After nearly 40 years of operation, the once-thriving Crayford Greyhound Stadium may soon shut its doors. The stadium’s owners have disclosed plans to withdraw from the site, citing financial challenges as dwindling support and falling attendance take their toll.
Simon Clare, communications director for Entain UK—the parent company of Ladbrokes, which played a key role in establishing the track in 1986—stated that the decision was far from easy. He explained that the potential closure comes after extensive efforts to find alternative solutions. Ultimately, however, the venue's declining popularity has made its operation unsustainable.
“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,” Clare shared.
This combination of factors left the stadium unable to continue.
“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 and options available to them.”
The announcement marks a bitter moment for a venue that once stood as a vibrant hub for greyhound racing.