Boothby announces decision to leave Towcester in November

KEVIN BOOTHBY has decided to end his association with Towcester and will leave at the end of November after more than five years running the track.

Mike Davis took over operation of the whole Towcester site earlier this year with Boothby signing an initial short-term agreement to continue operating the greyhound racing programme.

In announcing his decision, Boothby expressed a determination to concentrate on operating Oxford along with the imminent reopening of Suffolk Downs.

Boothby commented: “I'll be leaving with a sense of mixed emotions while being incredibly proud of all the people – staff, trainers and owners - that have shared in this adventure. It has been a hell of a roller coaster ride. 

"The obvious highs have been the fantastic Derbys that have unfolded over my time at the track along with top competitions and a regular Sunday open-race pilgrimage for many. 

"On darker days, the size and cost of running a site the size of Towcester has been daunting in the current financial climate.

"The original intention was for me to maintain operating greyhound racing as part of a wider programme of events with Mike [Davis] under a new lease but, unfortunately, the relationship has not materialised as I thought it would and I will not be seeking an extension to the agreement. 

"Alongside continuing to operate Oxford I will now focus on re-opening Suffolk Downs with work at the track progressing well. 

"This will provide the opportunity for any trainers and staff to be accommodated and should further opportunities present themselves then who is to say another track might not also be reopening. 

"As for Towcester, Mike will take up the baton and I am sure the whole sport wishes him well as thoughts turn to the staging of the 2026 English Derby.”

Boothby resurrected greyhound racing at Towcester in 2020 two years after the previous incarnation fell into administration, but was immediately faced with the challenges of the Covid pandemic and associated lockdowns and restrictions which precluded spectators from attending. 

Undaunted, the track not only returned but quickly established itself as the new home of the English Derby in partnership with Star Sports with subsequent renewals being widely lauded as societal normality returned.

The running of the racing operation will fall to Davis' company Orchestrate from 1st November.

Davis had already taken over the marketing and hospitality side of the venue ahead of this year's Derby and appointed Richard Thomas as chief executive with the ex-Chester boss bringing a wealth of experience.

Davis said “This is an exciting time for Towcester. I want to make sure the venue becomes a focal point for the local community and ensure greyhound racing is a central part of that."

Richard Brankley, head of greyhound operations for SIS, said: “Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to Kevin for delivering some of the most memorable Derby finals and indeed competitions in living memory. These things do not happen by chance. 

"Nor should anyone forget that we have enjoyed these Derbys at Towcester as well as seeing racing return to Oxford and Mildenhall [Suffolk Downs], solely down to the personal passion and enthusiasm that Kevin has for this sport. 

"He would be the first to admit that not everything has gone to plan or as well as it could have at every stage, but to re-open three greyhound tracks with the restricted finances of a standalone business whilst enduring the impact of Covid and dealing with the increase in cost-of-living pressures is a truly remarkable feat.

"The operating costs of running Towcester can be eye-watering and I believe it is a pragmatic and correct decision by Kevin to take this opportunity to be released from his commitment there.  I look forward to continuing working with him at Oxford and Suffolk Downs."

Of any impact on the SIS schedule, Brankley added: "I don't expect any change to the volume of weekly racing on the SIS greyhound service but there will be some minor changes to meeting slots over the coming months to accommodate the re-opening of Suffolk Downs. 

"Additionally, Star Pelaw is set to move to three meetings a week later this autumn and, following on from the successful debut of Thurles last month, I expect further Irish additions to the service to follow.”