Perhaps the least surprising news of the month – that Britain’s first greyhound track, Belle Vue has closed for good was made today.
GBGB Managing Director Mark Bird said: “This is such a sad day to see the spiritual home of greyhound racing in the UK close its doors. Whilst the news is not entirely unexpected with regards to the overshadowing planning permission at the track, it is still incredibly disappointing. I’d like to applaud the Friends of Belle Vue Stadium for their incredible efforts to galvanise public support to try and keep the track open. Despite it’s closure, every single one of them should hold their heads up high for their campaigning.
“Greyhound racing has been held at Belle Vue since 1926 and throughout its illustrious existence, the racing always managed to attract large crowds quite literally right up to its closure. Many within the greyhound community will cherish fond and lasting memories of the track and the people who worked there, who raced their greyhounds at the track and those who simply went to the track to watch the racing spectacle. Our thoughts are with the staff and we will continue to work with those trainers that remain unattached.”
More to follow
