British greyhound racing venue
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
Crayford Ladbrokes Greyhound Stadium c.1990
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
[ 16] [ 17]
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
[ 24]
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
[ 31]
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
Extended content
Metres
Greyhound
Time (sec)
Date
Notes
380
Justa Mo
23.66
9 May 1987
380
Sail on Delaney
23.53
28 January 1989
380
Clonlusk Villa
23.46
26 January 1991
380
Genotin Laura
23.31
17 May 1993
380
Lots of Jolly
23.31
16 July 1994
380
Rossa Ranger
23.36
15 April 2002
380
Chasing A Dream
23.18
5 May 2002
380
Skibbs Flyer
23.06
14 October 2002
380
Kingdom Club
23.01
27 September 2003
Guys and Dolls Final
380
Tictac Tyson
22.97
7 May 2011
380
You Never Listen
22.97
19 February 2015
=equalled
380
Target Harris
22.88
18 July 2015
540
Baby Pol
34.01
4 August 1987
540
Hello Blackie
33.93
11 August 1990
540
Side Wink
33.46
9 January 1992
540
Break On Thru
33.43
14 October 2002
540
Sportsman
33.26
3 February 2003
540
Sunshine Sophie
33.13
28 February 2004
540
Mayshighlandreel[ 38]
33.09
26 September 2017
Gold Collar final
714
Favourite Return
46.86
22 May 1987
714
Harry Lime
46.17
31 August 1987
714
Fort Leader
45.61
16 February 1989
714
Heavenly Lady
45.25
8 February 1993
714
Blues Best Tayla
45.19
24 February 2001
714
Rosden Image
45.07
14 October 2002
714
Foreign Chick
45.13
14 October 2002
714
Centour Corker
45.02
3 February 2003
714
Centour Corker
44.74
3 March 2003
Golden Jacket Final
714
Double Take
44.57
21 February 2004
Golden Jacket semi-final
874
Astrosyn Trace
57.21
26 October 1987
874
Clonbrin Black
56.15
15 October 1993
1048
Stansted Flyer
69.81
7 September 1996
1048
Musical Fawn
68.80
22 February 2014
1048
Roxholme Magic
68.59
23 February 2016
380 H
Off You Sail
24.29
15 June 1987
380 H
Parktown Ranger
23.96
21 January 1989
380 H
Ladys Champion
23.86
24 September 1994
380 H
Dynamic Display
23.70
1996
380 H
Razldazl Raidio
23.28
26 March 2016
380 H
Razldazl Raidio[ 39]
23.18
8 October 2016
380 H
Droopys Cruiser[ 40]
23.18
28 September 2019
540 H
Breeks Rocket
35.30
1988
540 H
Cahara Gamble
35.08
17 June 1991
540 H
Cahara Gamble
35.01
3 August 1991
540 H
Rainys Pet
34.85
10 August 1991
540 H
Rainys Pet
34.67
17 August 1991
540 H
Sunshine Sandy
34.32
11 March 1993
540 H
El Tenor
34.16
13 April 1998
540 H
Selby Ben
33.68
26 May 2003
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.
Current greyhound stadiums in Great Britain licensed by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain
Licensed stadiums
English greyhound tracks
Unlicensed tracks (independent / flapping)