Location | Bexley, Greater London, England |
---|---|
Coordinates | 51°26′53″N 0°10′35″E / 51.448°N 0.17629°E |
Operator | Entain (Ladbrokes Coral) |
Opened | 1986 |
Closed | 2024 |
Website | |
Official website |
Crayford Stadium is a greyhound racing stadium located in the London Borough of Bexley in England.[1] The stadium, which has featured races since 1986, has private suites, a restaurant and a number of bars.
Evening meetings takes place every Tuesday and Sunday, a matinée race meeting takes place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Crayford is owned by Ladbrokes Coral.[2]
History
1980s
In 1984 Ladbrokes announced that racing would cease at the Crayford & Bexleyheath Stadium following the sale of part of the site to Sainsbury's.[3] The sale also included plans for rebuilding the entire stadium on the west side of the closing stadium. Five acres of the twenty-acre site would be converted into a new greyhound track and sports stadium. Racing ended on 18 May 1985 and work began on the new stadium. Following sixteen months of development and construction, it was ready for action.[4] The press falsely claimed it was the first greyhound track to be built for 30 years because several had been constructed within the previous decade including Nottingham and Reading.
The grand opening took place on 1 September 1986,[5] and the new stadium would be called Crayford after the decision was made to drop the Bexleyheath part; the stadium was situated in a different five-acre part of the original twenty acres.[4] The stadium was opened by the mayor of Bexley and Ladbrokes Chairman Cyril Stein.[6]
In 1987 the track took possession of a major competition called the Golden Jacket which had struggled to find a new home since the demise of Harringay. The event had been temporarily held at Hall Green and Monmore and was a popular afternoon competition with television exposure. Crayford also provided a new matinee meeting for their Ladbrokes betting shops and another new competition called the Crayford Rosebowl was inaugurated.[7] In 1988 Dinky Luckhurst trained Breeks Rocket to Grand National success.
The dimensions of the all-sand circuit were a small 334 m circumference with distances of 380, 540, 714 and 874 metres with an outside Sumner hare. Facilities included a restaurant for 138 covers, two bars and a twin-tier glass-fronted covered stand. Also within the stadium was a sports hall complex, a fitness area and a swimming pool. The racing manager was Roy Dwight and general manager Roger Lakey, soon to be replaced by Paul Lawrence and Barry Stanton respectively.
1990s
In 1996 Dynamic Display repeated the Grand National achievement for trainer Barry O'Sullivan. The Guys and Dolls competition arrived at the track in 1997. Pure Patches won the 1998 Gold Collar and also made the 1999 English Greyhound Derby final and Bubbly Prince won the 1999 Cesarewitch.
2000s
Lady Jean won the 2000 Cesarewitch, and Haughty Ted won the 2001 Gold Collar for Dinky Luckhurst. Racing manager Paul Lawrence parted company with the track in 2000, replaced by Harry Bull, with Danny Rayment promoted to deputy.[8] Trainer Lorraine Sams introduced a greyhound to the industry in 2006 called Spiridon Louis. The black-and-white dog would become the 2007 Greyhound of the Year after winning the St Leger, TV Trophy and Regency.
2010s
A third Grand National win by the Gemma Davidson-trained Plane Daddy, in 2010, continued Crayford's success with hurdle racing. In 2015, Danny Rayment became the Racing Manager taking over from Harry Bull.
In 2015 the track resurrected the original classic Gold Collar competition and the Guys and Dolls.[9] In 2017 Ladbrokes merged with Gala Coral to form Ladbrokes Coral.[10]
In 2018, the stadium signed a deal with SIS to race every Tuesday morning and evening, Thursday afternoon, Friday morning and Saturday morning.[11]
2020s
In 2022, Entain signed a long-term deal with the Arena Racing Company for media rights, starting in January 2024.[12] In 2023, the stadium held the Champion Hurdle for the first time.[13] In 2024, Crayford trainer Ricky Holloway won the Golden Jacket with Dazl Rolex, the first home victory since 2007.
