ARC AGREES TO ACQUIRE CEARNSPORT LTD – PRESS RELEASE

Arena Racing Company (“ARC”) can confirm that an agreement has been reached to acquire Cearnsport Limited, the owners of Central Park greyhound stadium and speedway track.

Upon completion of the acquisition, Central Park will join Newcastle, Nottingham, Sunderland and Perry Barr within the ARC group of Greyhound Stadia alongside sixteen racecourses, which include Doncaster, Newcastle, Chepstow and Royal Windsor.

Promoter at Central Park, Roger Cearns, will continue with the business through a transitional period ahead of the return of owners and spectators.  In addition, Roger will maintain his links with the track via the Kent Kings Speedway team. ARC will continue to honour the ongoing media rights agreement between the stadium and SIS.

ARC Director of Media and Technology, Mark Kingston, said, “We are delighted to have reached agreement with Cearnsport Limited, and to welcome Central Park into the ARC group of venues.”

“As a well-respected and popular track, Central Park will really enhance the portfolio of greyhound racing that we host and reiterates our long-term commitment to the sport.  We will, of course, fulfil any standing arrangements with regards the track’s media rights, but look forward to Central Park becoming a key part of our schedule going forward.

“We are incredibly grateful to Roger Cearns, whose knowledge and expertise will be hugely valuable to the business during an upcoming transitional period.”

Roger Cearns said, “I have, for some time now, thought that after 60 years connected to greyhound stadiums and 23 years at Central Park that the time is right for me to retire for younger people to take charge and to secure a sound future for Central Park, its trainers and employees.”

“Having closely investigated all possibilities I consider that ARC, who are acknowledged leaders in this field, operating over 20 venues, are the best option to achieve that. Racing at Central Park will continue as normal with the exciting Category One Grand National commencing soon.”

“I believe that being within the ARC group will give Central Park, it’s staff and trainers a secure and prosperous future and my best wishes go to them.”

This news follows the announcement of the establishment of a landmark joint venture between ARC and Entain, which will deliver a single, optimized UK greyhound racing schedule from 1 January 2024.