Delight for Towcester as Derby call is confirmed
GBGB chairman Tom Kelly has confirmed that Towcester has been awarded the rights to the 2017 Derby. Kelly said: "The working party has chosen the offer made by Towcester and that it, subject to contract, will stage the Derby next year.
"We will seek to issue a press statement with more details next week. All the other interested parties have been informed and accepted the decision realistically and in good grace."
Kevin Ackerman, chief executive of Towcester, reacted with delight: "It's fantastic news for us, and great for the entire sport of greyhound racing.
"We plan to take next year's Derby to a whole new level and deliver a fantastic experience for everyone - we believe it has been under-promoted for too long.
"It will be the most heavily promoted English Derby there has been for many years and we'll be seeking to gain maximum exposure, both domestically and internationally, by working closely with our media and bookmaking partners."