In November 2024 Entain announced their intention to close the stadium, stating that "it is no longer viable for us to continue operating the site".[14] The stadium will be closed after the Christmas period of 2024.[15]
Competitions
Golden Jacket
Gold Collar
Kent St Leger
Guys And Dolls
Champion Hurdle
Crayford/Kent Vase
Year | Winner | Breeding | Trainer | Time (sec) |
SP | Notes/ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1967 | Millies Valley | Pigalle Wonder – Racing Millie | Gordon Hodson (White City) | 29.17 | ||
1968 | Ambiguous | Crazy Parachute – The Mistress | Paddy McEvoy (Wimbledon) | 29.10 | 5/2 | |
1969 | Quarrymount Bill | Boro Parachute – Ballinasloe Judy | Frank Melville Harringay) | 28.69 | 10/1 | |
1970 | Lord Phil | Lucky Wonder – Lachienne | Dennis Mansfield (Southend) | 29.21 | 7/2 | |
1971 | Mad Risk | Carry On Oregon – Mad Girl | Charlie Coyle (Private) | 28.77 | 4/1 | |
1972 | Fragrant Flyer | Prince of Roses – Forest Brown | Bill Westcott (Crayford & Bexleyheath) | 28.41 | 11/10f | |
1973 | Kilmac Chieftan | Own Pride – Stolen Tilly | Vernon Ford (Private) | 28.58 | 5/4 | |
1974 | Money Again | Clomoney Jet – Leades Again | John Coleman (Wembley) | 28.92 | 16/1 | |
1975 | London Spec | Spectre II – Hi Lasinagh | Pat Mullins (Ipswich) | 28.41 | 5/4 | |
1976 | Gin And Jass | Kilbeg Kuda – Liberty Bell | Dave Drinkwater (Rye House) | 28.54 | 9/4 | |
1977 | Colonel Pearloma | Lively Band – Certral | John Coleman (Wembley) | 28.70 | 1/1f | |
1978 | Proud Time | Time Up Please – Girvin Kate | John Gibbons (Private) | 28.40 | 7/2 | |
1979 | Fearna Cobbler | Cobbler – Aidans Lady | John Sherry (Walthamstow) | 28.38 | 5/2 | |
1980 | Johns Luck | Westmead Bounty – Kiltean Fawn | John Coleman (Wembley) | 28.47 | 4/1 | |
1981 | Deel Joker | Free Speech – Leaping Lady | John Gibbons (Crayford & Bexleyheath) | 28.11 | 4/6f | |
1982 | General Fun | Laurdella Fun – Satin Sash | Terry Duggan (Romford) | 29.02 | 7/1 | |
1983 | Sammy Bear (dead-heat) | Mexican Chief – Lady Laurdella | George Curtis (Brighton) | 28.53 | 5/2jf | |
1983 | Cashen Son (dead-heat) | Jimsun – Minty Lady | George Curtis (Brighton) | 28.53 | 5/1 | |
1984 | Gortatlea Brigg | Noble Brigg – Lartigue Rose | Michael Gallagher (Rye House) | 28.17 | 10/1 | |
1985-1986, not held (closure and subsequent rebuilding of new stadium | ||||||
1987 | Sand Streak | Sand Man – Rapid Lady | David Ingram-Seal (Ramsgate) | 34.68 | 8/1 | |
1988 | Foretop | Blue Train – Green Slieve | Kenny Linzell (Walthamstow) | 34.59 | 4/6f | |
1989 | Fennessys Gold | Soda Fountain – Fast Mission | Ray Peacock (Catford) | 34.33 | 4/5f | |
1990 | Hello Blackie | Daleys Gold – Ashcarne Chips | Roger York (Hackney) | 34.12 | 1/4f | |
1991 | Appleby Lisa | Whisper Wishes – Moon Bran | Harry Dodds (Norton Canes) | 34.87 | 8/1 | |
1992 | Ballarue Hove | Curryhills Fox – Ballarue Suzy | Derek Knight (Hove) | 33.98 | 7/2 | |
