Oxford owners and trainers, who have been seeking better prize money for years, have received a boost for next year.

The British Greyhound Racing Fund, which backs the tracks and allocated Oxford £41,000 this year, are to increase that amount to £50,000 next year with extra prize money for graded racing.

At almost £1,000 added prize money per week, it will help to ease the spiralling costs in the industry.

Meanwhile, the racing office at Cowley have given a pat on the back to the trainers.

Racing operations manager Gary Baiden gave them the chance two months ago to increase their kennel strengths when Paul Walden and David Egan left. He promised he would not take another trainer i favthey could fill the void - and they have.

The strength is at a reasonable mark now and there are no plans to bring in another trainer.

However, new grading times will be introduced in January for hounds two-years-old and over, the mark will be 28.40 and for puppies 28.60.