This month, Perry Barr and Doncaster will both host significant four and six-bend greyhound competitions, leading to a scheduling clash between the two tracks.
Perry Barr in the Midlands will launch the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger (710m) and the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup (480m) this Saturday. The following week, Doncaster will kick off the heats for both the Yorkshire Derby (483m) and the BGBF St Leger (661m).
These two venues represent opposing sides of the media rights divide, with Perry Barr aligned with PGR/TRP and Doncaster with SIS.
Liz Mort, chair of the British Greyhound Breeders Forum, acknowledged that the clash is not ideal but encouraged British-bred stayers to focus on Doncaster. She suggested that dogs unsuccessful at Perry Barr might consider competing at Doncaster the following week. Regardless of the outcome, she highlighted the importance of British-breds shining at Doncaster.
September is set to be a busy month for the BGBF and those involved with British-bred runners. Mort highlighted the ongoing Produce Stakes at Swindon, followed by the BGBF St Leger at Doncaster, a Category Two event featuring 24 dogs and bitches. Sponsored by SIS, this series is part of an ongoing program to support more competitions for British-bred greyhounds.
Entries for the Doncaster event close at noon on September 11, with heats beginning on Saturday, September 14, coinciding with the famous St Leger horse race also held at Doncaster. The semi-finals are scheduled for September 21, with the final on September 28, offering a £3,000 prize to the winner and £1,000 to the winning breeder.