1993 | Ardcollum Hilda | Druids Johno – Seventh Dynamic | Patsy Byrne (Wimbledon) | 33.87 | 2/5f | |
1994 | Ashfield Arrow | Slippys Quest – Alf Arrow | Bill Masters (Hove) | [18] | ||
1995 | Heaven Sent | Lodge Prince – Murlens Mandy | Peter Rich (Romford) | 34.05 | 4/1 | |
1996 | El Tenor | Ratify – Ballygar Rose | Linda Mullins (Walthamstow) | 33.81 | 7/4f | |
1997 | El Tenor | Ratify – Ballygar Rose | Linda Mullins (Walthamstow) | 33.83 | 10/11f | |
1998 | Rio Shadow | Adraville Bridge – Droopys Aliysa | Daniel Riordan (Harlow) | 34.45 | 5/4f | |
1999 | Lake Shadow | Come on Ranger – Lake Tricks | Dinky Luckhurst (Crayford) | 34.64 | 7/4f | |
2000 | Baby Courtney | Slipaway Jaydee – Lady Little | Les Lawrence (Harlow) | 34.47 | 5/4f | |
2001 | Little Vintage | Vintage Prince – Treasure Beo | Linda Jones (Walthamstow) | 33.77 | 11/4 | |
2002 | Top Power | Top Honcho – Able Ivy | Linda Jones (Walthamstow) | 33.93 | 5/4f | |
2003 | Droopys Regina | Top Honcho – Doopys Kylie | Gary Sallis (Private) | 33.63 | 6/1 | |
2004 | Topmeup | Carlton Bale – Metric Flower | Paul Garland (Wimbledon) | 33.89 | 3/1jf | |
2005 | Merton Flower | Top Honcho – Metric Flower | Paul Garland (Wimbledon) | 33.68 | 4/5f | |
2006 | Xamax Johndee | Droopys Kewell – Xamax Xylograph | John Davidson (Crayford) | 33.87 | 6/1 | |
2007 | Fear Martina | Never Give Up – Expert View | Steve Willey (Sittingbourne) | 33.75 | 2/1jf | |
2008 | Barnfield Slippy | Crash – Blues Best Buzz | Sam Poots (Private) | 33.25 | 1/2f | |
2010 | Freedom Cody | Pacific Mile – Synone Starlight | Matt Dartnall (Private) | 33.66 | 6/4f | |
2019 | Crossfield Vince | Kinloch Brae – Crossfield Alba | Julie Luckhurst (Crayford) | 33.81 | 3/1 | [19] |
2020 | cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic | |||||
2021 | Ballynabee Jet | Sh Avatar – Monleek Dawn | Samantha West (Hove) | 34.03 | 100/30 | [20] |
2022 | Bandicoot Sammy | Droopys Sydney – Samiya | Ron Grey (Private) | 33.90 | 5/1 | [21] |
2023 | Beebee Bianco | Droopys Sydney – Clounamon Diva | Julie Luckhurst (Crayford) | 34.22 | 8/1 | [22] |
2024 | Kuda Honey | Magical Bale – Brynoffa Honey | Jean Liles (Romford) | 34.01 | 6/1 | [23] |
(1967–1984 held at Crayford & Bexleyheath over 490 yards/462 metres), (1987–2010 held at Crayford over 540 metres)
Crayford/Kent Rosebowl
Year | Winner | Breeding | Trainer | Time (sec) |
SP | Notes/ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1987 | Lisnakill Ruby | I'm Slippy – Midland Mist | Linda Mullins (Crayford) | 25.46 | ||
1990 | Clonlusk Villa | Strom Villa – Clonlusk Dell | Hazel Dickson (Wembley) | 23.93 | 2/1 | |
1993 | Loch Bo Lucky | I'm Slippy – Loch Bo Goldie | John Coleman (Walthamstow) | 23.78 | 4/1 | |
1994 | Lemon Raider | I'm Slippy – Lemon Miss | John McGee Sr. (Hackney) | 23.33 | 6/4jf | |
1995 | Dongadong | Deenside Spark – Keltic Cracker | Chris Duggan (Walthamstow) | 24.18 | ||
1997 | Kiel Casino | Daleys Gold – Kiel Glory | Roy Towner (Crayford) | 23.70 | 14/1 | |
