WEDNESDAY ROUND UP

Entain have announced the closure of Crayford, though the exact date is not revealed writes Floyd Amphlett.

Group spokesman Simon Clare said: ” We are saddened to announce the intended closure of the Crayford greyhound track. 

“We have been exploring various avenues to avoid this decision for some time, but ultimately, it is no longer viable for us to continue operating the site. The dwindling support for the venue has led to insufficient trainer interest to fulfil our schedules, fewer competitive race days, and, therefore, lower attendance which has sadly driven our decision to close.

“Ladbrokes have a long history in greyhound racing, helping to build and open the Crayford venue in 1986 so the decision has not been taken lightly.  

“Impacted colleagues have been informed of our intention to close the track and we will shortly commence individual consultations with colleagues to discuss the support/options available to them. 

“We will also continue to support all trainers impacted by the disruption and hope that many of them will continue to race their dogs at other UK greyhound tracks. We remain committed to the highest levels of animal welfare. As such, every affected greyhound will be cared for through an enhanced investment and rehoming strategy. We are looking to expand our infrastructure to rehome dogs, develop new rehoming partnerships in the UK, US & Canada and support trainer and greyhound transition to other tracks in the UK. 

“We will continue to fulfil the current fixture schedule at our remaining tracks at Romford, Hove & Monmore.” 

 

The minimal substantive detail of the statement will be of limited comfort to staff, patrons and patrons of the group’s other three tracks.

We recently suggested that a deal had been proposed for an ARC lease deal of all four Entain tracks (no denial was ever received) though that proposal seemingly fell through. At least thus far.

My understanding is that Crayford is not likely to close before the end of January, due to the necessary staff consultations though that decision may be subject to other factors.

The most likely is that the majority of trainers are taken on at other tracks and it is rumoured that the current Crayford handlers will be offered positions by ARC owned Central Park.

History has taught us that tracks seldom survive to the conclusion of a long drawn own closure notice.

What happens then?

It remains to be seen whether a buyer can be found who is willing to continue to stage greyhound racing, and whether any new owner could secure a media rights contract.

Possible – though any new promoter would face similar, or indeed exacerbated problems in terms of greyhound/trainer availability.

There is also the issue of development. I understand that part of the site remains subject to planning restrictions that determine the need for local leisure facilities – ironically, and probably, the only reason that the current track existed in the first place.

Given the surplus of tracks within the PGR service, the loss of Crayford should not significantly cause major concerns in their scheduling.

PGR’s Garry Nash said: “We acknowledge the announcement about the intention to close the Crayford Greyhound track. While sad and disappointing news, there is no immediate impact on the operation of our joint venture and our aim to continue to improve the greyhound racing experience for all.”

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Joe’s Wednesday Tips

The nap of the evening runs at Yarmouth in the D2 at 7.22pm. Trap five Quacks takes a drop in class here from the last time he was seen over the two bend trip. Fifth in D1 a month ago, he drops into D2 after three runs in A2 and A3 when leading and being caught by the third bend. This is a Brilliant chance for Quacks to return to winning ways by dominating from an early stage and making all.

The next best runs at Romford in the A4 at 7.11pm. Trap five Kilshenane Best has had three runs back at the track after being D1 at Yarmouth when beating the likes of Two Slip Jigs who runs in A1 this evening at Romford. Therefore Kilshenane Best should be up to winning A4 grade if leading. She led two runs back but was beat comfortably in a quick 24.13 but she should be coming on for each run now and I would fancy her to make all if she can trap well and lead going into the first bend.

We head to Perry Barr for the third bet of the evening at 7.49pm. Trap one Cut Me Loose runs in A4 looking to pick up his first victory since winning an open race at Valley on August 18. He has been there or thereabouts in A3 and found plenty of trouble when downgraded to A4 on his last start so if Cut Me Loose can turn on the coattails of Harrier Sam, I would fancy him to prove too strong for his rivals and head back into A3 with a dominant display.