In a heartfelt tribute to the late Harry Williams, Sunderland Stadium has announced that their upcoming Harry Williams Memorial Meeting will also serve as a fundraiser for the local Durham and District Retired Greyhounds.
Taking place on Friday, June 28, the event will feature the final of the £7,500 Arena Racing Company Puppy Cup, headlining a 12-race card. Each race will be named in honor of some of Harry’s most successful dogs. Entries for the meeting close on Monday, with a focus on July pups and younger greyhounds.
The evening will also showcase the final of the Harry Williams Blue Artisan British Bred, a race valued at £1,500 for the winner, sponsored by the British Greyhound Racing Fund (BGRF).
Hospitality boxes for the event have already sold out, underscoring the anticipation and support for this fitting tribute to Harry Williams, one of the four founders who bought and redeveloped the old Sunderland flapping track in 1989.
Joanne Wilson, general manager at Sunderland Stadium, expressed her fond memories of working under Harry’s ownership and emphasized the significance of the event:
“Harry was greyhound racing through and through,” said Joanne. “His passing last summer was a huge loss to everyone, and we all miss him dearly. Our first Harry Williams Memorial Race Night will be a great occasion to celebrate a man whose influence on greyhound racing in the north-east is still felt to this day."
“We’re sure there’ll be plenty of stories and memories re-lived throughout the night,” she continued, “and we encourage those who knew Harry to turn out in force and make it one to remember.”
The memorial meeting promises to be both a celebration of Harry Williams' enduring legacy and a crucial fundraiser to support retired greyhounds in the local community.