1998 | Curryhills Steve | Cool Prince – Iona Lass | Linda Jones (Romford) | 24.28 | 10/1 | |
1999 | Dower Diamond | Highway Leader – Dower Celt | Roy Towner (Crayford) | 24.05 | 5/2 | |
2000 | Respect | New Level – Hello Gorgeous | x | 23.91 | 8/1 | |
2001 | Marinas Pride | Thorgil Tex – Marinas Machine | Pat Thompson (Crayford) | 23.86 | 7/4jf | |
2002 | Silver Tail | Roanokee – Ardera Melody | Diane Platts (Rye House) | 23.22 | 5/1 | |
2003 | Patchit | Cool Performance – Chartwell Flyer | Patsy Cusack (Crayford) | 23.30 | 11/4jf | |
2004 | Rockmount Gael | Prince of Tinrah – Slaney Lady | Dinky Luckhurst (Crayford) | 23.47 | 11/4 | |
2005 | Lenson Ace | Judicial Pride – Any Time Soon | Seamus Cahill (Wimbledon) | 23.83 | 2/1f | |
2006 | Lenson Ace | Judicial Pride – Any Time Soon | Seamus Cahill (Wimbledon) | 23.68 | 2/1f | |
2007 | Xamax Johndee | Droopys Kewell – Xamax Xylograph | John Davidson (Crayford) | 23.95 | 5/4f | |
2008 | Farloe Nipper | Droopys Kewell – Farloe Edge | Arun Green (Crayford) | 23.54 | 6/1 | |
2009 | Ardbeg Kate | Daves Mentor – Farantane Sinead | Michael Fawsitt (Private) | 23.10 | 4/5f | |
2010 | Me Buddy | Ballymac Maeve – Ballymac Peg | Matt Dartnall (Private) | 23.64 | 2/1 | |
2011 | Ministry Mayhem | Ballymac Maeve – Lady Freckles | Kelly Findlay (Private) | 23.63 | 4/5f | |
2012 | Selkirk Souter | Boherduff Light – Memphis May | Julie Luckhurst (Crayford) | 23.35 | 6/1 | |
2013 | Murlens Crash | Crash – Murlens Snowdrop | Mark Wallis (Yarmouth) | 23.33 | 7/2 | |
2019 | Sleepy Genie | Laughil Blake – Whiteys Buddelia | David Puddy (Harlow) | 23.29 | 4/9f | [25] |
2020 | Signature Callum | Tullymurry Act – Franks Dream | Michelle Brown (Henlow) | 23.43 | 6/4f | [26] |
2021 | Icaals Rocco | Pat C Sabbath – Quivers Duchess | John Mullins (Towcester) | 23.38 | 8/1 | [27] |
2022 | Adeles Duke | Good News – Tullovin Fire | Diane Henry (Towcester) | 23.27 | 6/4f | [28] |
2023 | Oh Cosmopolitan | Laughil Blake – Ballykett Beauty | John Mullins (Towcester) | 23.28 | 9/2 | [29] |
2024 | Yahoo Megan | Droopys Sydney – Geelo Gold Dust | Patrick Janssens (Towcester) | 23.13 | 15/8f | [30] |
(held over 380 metres)
Track records
Current
Metres | Greyhound | Time | Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
380 | Brinkleys Poet[32] | 22.85 | 29.05.2018 | |
540 | Aayamza Sydney[33] | 32.85 | 24 November 2024 | Gold Collar final |
714 | Stardom[34] | 44.52 | 24 August 2019 | |
874 | Burgess Borna[35] | 55.89 | 26 December 2014 | |
1048 | Roxholme Magic[36] | 67.83 | 21 February 2017 | |
380 H | Lenson Doolin[13] | 23.10 | 15 April 2023 | Champion Hurdle final |
540 H | Razldazl Raidio[37] | 33.57 | 21 February 2017 |
Former
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References
- ^ "Track Search". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Archived from the original on 25 December 2011. Retrieved 24 December 2011.
