WALTHAM FOREST: World of racing “stunned” by stadium closure
THE world of greyhound racing is said to be "stunned" this weekend after news broke that the historic Walthamstow Stadium is to close in August.
Director Charles Chandler said the decision was made to sell up due to declining visitor numbers coupled with increased costs.
The stadium has now been sold to a group of developers and looks set to host its final race in August.
John Coleman, who represents the track's trainers, told the Racing Post he was "stunned" by the news.
"We had no inkling. Everyone expected much longer notice were anything like this to happen - perhaps August next year. But it is this August" he said.
In the wake of the announcement, fears have been raised about the welfare of the stadium's animals, but a spokesman for The Chairman of the British Greyhound Racing Board (BGRB) said the group would be visiting the arena next week to discuss "how the welfare of the dogs will be safeguarded."
He added: "The BGRB Trainers Assistance Fund keeps a reserve to help in instances of track closure, although we hope that given this period of notice, many will find opportunities to continue training at other tracks."
BGRB Chairman, Lord David Lipsey, said it was "a great pity" that the stadium, on Chingford Road in Chingford, was closing.
"Everyone with an interest in greyhound racing will miss the unique sense of style with which Walthamstow Stadium has hosted greyhound racing" he said.
"Away from the very centre of London, its famous neon frontage has become one of the capital's most recognised landmarks.
However he added that the news, while sudden, was not entirely unexpected.
He said: "While no-one who follows events at Walthamstow will be hugely surprised by this very sad news, it is a great pity to lose one of the sport's flagship venues at a time when attendances at other stadia appear to be increasing."
"This demonstrates the difficulty of making a decent return from greyhound racing on city development sites - and therefore strengthens the need to improve greyhound racing's public appeal and economic success.
"I am pleased that the Chandler family have given supporters of the track time to be able to say their 'goodbyes' before locking the gates for the last time.
"My sympathies go out to the owners, trainers and kennel staff connected to the track, to all the staff, the track bookmakers and by no means least of all, the race goers who have helped make greyhound racing at Walthamstow the wonderful experience it is and always has been."
A development consortium led by Yoo Capital and K W L Linfoot plc are expected to complete the sale of the stadium on or before September 1.
10:09am Sunday 18th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: John, Preston lancs on 6:20pm Sun 18 May 08
The news that Walthamstow Stadium is to close can be best described as a calamity for greyhound racing. The sentiments of Mr Khalid about a fun day out for the family are absolutely spot on. I am a big fan of the Stow and hope to attend one of the Monday afternoon meetings to say my farewells to one of the finest venues to have graced the sport.
My sympathies go out to all the licensed trainers, owners and employees of the stadium who face a very uncertain future.
The news that Walthamstow Stadium is to close can be best described as a calamity for greyhound racing. The sentiments of Mr Khalid about a fun day out for the family are absolutely spot on. I am a big fan of the Stow and hope to attend one of the Monday afternoon meetings to say my farewells to one of the finest venues to have graced the sport.
My sympathies go out to all the licensed trainers, owners and employees of the stadium who face a very uncertain future.
Posted by: John Lussier, Jacksonville, Florida, USA on 8:17pm Sun 18 May 08
When my Missus and I were married in Walthamstow in September of 2004, we didn't have much money for a flash honeymoon. As she was from the local area and I was a Yank who just wanted to know my new bride's past better, I was hapy to spend a Saturday night at the Walthamstow Dog Track. It was super affordable, the stands were alive with families eating jacket potatoes with slaw or beans in them,and cheap fast grub.It may sound silly and over romantic but the atmosphere with the bookmakers at track side and the punters scrambling to the cages was carnival like and much the same as my Missus remebered from her youth. We got lucky that night and won big on a 14 to 1 shot dog that paid for our entire evening and a few quid left over. I'll miss the place and I've only been there once. Thanks for that experience and I hope that building some Bladerunner Tower Flats gets blocked by the good people of Walthamstow.
When my Missus and I were married in Walthamstow in September of 2004, we didn't have much money for a flash honeymoon. As she was from the local area and I was a Yank who just wanted to know my new bride's past better, I was hapy to spend a Saturday night at the Walthamstow Dog Track. It was super affordable, the stands were alive with families eating jacket potatoes with slaw or beans in them,and cheap fast grub.It may sound silly and over romantic but the atmosphere with the bookmakers at track side and the punters scrambling to the cages was carnival like and much the same as my Missus remebered from her youth. We got lucky that night and won big on a 14 to 1 shot dog that paid for our entire evening and a few quid left over. I'll miss the place and I've only been there once. Thanks for that experience and I hope that building some Bladerunner Tower Flats gets blocked by the good people of Walthamstow.
