Another step forward for Suffolk after a marathon trials session
SUFFOLK DOWNS has moved closer to a racing return after a full trials session on Thursday although there is still work to be done before the provisional November resumption at a venue which last raced in summer 2024 before a devastating fire hit.
Richard Brankley, head of greyhound operations for SIS which holds the track's media rights, said: “It was another big step forward for Suffolk Downs.
"It was a marathon trials session with those dogs who had previously raced at the circuit quickly re-familiarising themselves – none better than Lee and Tony Gifkins’ Capel Rose, who clocked 45.26sec over the 716m trip which was a couple of lengths quicker than her last run around the track two years ago.
"Michelle Brown's Tomahawk was quickest of the day over the standard 388m trip with a fine 23.72sec but I think biggest takeaway from the day was the camaraderie of so many returning trainers which was great to see."
On a general basis after two trials sessions, the racing infrastructure is working well but there remains an issue with the positioning of the camera to cover the action.
Brankley explained: "Realistically, Suffolk Downs has never been the prettiest with the stock car circuit in the middle of the track, although after Sunday this pauses until March next year.
"However, there have been a few structural changes to the site that have impacted the camera view that will need to be improved going forward and we continue to work on possible solutions."
It is anticipated that Suffolk Downs will return to SIS schedules with twice-weekly meetings initially.
Jonathan Kay