bet365 has shown its commitment to UK greyhound racing after agreeing a “significant sponsorship deal” aimed at supporting and promoting the sport.

The sponsorship, which is a ‘first’ for bet365 in the sport, will cover four major Category competitions. The coverage will also feature on SIS and direct to the home audience through Racing Post Greyhound TV (RPGTV).

A spokesperson for bet365 said: “We are delighted to be able to support competitions across UK greyhound racing and we are confident that our customers around the world will enjoy the top-quality racing and betting opportunities as a result of our long-term commitment.

“Greyhound racing is integral to our product offering and this sponsorship showcases the commitment we have to the sport as well as the tracks and the people involved.”

Oxford Greyhound stadium will also be reopening its doors, while bet365 noted that there will be an additional raft of major open race events featured at Towcester.

Nathan Corden, representative on behalf of the tracks, said: “It is fantastic news for everyone involved in greyhound racing that bet365 have decided to expand their sponsorship portfolio into greyhound racing, and we are delighted that they have chosen Towcester and Oxford to partner with.

“They have committed to four Category 1 events with the bet365 Empress Stakes in September and bet365 Puppy Oaks in November headlining the action at Towcester. bet365 will also champion the return of big-time racing at the eagerly anticipated reopening of Oxford stadium in the second half of 2022 with new competitions including a new 6-bend bet365 Challenge Cup.”