Posted by: Clive Ellis, Hull on 8:35pm Sun 18 May 08
It is impossible to say how many greyhounds have been killed at Walthamstow stadium and how many have been killed as a result of the stadiums existence but for sure the total number will be tens of thousands. Marathon Girl and Woody The Tiger are two of many killed already this year (both PTS by the track vet after sustaining treatable injuries). Greyhound racing is a ruthless and barbaric business in which the greyhound is just a commodity and the news of the stadiums closure will be welcomed by all those who care about the welfare of animals. More stadiums are expected too close in the not too distance future.
It is impossible to say how many greyhounds have been killed at Walthamstow stadium and how many have been killed as a result of the stadiums existence but for sure the total number will be tens of thousands. Marathon Girl and Woody The Tiger are two of many killed already this year (both PTS by the track vet after sustaining treatable injuries). Greyhound racing is a ruthless and barbaric business in which the greyhound is just a commodity and the news of the stadiums closure will be welcomed by all those who care about the welfare of animals. More stadiums are expected too close in the not too distance future.
Posted by: Gerry Kirk, Sydney, Australia on 9:28pm Sun 18 May 08
The Chandler family lived round the corner to my family in The Ridgeway. I went to the Stadium many times and my rock band played there once. I'm disappointed to hear of the closure. Gerry Kirk.
The Chandler family lived round the corner to my family in The Ridgeway. I went to the Stadium many times and my rock band played there once. I'm disappointed to hear of the closure. Gerry Kirk.
Posted by: Eddy, Walthamstow on 9:55pm Sun 18 May 08
[quote][bold]Clive Ellis[/bold] wrote:
It is impossible to say how many greyhounds have been killed at Walthamstow stadium and how many have been killed as a result of the stadiums existence but for sure the total number will be tens of thousands. Marathon Girl and Woody The Tiger are two of many killed already this year (both PTS by the track vet after sustaining treatable injuries). Greyhound racing is a ruthless and barbaric business in which the greyhound is just a commodity and the news of the stadiums closure will be welcomed by all those who care about the welfare of animals. More stadiums are expected too close in the not too distance future.[/quote] [bold]Greyhound racing is a ruthless and barbaric business[/bold]
What absolute nonsense. Whats barbaric about going round & round? And if some die, big deal. Theres plenty of others.
You dont even live down here & have no idea what this stadium is like. It'll be greatly missed by normal people!!!
Clive Ellis wrote:
It is impossible to say how many greyhounds have been killed at Walthamstow stadium and how many have been killed as a result of the stadiums existence but for sure the total number will be tens of thousands. Marathon Girl and Woody The Tiger are two of many killed already this year (both PTS by the track vet after sustaining treatable injuries). Greyhound racing is a ruthless and barbaric business in which the greyhound is just a commodity and the news of the stadiums closure will be welcomed by all those who care about the welfare of animals. More stadiums are expected too close in the not too distance future.
Greyhound racing is a ruthless and barbaric business
What absolute nonsense. Whats barbaric about going round & round? And if some die, big deal. Theres plenty of others.
You dont even live down here & have no idea what this stadium is like. It'll be greatly missed by normal people!!!
Posted by: Flash Bristow, Leytonstone on 10:06pm Sun 18 May 08
I adopted an ex-racer from Walthamstow, trained by John Coleman. It seems like a good time to remind people that greyhounds make wonderful family pets - please consider homing one!
I adopted an ex-racer from Walthamstow, trained by John Coleman. It seems like a good time to remind people that greyhounds make wonderful family pets - please consider homing one!
Posted by: Chingford United Netball Team, E4 on 8:55am Mon 19 May 08
I dont know why everyone is moaning.
Yes the Dogs is a great place and a great night out.
However everyone in the Chandler's position would do the same. They have worked hard and own this asset so if they want to sell then good luck to them.
Everyone heard the whispers of the possible sale for the past few years and there was nothing stopping the workers, trainers etc pooling funds and putting their own bid for the Stow on the table.
They did not, so stop moaning.
I dont know why everyone is moaning.
Yes the Dogs is a great place and a great night out.
However everyone in the Chandler's position would do the same. They have worked hard and own this asset so if they want to sell then good luck to them.
Everyone heard the whispers of the possible sale for the past few years and there was nothing stopping the workers, trainers etc pooling funds and putting their own bid for the Stow on the table.
They did not, so stop moaning.
