SIS reacts to industry pressures with new streamlined schedule

SIS has announced a streamlining and rationalisation of greyhound content which will be reflected in schedules from Easter Monday onwards.

The move comes as the wider betting industry prepares for the impact of the changes to betting duty and taxation announced in the recent Autumn Budget which has led to suggestions of significant contractions in the off-course market.

The headline in the SIS changes is the cessation of coverage of racing at Oxford and Suffolk Downs with other UK and Irish tracks unaffected although alterations to schedules are likely to be announced down the line.

A statement from SIS said: “At SIS, our priority is to provide a greyhound schedule that delivers the highest quality of racing content.

“In light of recent UK regulatory changes and the financial implications on the wider industry ecosystem, we have taken the strategic decision to update our greyhound schedule to ensure we continue to operate in a profitable and sustainable manner.

“As a result, we have removed content from both Oxford and Suffolk Downs greyhound tracks with effect from Monday 6th April.

“SIS remains committed to delivering a premium greyhound offering to global operators. We are working closely with our existing promoter partners and Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) to fulfil our optimised schedule."

It is understood that both venues are likely to cease racing, in the short-term at least, at the end of their association with SIS with Oxford having cancelled Saturday evening's meeting which was to have featured the Maiden Derby heats.

Mark Bird, chief executive of the GBGB, said: "GBGB understands why SIS has made this decision and shares their concerns about the situations at Oxford and Suffolk Downs. 

"While Suffolk Downs was due to change hands next month regardless, Oxford's closure will be a real loss for our sport and the track will undoubtedly be missed by all its connections.

"With such a sudden closure, our priority is the welfare of the greyhounds connected to both tracks and we are also concerned for the staff and trainers who will be affected. 

"We will ensure that our Stipendiary staff are liaising with trainers and their staff as to the situation.

"Kevin [Boothby, promoter] has made a considerable impact on greyhound racing during his time in the sport, and everyone in the sport will remember the success he made of the Derby in the years he promoted it at Towcester."