A GREYHOUND named in honour of Oxford United legend Joey Beauchamp won its heat as Category One racing returned to Oxford Stadium.

Oi Oi Joey won his first competitive race at the beginning of the month, to secure a place in round one of the Cowley Puppy Collar on Friday.

The 23-month-old dog won the first heat by a short head, with greyhounds which finished in the first three of each heat booking their spot in this week’s second round card.

The semi-finals are scheduled a week later, on October 21, with the £10,000 grand final on October 28.

Round one saw 48 of the UK’s fastest greyhounds aged under two take to the track with a view to qualifying for the competition’s second round.

In addition to those in attendance at Sandy Lane, the action was broadcast globally via Racing Post Greyhound TV, which has committed to showing the stadium’s Friday night fixtures for the remainder of the year.

Oxford Stadium managing director Kevin Boothby said: “Greyhound racing enthusiasts have really got behind Oxford’s reopening and it’s great to see so many familiar faces trackside week in, week out.

“But there is a bigger picture to consider where we must package our sport as a fun, cost-friendly, night out for family and friends if we are to truly put Oxford Stadium back on the map.

“There are people living and working in Oxford now who may never have stepped foot in the city when our stadium was open in its previous era.

“Attracting those people through our doors to greyhound racing, speedway and our community projects will help take our regeneration campaign to the next level.

“We’ve been encouraged by the response to our Friday and Saturday evening fixtures and look forward to hosting more top-quality racing in years to come.”

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The competition’s ante-post favourite FromPostToPillar stole Friday’s card, winning heat seven in 26.93 seconds – an average speed of 38.71mph.

Boothby added: “There were some very impressive puppies on show, and no doubt owners of the winning dogs will be counting down the days until Friday’s card.

“The Cowley Puppy Collar is the first of two major competitions Oxford Stadium will host before Christmas, with the bet365 Challenge Cup scheduled for December.

“Support from the industry has been phenomenal and demonstrates a clear demand for the sport’s return to Oxford.”