Posted by: emm, uk on 2:07pm Mon 19 May 08
[quote][bold]Clive Ellis[/bold] wrote:
It is impossible to say how many greyhounds have been killed at Walthamstow stadium and how many have been killed as a result of the stadiums existence but for sure the total number will be tens of thousands. Marathon Girl and Woody The Tiger are two of many killed already this year (both PTS by the track vet after sustaining treatable injuries). Greyhound racing is a ruthless and barbaric business in which the greyhound is just a commodity and the news of the stadiums closure will be welcomed by all those who care about the welfare of animals. More stadiums are expected too close in the not too distance future.[/quote] theres nothing wrong with the sport itself, its not like fighting, its just dogs running. whats wrong is the corruption that comes with it, and any person in anysport can become curroupt.
there must be new laws on how the dogs are kept and treated and their retirement. there are many retired greyhounds who are well behaved and friendly. and we have an ex greyhound racer near us, and do you know what it did to his two dogs when they reached retirement? did he kill them or dump them? no he kept them, and they are well fed healthy and happy.
and if you think animals should not be pts for treatable injuries, why dont you tell shty animal rights groups like the peta that?
Clive Ellis wrote:
It is impossible to say how many greyhounds have been killed at Walthamstow stadium and how many have been killed as a result of the stadiums existence but for sure the total number will be tens of thousands. Marathon Girl and Woody The Tiger are two of many killed already this year (both PTS by the track vet after sustaining treatable injuries). Greyhound racing is a ruthless and barbaric business in which the greyhound is just a commodity and the news of the stadiums closure will be welcomed by all those who care about the welfare of animals. More stadiums are expected too close in the not too distance future.
theres nothing wrong with the sport itself, its not like fighting, its just dogs running. whats wrong is the corruption that comes with it, and any person in anysport can become curroupt.
there must be new laws on how the dogs are kept and treated and their retirement. there are many retired greyhounds who are well behaved and friendly. and we have an ex greyhound racer near us, and do you know what it did to his two dogs when they reached retirement? did he kill them or dump them? no he kept them, and they are well fed healthy and happy.
and if you think animals should not be pts for treatable injuries, why dont you tell shty animal rights groups like the peta that?
Posted by: David, Walthamstow on 9:00am Tue 20 May 08
@Chingford United Netball
Then the 'Chandlers' should have told the truth from the very beginning, instead of the blatant lies and denials.
@Chingford United Netball
Then the 'Chandlers' should have told the truth from the very beginning, instead of the blatant lies and denials.
Posted by: raymondo, very near on 11:38am Tue 20 May 08
that will be sad to see the stadium go.
what next? a large block of flats!!!
that will be sad to see the stadium go.
what next? a large block of flats!!!
Posted by: Jane, UK on 1:03pm Tue 20 May 08
I'm so upset that the Stow is closing, as it's an amazing place. My dog won his first ever race there, and it's the only track he has ever loved racing at. I have great memories of nights there cheering my dog on - no other track has the same atmosphere and it will be sadly missed by greyhound enthusiasts.
I'm so upset that the Stow is closing, as it's an amazing place. My dog won his first ever race there, and it's the only track he has ever loved racing at. I have great memories of nights there cheering my dog on - no other track has the same atmosphere and it will be sadly missed by greyhound enthusiasts.
Posted by: Mr Codgers, Snaresbrook on 10:18am Wed 21 May 08
[quote][bold]raymondo[/bold] wrote:
that will be sad to see the stadium go. what next? a large block of flats!!![/quote] NO you idiot, they are going to grow pansies there, what do you think?
raymondo wrote:
that will be sad to see the stadium go. what next? a large block of flats!!!
NO you idiot, they are going to grow pansies there, what do you think?
Posted by: raymondo, kempton on 3:42pm Wed 21 May 08
thanks for your comments Mr Codgers,but you should keep them to yourself if your going to be RUDE!!!!
thanks for your comments Mr Codgers,but you should keep them to yourself if your going to be RUDE!!!!
Posted by: Andy Brown, Highams Park on 1:58pm Fri 23 May 08
So once again, housing takes priority over fun. Kids carry guns and knives and kill each other, complaining of "nuttin' to do", and we add to the problem by concreting over any place that could provide a diversion for them. Can we not get The Stow listed? It was used on the cover of Blur's ParkLife, and various other album covers, plus David Beckham worked there as a pot man. Come to think of it, I wonder if Mr Beckham has some money to spare to save it…
So once again, housing takes priority over fun. Kids carry guns and knives and kill each other, complaining of "nuttin' to do", and we add to the problem by concreting over any place that could provide a diversion for them. Can we not get The Stow listed? It was used on the cover of Blur's ParkLife, and various other album covers, plus David Beckham worked there as a pot man. Come to think of it, I wonder if Mr Beckham has some money to spare to save it…
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