04/03/2021
Crayford Greyhound Stadium: A Champion's Choice
Nestled in the Borough of Bexley, just a stone's throw from the heart of London, lies Crayford Stadium, a venerable institution in the world of greyhound racing. As one of the few remaining operational greyhound stadiums within the capital, Crayford holds a special place in the sport's history. Owned by the renowned Ladbrokes Coral, this iconic venue first opened its doors in 1986, marking the dawn of a new era for greyhound racing in the region. Today, Crayford Stadium continues to be a vibrant hub for enthusiasts, hosting regular racing on Tuesday evenings and Thursday afternoons, with additional morning meetings on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. This consistent schedule provides ample opportunities for punters to witness top-class greyhound racing week in and week out.
The current stadium stands as a testament to the sport's evolution, built as a replacement for the original Crayford & Bexleyheath Stadium, which sadly closed its doors in May 1985. The new location, inaugurated just over a year later, quickly cemented its reputation as a premier racing venue. A significant milestone was achieved in 1987 when the prestigious Golden Jacket, one of the sport's most esteemed races, relocated to Crayford. While the Golden Jacket is undoubtedly the most recognisable event, Crayford hosts a variety of other significant races, making it a captivating destination for any greyhound racing aficionado. The all-sand circuit is highly regarded by trainers and their canine athletes, while spectators can enjoy a range of amenities, including bars and a restaurant overlooking the track, enhancing the overall race day experience.
The Track & Facilities: A Closer Look
Crayford Stadium is designed to accommodate up to 1,200 spectators, ensuring a lively atmosphere for all attendees. The venue is also committed to accessibility, offering excellent facilities for disabled guests. The heart of the racing action is the 334-metre sand circuit, propelled by a Swaffham hare that sets a swift pace for the competing greyhounds. The track caters to a variety of race distances, including:
- 380 metres
- 540 metres
- 714 metres
- 874 metres
- 1,048 metres
For the shorter 380-metre sprints, the run to the first bend is a crucial 77 metres, a testament to the speed and tactical prowess required from the greyhounds. Beyond the track itself, Crayford boasts two spacious bar areas, offering a comfortable setting for patrons to socialise and enjoy refreshments. The on-site restaurant provides a more refined dining experience with panoramic views of the racing action. For those seeking a quicker bite, a fast-food outlet is also available. To ensure that no one misses a moment of the excitement, particularly during colder or inclement weather, numerous televisions are strategically placed throughout the venue, broadcasting the races live.
Major Races & Events: A Showcase of Excellence
The calibre of races hosted is a defining characteristic of any premier greyhound racing venue, and Crayford Stadium certainly excels in this regard. The stadium hosts several high-profile events throughout the year, making it advisable for visitors to plan their trips around these special occasions. However, it's important to note that the racing at Crayford is consistently entertaining, regardless of whether a major event is taking place.
The Golden Jacket
First introduced in 1975, the Golden Jacket has a rich history, having previously been hosted at the now-closed Harringay Stadium. Its journey led it through Hall Green and Monmore Green Stadiums before finding its permanent home at Crayford in 1987. This prestigious race is contested over 714 metres on the sand track, with the winner claiming a substantial prize of £20,000. The race distance has evolved over time, starting at 660 metres, extended to 663 metres at Hall Green, and then shortened to 647 metres at Monmore Green before settling at its current length upon arrival at Crayford.
The Gold Collar
The Gold Collar, with its origins dating back to 1933, was a long-standing fixture at Catford Stadium until its closure in 2003. Following a brief stint at Belle Vue, the race was discontinued in 2009. In a welcome revival, the Gold Collar was resurrected at Crayford Stadium in 2015 and has remained a key event ever since. While the race's distance has varied historically, it has been run over 540 metres since its relocation to Crayford. The current prize money for the winner stands at £10,000.
The Kent St. Leger
Drawing inspiration from the famous horse race, the Kent St. Leger is a regionally specific greyhound racing event. Held over 714 metres on the sand track, the winner receives £7,500. Though perhaps not as prestigious as some other races, the Kent St. Leger has a notable history, having originated at Ramsgate Stadium before moving to Crayford in 1996. The race distance was adjusted from 640 metres at Ramsgate to its current length at Crayford. Over the years, this event has attracted various sponsors, many from the alcoholic beverage industry.
Guys & Dolls
Distinct from its musical namesake, the Guys & Dolls greyhound race commenced its journey at Harringay Stadium in 1977. A unique aspect of this race was its divisional heats, separating male and female greyhounds before culminating in a mixed final. Following Harringay's closure in 1987, the race transferred to Crayford, continuing until its discontinuation in 2008. Seven years later, the race was brought back to life, with the winner now receiving £3,300 in prize money. The race has been run over various distances, currently taking place over 380 metres.
In the News: A Commitment to Welfare
In a move that garnered significant positive attention, Crayford Stadium demonstrated its commitment to greyhound welfare by donating over £6,500 towards specialist equipment for retired greyhounds. This generous contribution was allocated to the creation of a new spa room at Clark’s Farm Rehoming Kennels, complete with a hydrotherapy bath designed to aid in the recovery and well-being of retired racing dogs through targeted water jets. This initiative highlights the stadium's dedication to providing a better life for the animals once their racing careers have concluded, addressing a common criticism often levelled at the sport.
