The Laurels at Belle Vue as successful as Wimbledon | bettor.com

The Laurels at Belle Vue as successful as Wimbledon

The Laurels is an original classic greyhound event, which takes place at Belle Vue Stadium around September-October every year. Currently run over 470 metres, The Laurels was originally held at Wimbledon from 1930 until 1997.

However, it was permanently moved to sister track Belle Vue in 1998 due to a few unavoidable reasons. Greyhound Racing Association (GRA) had to shift the big meeting to the new track because of its clash with the Sky-televised TV Trophy.

As per the schedule that year, a few dates of the TV Trophy had a clash with the Laurels semi-finals and as a result, the officials decided to take it to Belle Vue, where it has been up and running for more than a decade.

It was certainly a sudden move by the management, and many started raising questions that why the authorities did not go for different dates for the TV Trophy. In order to clear the air, the then GRA Operations Director, Mike Raper, stepped forward, explaining that the schedule also had a conflict with the UEFA Cup football competitions, televised live on BBC and ITV.

Giving details about the sudden move, Mike Raper described: "As part of the company's long-term strategy, we are shifting the Laurels to Belle Vue where it will be backed by William Hill. The two dates this year for the TV Trophy are October 6 and 13 (both Tuesdays) and final night would clash with the semi-finals of the Laurels.?

"Obviously people will be asking why we didn't choose different dates for the TV Trophy, but the corresponding dates to last year's races clash with UEFA Cup football competitions. We weren't keen to battle against football,? he added.

Last year?s Betfair Laurels Final was won by Eden Star. Following his flawless performance in the initial rounds, the bookies declared him the 4-9 favourite for the grand finale. The black and white dog lived up to the expectations, winning the first place by one and a quarter lengths.

Longwood Fantasy was a surprise factor, but B. Draper?s charge did well to avoid an upset. The Laurels will attract plenty of powerful hounds this season, and a dramatic contest is on the cards.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect Bettor.Com?s editorial policy.

Source: http://blogs.bettor.com/The-Laurels-at-Belle-Vue-as-successful-as-Wimbledon-a177709

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