Oxford owners and trainers are in for a pre-Christmas boost with double prize money on offer at tomorrow's BAGS meeti- ng.

Racing manager Gary Baiden has decided to distribute an additional £2,384, which in effect doubles the normal prize money.

Baiden said: "With every contracted trainer having runners tomorrow, it will give them an extra chance to earn more money."

The total extra amount awarded to Oxford by the British Racing Greyhound Fund is £5,150.

On top of that, the Stadium has been allocated a further £2,500 to be used over the festive period. It seems like a happy Christmas all-round.

  • Bookmakers reported increased turnover for the Blanchford Building Supplies Oxfordshire Trophy final on Saturday.

The race was won by Bob Gilling's Reading charge Brickfield Class, who followed up his qualifying victory with another superb display, posting a magnificent 26.55.

Just for good measure, Gilling also landed the Ronseal Stakes with 14-1 shot Saigon Hero.

Former trainer Nick Colton won the Blanchford Building Supplies Stakes with a fine front-running display from Mystic Breeze, who won with plenty in hand.

  • Johnny and Trish Mayo were delighted to see Sailors Monk and Merlaboo Slippy get off the mark last week.

They have tended the pair since their arrival from Ireland at three months old.

Monk won the A8 in 27.80 and Slippy in an A9 in 28.20.

  • Dead heats used to be a rarity, but Oxford have had their far share lately.

Two came on Tuesday and there was a triple dead heat on Thursday with the stewards not having the benefit of the Mac finish system.

The jackpot pool reached just over £13,000 on Tuesday when it was shared by three lucky punters each taking home around £4,500 each.

  • Ron Bicknell has a decent addition to his kennel with the acquisition of Walthamstow grader Swhim- ascharl.
  • Terry Kibble takes a powerful quartet to Sittingbourne tomorrow to contest open races and should do well with Meenala Stewart, Sparta Flyer, Cottesloe Go On and No Charge.

Michael Peterson kept the Oxford flag flying when his Moss Hill won an open sprint at Coventry on Sunday. Paddy Curtin's Kyle Joey finished runner-up at Monmore.

  • FC Chequers, of the Witney & District FA, came out on top in the Sporting League at Thursday's meeting.

Having been allotted trap five in the competition for local sports clubs who take parties up to the stadium, they had three outright winners and featured in a triple dead-heat.