The closing date for a famous dog racing track has been revealed after it was announced the owners were pulling out of the site.
It has been confirmed Crayford Greyhound Stadium’s last day of racing will be this Sunday (January 19) with operations formally ceasing on Tuesday (January 21).
Crayford dog track will be closing on Sunday. Picture: Diana Illingworth
A spokesperson for gambling firm Entain UK, the holding company of Ladbrokes which helped build and open the track in 1986, put out a statement this afternoon (January 15) following a consultation period.
They said: “It is with great sadness that we are announcing today the confirmation of the closure of the Crayford greyhound track.
“Since announcing our intention to close the venue, several parties have expressed interest in exploring alternatives.
“We held discussions with these parties and carefully reviewed and evaluated their proposals. Regrettably, none of the options put forward were viable.”
A statement published on the stadium’s website added: “All impacted colleagues have gone through a two-stage consultation process informing them of the closure of the track, with a view to relocate colleagues at alternative locations within the business or support them with their onward journeys.
Races will go ahead as planned this week. Picture: Diana Illingworth
“We will also continue to support all trainers impacted by the decision and hope that many of them will continue to race their dogs at other UK greyhound tracks.
“We remain committed to the highest levels of animal welfare. As such, every affected greyhound will be cared for through an enhanced investment and rehoming strategy.
“We would like to thank all those colleagues, trainers and customers who, through their support and dedication to greyhound racing, made Crayford the track it was for the past 30-plus years, and we wish them all the best for the future.”
The remaining fixture days, including Sunday will go ahead as planned, however, customers who have booked events after the weekend will be refunded as soon as possible.
It was announced in November that the company was leaving the venue, in Stadium Way, Crayford, near the border with Dartford, after almost four decades.
At the time, the owners said they had decided to shut down the track as it was no longer financially viable to run it due to falling support and attendance.
Read More: The rise and fall of Crayford Stadium and greyhound racing
The stadium previously had to cancel race meetings due to an ongoing shortage of runners.
Although others working in the industry, noting the impact of streaming and online gambling, have stated they believe it’s due to a shift in the “business model” and the sport remains, in their view, popular as before.
Entain UK said its other tracks in Romford, Hove, and Monmore are not at risk of closure.