Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium: Walk Through History

A Visionary Beginning

The history of Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium is a fascinating journey that began in pre-war London and continued through decades of evolution, marked by key moments in both the greyhound racing and stock car industries. It all started with Len Franklin, a renowned professional gambler known for his keen ability to pick winning bets. Franklin made his name across several venues in London, including Clapton, Harringay, Stamford Bridge, and White City, which fueled his success over a ten-year period. His expertise eventually led him to explore new ventures, and in the late 1930s, he was encouraged to invest in a greyhound track in Yarmouth, a seaside town that already had a thriving horse racing culture.

In 1939, Franklin acquired a field on the west side of Yarmouth Road, near an old "flapping" track, which was an informal greyhound racing circuit devoid of any permanent structures. To improve access and expand the site, he leased an adjacent field and sought planning permission to build a new stadium. Although the initial request was rejected, a successful appeal overturned the decision, allowing work to begin that same year. By the spring of 1940, the new Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium was ready to open its doors. However, on May 11, 1940—the planned opening day—World War II intervened when Germany invaded the Netherlands and Belgium. Despite the chaos, the opening race took place, but soon after, most of the staff, including Franklin, were called to serve in the war effort, and the stadium was temporarily closed and repurposed for use by the fire service.

Post-War Resurgence

After the war, Franklin teamed up with Ernie Wedon and Clifford Yaxley to form the Norfolk Greyhound Racing Company, relaunching the stadium on December 7, 1946. The post-war boom provided a perfect opportunity, and the Yarmouth public embraced the return of greyhound racing. The newly established East Anglian Derby, an independent race at the time, became a notable event at the track. Over the next decade, the stadium flourished, with various improvements and expansions, including a heliport on the original field where the old flapping track once stood.

By the late 1950s, following the sudden death of Yaxley, the Franklin family assumed full control of the stadium's operations. Len Franklin took on the role of Racing Manager, while his son Stephen became the Kennel Manager and M.J. Franklin served as General Manager. Race nights were held regularly, with distances varying from 300 to 910 yards, and the track became a fixture of the local community, hosting events such as speedway and stock car racing.

In 1975, Yarmouth made a significant move by joining the National Greyhound Racing Club (NGRC) permit scheme. This decision allowed the stadium to compete on a national level, and by 1987, it became the first permit track to surpass £1 million in totalisator turnover. The East Anglian Derby gained prestige, and the track's facilities were upgraded to meet the demands of a modern racing venue. The 1980s also saw a surge in attendance, thanks in part to a revival in the greyhound racing industry.

Modernisation and Continued Success

By the 1990s, Yarmouth continued to thrive, producing several notable champions in the open race circuit. The track's reputation grew as trainers like Tony Gifkins and Michael Power brought success to Yarmouth with victories in events such as the Scottish St. Leger and Grand National. The 2000s marked a new era of growth, with Simon Franklin taking over as Racing Manager and later General Manager, alongside his brother Justin. Together, they oversaw the construction of a £2.5 million grandstand in 2006, which included a state-of-the-art 250-seat restaurant and executive suites. This new facility, named the Len Franklin Grandstand in honour of the stadium’s founder, further solidified Yarmouth's status as a premier racing venue.

In the years that followed, Yarmouth hosted major events like the TV Trophy and the Trainers Championship. The arrival of prominent trainers such as Mark Wallis and John Mullins after the closure of Walthamstow Stadium added to its prestige. Wallis, in particular, achieved remarkable success, winning the English Greyhound Derby in 2012 with Blonde Snapper, and several other major titles, establishing Yarmouth as a force in the racing world.

More recently, the stadium entered into a media rights contract with ARC, ensuring its continued prominence in the racing industry. This partnership, along with ongoing improvements and a dedicated team led by Racing Manager Marcus Westgate, has helped maintain Yarmouth's status as one of the leading greyhound racing tracks in the UK. Today, races are held regularly, with modern amenities including the Raceview Restaurant and a variety of entertainment options, making Yarmouth a vibrant hub for both racing enthusiasts and the local community.