Crayford Stadium

British greyhound racing venue

51°26′53″N 0°10′35″E / 51.448°N 0.17629°E / 51.448; 0.17629OperatorEntain (Ladbrokes Coral)Opened1986WebsiteOfficial 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.

An evening meeting takes place every Tuesday, a matinée race meeting takes place on Thursday and morning meetings are held every Tuesday, 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 to allow plans for rebuilding the entire stadium as part of a development project. The twenty-acre site would be redeveloped, with five acres of it being 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.[3]

The grand opening took place on 1 September 1986, 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.[3] The stadium was opened by the mayor of Bexley and Ladbrokes Chairman Cyril Stein.[4]

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.[5] 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.[6] 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 the track resurrected the original classic Gold Collar competition and the Guys and Dolls.[7] In 2017 Ladbrokes merged with Gala Coral to form Ladbrokes Coral.[8]

In 2018, the stadium signed a deal with SIS to race every Tuesday morning and evening, Thursday afternoon, Friday morning and Saturday morning.[9]

2020s

In 2022, Entain signed a long-term deal with the Arena Racing Company for media rights, starting in January 2024.[10] In 2023, the stadium held the Champion Hurdle for the first time.[11]

Competitions

Golden Jacket

Gold Collar

Kent St Leger

Guys And Dolls

Champion Hurdle

Crayford/Kent Vase

[12][13]

Year Winner Breeding Trainer Time SP
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
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 [14] Slippys Quest – Alf Arrow Bill Masters (Hove)
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 [15] Kinloch Brae – Crossfield Alba Julie Luckhurst (Crayford) 33.81 3/1
2020 cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2021 Ballynabee Jet[16] Sh Avatar – Monleek Dawn Samantha West (Hove) 34.03 100/30
2022 Bandicoot Sammy[17] Droopys Sydney – Samiya Ron Grey (Private) 33.90 5/1
2023 Beebee Bianco[18] Droopys Sydney – Clounamon Diva Julie Luckhurst (Crayford) 34.22 8/1
2024 Kuda Honey[19] Magical Bale – Brynoffa Honey Jean Liles (Romford) 34.01 6/1

(1967–1984 held at Crayford & Bexleyheath over 490 yards/462 metres), (1987–2010 held at Crayford over 540 metres)

Crayford/Kent Rosebowl

[20]

Year Winner Breeding Trainer Time SP
1987 Lisnakill Ruby I'm Slippy – Midland Mist 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 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 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[21] Laughil Blake – Whiteys Buddelia David Puddy (Harlow) 23.29 4/9f
2020 Signature Callum[22] Tullymurry Act – Franks Dream Michelle Brown (Henlow) 23.43 6/4f
2021 Icaals Rocco[23] Pat C Sabbath – Quivers Duchess John Mullins (Towcester) 23.38 8/1
2022 Adeles Duke[24] Good News – Tullovin Fire Diane Henry (Towcester) 23.27 6/4f
2023 Oh Cosmopolitan[25] Laughil Blake – Ballykett Beauty John Mullins (Towcester) 23.28 9/2

(held over 380 metres)

Track records

[26]

Current

Metres Greyhound Time Date Notes
380 Brinkleys Poet[27] 22.85 29.05.2018
540 Mayshighlandreel[28] 33.09 26 September 2017 Gold Collar final
714 Stardom[29] 44.52 24 August 2019
874 Burgess Borna[30] 55.89 26 December 2014
1048 Roxholme Magic[31] 67.83 21 February 2017
380 H Lenson Doolin[11] 23.10 15 April 2023 Champion Hurdle final
540 H Razldazl Raidio[32] 33.57 21 February 2017

Former

Extended content
Metres Greyhound Time 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
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[33] 23.18 8 October 2016
380 H Droopys Cruiser[34] 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

  1. ^ "Track Search". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Archived from the original on 25 December 2011. Retrieved 24 December 2011.
  2. ^ "Opening Days". Crayford Stadium.
  3. ^ a b Barnes, Julia (1988). Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File, page 91. Ringpress Books. ISBN 0-948955-15-5.
  4. ^ "Remember When - September 1986". Greyhound Star.
  5. ^ Barnes/Sellers, Julia/John (1992). Ladbrokes Greyhound Fact File, pages 53-58. Ringpress Books. ISBN 0-948955-22-8.
  6. ^ Hobbs, Jonathan (2007). Greyhound Annual 2008, page 184. Raceform. ISBN 978-1-905153-53-4.
  7. ^ "Crayford wait on clearance to bring back the Gold Collar". Greyhound Star.
  8. ^ "Ladbrokes finalises merger with Coral". igaming business.
  9. ^ "SIS announces schedule for SIS British Greyhound Service for 2018". SIS. Archived from the original on 27 August 2018. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
  10. ^ "No Competition - No Progress". Greyhound Star. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  11. ^ a b "LADBROKES CHAMPION HURDLE - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  12. ^ Barnes, Julia (1991). Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File, Vol Two. Ringpress Books. p. 49. ISBN 0-948955-61-9.
  13. ^ Barnes/Sellers, Julia/John (1992). Ladbrokes Greyhound Fact File. Ringpress Books. p. 58. ISBN 0-948955-22-8.
  14. ^ Fry, Paul (1995). The Official NGRC Greyhound Racing Yearbook. Ringpress Books. pp. 109–110. ISBN 186054-010-4.
  15. ^ "Ladbrokes.com Crayford Vase - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
  16. ^ "Crayford race meeting". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  17. ^ "Crayford, Saturday 21 May". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  18. ^ "LADBROKES KENT VASE - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  19. ^ "Ladbrokes Kent Vase". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  20. ^ Fry, Paul (1995). The Official NGRC Greyhound Racing Yearbook. Ringpress Books. p. 199. ISBN 186054-010-4.
  21. ^ "LADBROKES.COM CRAYFORD ROSE BOWL - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
  22. ^ "Crayford 17 October 2020". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  23. ^ "LADBROKES.COM KENT ROSE BOWL - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  24. ^ "Ladbrokes Gold Collar Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  25. ^ "2023 LADBROKES GOLD COLLAR - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  26. ^ "British Track Records as of January 2024". Greyhound Star. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  27. ^ "POET IS RECORD BREAKING MOTION". Greyhound Star.
  28. ^ "LADBROKES GOLD COLLAR - Final". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  29. ^ "DEANRIDGE TROPHY". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
  30. ^ "874m". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  31. ^ "LADBROKES 1048". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  32. ^ "CHIEF RAMSBOTTOM HURDLE". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  33. ^ "CRAYFORD BOOKMAKERS HURDLE". Greyhound Board of Great Britain. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  34. ^ "track record". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.

External links

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