- ^ "Opening Days". Crayford Stadium. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ^ "Open and Shut Case at Crayford". Daily Express. 18 May 1985. Retrieved 22 November 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ a b Barnes, Julia (1988). Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File, page 91. Ringpress Books. ISBN 0-948955-15-5.
- ^ "Crayford backing high-tech winner". Daily Express. 2 September 1986. Retrieved 22 November 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Remember When - September 1986". Greyhound Star. 30 September 2018.
- ^ Barnes/Sellers, Julia/John (1992). Ladbrokes Greyhound Fact File, pages 53-58. Ringpress Books. ISBN 0-948955-22-8.
- ^ Hobbs, Jonathan (2007). Greyhound Annual 2008, page 184. Raceform. ISBN 978-1-905153-53-4.
- ^ "Crayford wait on clearance to bring back the Gold Collar". Greyhound Star. 30 March 2015.
- ^ "Ladbrokes finalises merger with Coral". igaming business. November 2016.
- ^ "SIS announces schedule for SIS British Greyhound Service for 2018". SIS. Archived from the original on 27 August 2018. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
- ^ "No Competition - No Progress". Greyhound Star. 31 January 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
- ^ a b "LADBROKES CHAMPION HURDLE - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ Brown, Paul (20 November 2024). "'It is no longer viable for us to continue operating the site' - Entain announce intention to close Crayford greyhound stadium after 38 years". Racing Post. Archived from the original on 20 November 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- ^ "Crayford greyhound track to close after Christmas". BBC. 22 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ Barnes, Julia (1991). Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File, Vol Two. Ringpress Books. p. 49. ISBN 0-948955-61-9.
- ^ Barnes/Sellers, Julia/John (1992). Ladbrokes Greyhound Fact File. Ringpress Books. p. 58. ISBN 0-948955-22-8.
- ^ Fry, Paul (1995). The Official NGRC Greyhound Racing Yearbook. Ringpress Books. pp. 109–110. ISBN 186054-010-4.
- ^ "Ladbrokes.com Crayford Vase - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
- ^ "Crayford race meeting". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
- ^ "Crayford, Saturday 21 May". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
- ^ "LADBROKES KENT VASE - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
- ^ "Ladbrokes Kent Vase". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ^ Fry, Paul (1995). The Official NGRC Greyhound Racing Yearbook. Ringpress Books. p. 199. ISBN 186054-010-4.
- ^ "LADBROKES.COM CRAYFORD ROSE BOWL - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
- ^ "Crayford 17 October 2020". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ "LADBROKES.COM KENT ROSE BOWL - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- ^ "Ladbrokes Gold Collar Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
- ^ "2023 LADBROKES GOLD COLLAR - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ "Ladbrokes Kent Rosebowl final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "British Track Records as of January 2024". Greyhound Star. 11 January 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ "POET IS RECORD BREAKING MOTION". Greyhound Star. 30 May 2018.
- ^ "Gold Collar final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "DEANRIDGE TROPHY". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
- ^ "874m". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
- ^ "LADBROKES 1048". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
- ^ "Chief Rasmsbottom Hurdle". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
- ^ "Ladbrokes Gold Collar final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
- ^ "CRAYFORD BOOKMAKERS HURDLE". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
- ^ "track record". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.