Suffolk Downs will not race again this year, SIS tweaks schedule
PROMOTER Kevin Boothby has reiterated his commitment to resuming greyhound racing at fire-ravaged Suffolk Downs although detailed assessment of the damage caused by the major 30th July blaze has pushed any restart into 2025.
Boothby said: “The most important thing is that no one was injured when the fire broke out. We had already taken the decision to move that day's meeting to the Thursday because of the high daytime temperatures predicted so thankfully the stadium was virtually deserted.
"I went to the track on the Tuesday evening having learned of the fire and again the following day to see first hand the damage.
"Since then, we have been busy working with all the affected trainers so that they can continue racing and I’d like to that thank them for their support over the last couple of weeks.
"We are determined to race again at Suffolk Downs, but it will not be a quick return.
"Thankfully, the fire did not reach the kennels or the racing buildings, but the adjacent warehouse that stored the tractor and equipment, for the greyhound, speedway and stock cars has been totally destroyed.
"Asbestos that was in the roof will need specialist removal and the power intake for the whole site has been lost.
"Once these two major issues have been addressed a full structural survey will need to be carried out before we can start on working towards reopening.
"This is likely to take several months which in reality pushes a return to racing into 2025. I will continue to support all of the trainers affected by this.”
The absence of Suffolk Downs for the foreseeable future has seen SIS announce a number of medium-term changes to the schedule, beginning on Saturday 17th August when Towcester will replace Oxford for a morning meeting by bringing its afternoon fixture forward.
Oxford and Towcester respectively take Suffolk Downs' Monday and Tuesday afternoon slots with Towcester also now racing additionally on Thursday afternoons.
Jonathan Kay
The initial story detailing the fire and aftermath
On the impact the schedule Richard Brankley, SIS head of greyhound operations, commented: “Firstly I would echo Kevin's words in that thankfully there were no injuries.
"SIS remains committed to working with Kevin across all his tracks including his plans for Suffolk Downs.
"In the short-term, given the current state of racing in the UK it is sensible and responsible to accept that two fewer meetings a week will not have a major detrimental impact.
"We will continue to assist Kevin to accommodate Suffolk Downs runners.”
