All England pushed back a day to avoid Toon clash

NEWCASTLE has pushed back the date of this year’s Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup final by a day, due to a Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United.

The Byker track confirmed its traditional premier fixture between Christmas and New Year’s Eve will now go ahead on Sunday, December 27, to avoid coinciding with Newcastle United’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City which kicks off at 8pm.

Headlining the night will be the 76th running of the £20,000 All England Cup and the second renewal of the Jimmy Wright Future Stars Puppy Trophy.

The decision was made following consultation with stadium staff and trainers.

Racing is now scheduled to begin at 6.48pm, with all pre-purchased tickets automatically transferred to the new date or a full refund can be requested.

Newcastle general manager Ian Walton said: “All England Cup finals night is our showpiece fixture of the year.

“We know how popular the night is with locals, but at the same time recognise many of those won’t want to exclude themselves from one of the Magpies’ biggest home fixtures of the season.

“We want as many people as possible to enjoy this year’s All England Cup, which is why we’ve taken the logical decision to push the fixture back by 24 hours.

“We thank our trainers for their understanding and cooperation in moving the fixture and hope to see plenty of faces – old and new – trackside on December 27.”

Dates for the competition’s heats and semi-finals remain unaffected and are scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 10, and Thursday, December 17.

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