About Crayford Dog Track: A Legacy of Excellence
The existence of Crayford Stadium is the direct result of a strategic decision made by Ladbrokes in 1984 to cease operations at the original Crayford & Bexleyheath Stadium and invest in a state-of-the-art replacement. The 20-acre site underwent a significant redevelopment, with five acres dedicated to the new greyhound track and sports venue. Construction commenced shortly after the final race at the old stadium on May 18th, 1985, and the new facility, now simply known as Crayford Stadium, opened its doors on September 1st of the following year. The decision proved to be a shrewd one, as evidenced by the subsequent relocation of the prestigious Golden Jacket to the stadium in 1987. This same year also saw the introduction of a new matinee meeting to cater to customers of the new Ladbrokes betting shops, and the inauguration of the Crayford Rosebowl. A year later, Breeks Rocket, trained by Dinky Luckhurst, brought further acclaim to Crayford by winning the Grand National. At that time, the track measured 334 metres and featured an outside Sumner hare.
Changes in the 1990s & 2000s: Milestones and Achievements
The 1990s saw several notable moments for Crayford Stadium. In 1996, Dynamic Display brought the Grand National trophy back to the venue, an achievement that may have spurred the launch of the Guys & Dolls race the following year. Pure Patches, after winning the Golden Collar in 1998, went on to compete in the 1999 Greyhound Derby, finishing sixth. The decade concluded on a high note with Bubbly Prince's victory in the Cesarewitch in 1999.
The new millennium began with Lady Jean emulating Bubbly Prince's success in the Cesarewitch. The following year, Haughty Ted made headlines by winning the Gold Collar. The stadium also saw a change in management, with Harry Bull taking over from Paul Lawrence as Racing Manager and Danny Rayment being promoted to Deputy Racing Manager. The year 2007 was particularly significant, with Lorraine Sams training Spiridon Louis to win the St. Leger, the TV Trophy, and the Regency, earning him the title of Greyhound Of The Year.
The Modern Era: Resilience and Renewal
In 2010, the Gemma Davidson-trained Plane Daddy secured another Grand National win for a dog associated with Crayford, demonstrating the stadium's continued prowess in hurdle races. Five years later, Crayford Stadium garnered attention once more with the revival of the Gold Collar and Guys & Dolls races. A period of uncertainty arose two years later when Ladbrokes merged with Gala Coral, raising questions about the track's future. However, the formation of Ladbrokes Coral proved beneficial, leading to a new deal with Satellite Information Services to broadcast racing multiple times a week. This agreement, which includes Tuesday mornings and evenings, Thursday afternoons, and Friday and Saturday mornings, has breathed new life into the stadium, enabling it to continue providing top-class greyhound racing for both dedicated punters and attendees.
Records at Crayford: Setting the Pace
Crayford Stadium has witnessed its share of exceptional performances, with several track records set across its various distances. These records stand as benchmarks of speed and canine athleticism:
| Distance | Record Time | Date Set |
|---|---|---|
| 380 Metres | 22.85 Seconds | 29th May 2018 |
| 540 Metres | 33.09 Seconds | 26th September 2017* |
| 714 Metres | 44.52 Seconds | 24th August 2019 |
| 874 Metres | 55.89 Seconds | 26th December 2014 |
| 1,048 Metres | 67.83 Seconds | 21st February 2017 |
| 380 Metres Over Hurdles | 23.18 Seconds | 8th October 2016 |
| 380 Metres Over Hurdles | 23.18 Seconds | 28th September 2019 |
| 540 Metres Over Hurdles | 33.57 Seconds | 21st February 2017 |
* The record time for 540 Metres was set during the final of the Golden Collar in 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crayford Greyhound Stadium
When is greyhound racing held at Crayford Stadium?
Crayford Stadium hosts greyhound racing on Tuesday evenings, Thursday afternoons, and Friday and Saturday mornings.
What are the main races held at Crayford?
The stadium is known for hosting major races such as the Golden Jacket, Gold Collar, Kent St. Leger, and Guys & Dolls.
What facilities are available at Crayford Stadium?
The stadium offers seating for 1,200 spectators, bars, a restaurant overlooking the track, a fast-food outlet, and facilities for disabled guests.
What is the track circumference at Crayford?
The track circumference at Crayford Stadium is 334 metres.
What are the different race distances offered at Crayford?
Crayford offers races over 380m, 540m, 714m, 874m, and 1,048 metres, as well as hurdles races.
In conclusion, Crayford Stadium stands as a significant and enduring venue in the UK greyhound racing circuit. Its blend of historical importance, modern facilities, and a commitment to hosting prestigious events, coupled with a focus on animal welfare, makes it a compelling destination for both seasoned greyhound racing enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The stadium's continued operation and its dedication to the sport ensure that it remains a vital part of London's sporting landscape.
If you want to read more articles similar to Crayford Greyhound Stadium: A Champion's Choice, you can visit the Taxis category.