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Minutes of the OOA committee meeting held on Tuesday 11th March 2003

Members present: S. Locke-Hart, L. Howe, J. Alcock, C. Birch, J. Hebborn, M. Nixon, I. Smith
The General Manager, Mr J. Snowden was in attendance.

1. The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 4th February 2003 were agreed as being a true record of that meeting.
2. Matters arising:
a) GM has received the NGRC report compiled by Mr J Haynes. This recommended the introduction of an air management system similar to that at Walthamstow. This system will cost about £15,000.
b) Quotations have been received for the installation of a "curtain" at the pickup. A more appropriate type of squeaker is currently being considered for the hare.
c) The reintroduction of 645m races and hurdle races could occur if a sufficient number of greyhounds should ever become available. It was noted that the hurdles are in need of replacement/repair.
d) GM confirmed that the racing office is fully aware of GRA policy concerning the upgrading of winning greyhounds, a policy, which is consistently, implemented at other GRA tracks. He was confident that this had improved at Oxford and invited notification of any future occasion on which this policy was ignored.
e) The formation of a properly constituted RGT Committee remains at an embryonic stage. It was suggested that those currently performing such sterling work in rehoming ex racing greyhounds could combine with stadium representatives and be housed within the Stadium. This would provide the best possible opportunity for NGRC documents to be completed and returned, thus meeting NGRC requirements, besides providing an easily accessible focal point for owners and trainers. GM forcefully confirmed his longlasting and total commitment to greyhound welfare.
f) The disproportionate allocation of greyhounds competing at BAGS meetings has been addressed.
g) OOA advertisement has yet again been omitted from this evening's programme.
h) The organisation of a social event for OOA members was again discussed. Previous events have been enjoyable and well attended. A Sunday in April was suggested with a buffet and disco. GM offered to be as helpful as possible. Admission would be free to members and their partner, with a £5 charge for additional guests. Strict control of the tickets must be a major factor this year.

AOB
1. An increase in GRA prize money was requested in view of recent GRA accounts confirming a repetition of last years £4×5 million profit. GM recognised that current proceeds indicated a welcome turnaround from last year, but that more time was required to confirm a sustained profit margin. He offered to refer the matter to MD of GRA if this current trend continues.
2. It was agreed to organise a sponsored race evening in the coming months, the proceeds of which shall be shared between OOA and RGT. After discussion it was decided to invite sponsors at £200 per race. This sponsorship would include the provision of a meal of four people in the restaurant. Details will be forwarded to trainers when a date has been booked, enabling them to inform owners in plenty of time. A similar notice will be posted on the OOA notice board.

The meeting closed at 7:35pm
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 6th May 2003 at 6.30pm

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