


ayozat.co.uk/our-story

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<<< ‘Vital’ that the Derby be seen >>>

“One way or another, the Derby will definitely be broadcast. It is critical for the industry that it is, in one shape or form or another. If necessary we will resurrect the on-line service, Towcester TV.”

Towcester promoter Kevin Boothby remained defiant that this year’s Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby will be available to view on screen following the announcement on Monday that Sporty Stuff TV (RPGTV) will cease operating on March 31.

All three of Boothby’s tracks – Oxford, Suffolk Downs and Towcester are currently hosts for the satellite broadcaster. While it is rumoured that a phoenix channel, with reduced greyhound racing content, will emerge in the aftermath of Sporty Stuff’s demise, that seems unlikely to happen prior to the start of the sport’s major spectacle in May.

Boothby said: “I think the channel has lost its way a bit, editorially, but it keeps so many people interested in the sport who don’t live near a track, including a lot of owners.

“On-line isn’t ideal though we made a decent job of it before and had roaming cameras and ran interviews as part of the service.”

Even with the internal internet broadcast, the off-course audience will probably be the lowest in years with no agreement in place to show the Derby in Entain shops or on its digital service.

Boothby said: “This could be one of the best Derbys in years. With the Irish Derby being delayed until November, I am expecting a full entry of 192 runners, plus reserves. The early ticket sales are going very well and following the Maiden Derby, the main event is almost on us.”

Boothby has also confirmed that following the closure of Sporty Stuff, a number of major events planned for either Friday or Sunday meetings will be transferred to Saturdays.

One event that is already destined for Saturday evenings – and live TV coverage – is the TV Trophy from Oxford. Entries close on Wednesday with Boothby’s Queen Mother Cup winner Savana Heross among the confirmed entries.

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Mick the Miller`s mosaic
(saved from the the old Plough Lane, Wimbledon greyhound stadium)
was unveiled today.

Thanks to all who helped save it.

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BRITISH PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

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GBGB ‘likely’ to suspend forfeit rule.....


It seems likely that GBGB will suspend its use of Rule 173 (ii) while it carries out an urgent review of drug testing.

The high profile ‘cocaine positives’ for Winter Derby winner Churchfield Syd and Oaks winner No Rush have sent shockwaves through the industry.

Peter Harnden, the trainers representative on GBGB has warned that his colleagues are becoming increasingly concerned about presenting their dogs for drugs tests.

He said: “This has got out of hand and has done huge damage to the reputation of the industry. Drug testing is supposed to demonstrate the integrity of the sport. It is doing the opposite. We look like a sport full of drugs cheats. Even the Greyhound Forum has had to speak up. And I know that even some of the stipes are upset about it.

“I have heard, but not been officially told, that the levels of drug being detected are so small that it would be impossible to see them with the naked eye. In fact, they are probably air bound. It is no good the disciplinary committee fining trainers in circumstances where environment contamination is the only likely explanation for the drug being found.

“I have spoken to connections of both the greyhounds that you have highlighted and they have said that the fear of getting a positive test have taken all the shine off a big race win.

“Also, huge amounts of prize money are being forfeited. Reputations are in danger of being ruined. You can dress it up how you like but once the story is out there that one of your dogs has tested positive for cocaine, nobody is interested that it might be 20 parts per billion.

“Nobody wants cheats to prosper but these people aren’t cheats. In my experience there are very few cheats in this industry. All that this situation does is allow that very small number to hide them among the innocent people.”

“Thankfully, I understand that work has been going on behind the scenes to take account of accidental contamination and I am expecting a statement will be issued by GBGB shortly.

“In the meantime, the only sensible solution is to immediately suspend Rule 173 (ii) which automatically disqualifies the greyhound.

“By all means, if it is ultimately proven that it is a genuine doping, take the race off them at the enquiry. But if the positive is found to be accident contamination, they shouldn’t lose the race.

“That isn’t about being soft on drugs. This is about natural justice.”

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