Wimbledon Stadium

Wimbledon Stadium, also known as Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium is a greyhound racing track located in Wimbledon in southwest London, England. It also hosts stock car and other small circuit motor racing events and until 2005 hosted motorcycle speedway. The stadium currently hosts the English Greyhound Derby each year.

Stadium

The facilities include a brick fronted grandstand seating 8,000 and several bars and catering facilities, including a waiter-service restaurant. The stadium is surrounded by a large open-air car park.

History

Racing history

Racing was first held on 19 May 1928. The site had been purchased by South London Greyhound Racecourses Ltd who then experienced financial difficulties. W J Cearns, owner of the building firm, put in a large sum of money to help get the stadium up and running. Wimbledon became one of the major tracks of Britain after a new grandstand was constructed to replace the war damaged section of the stadium.

Many famous trainers helped the track gain a first class reputation for good racing including Paddy McEllistrim, Sidney Orton, Paddy McEvoy, Joe Harmon and Paddy Fortune. The track originally held the classic race The Laurels and the prestigious race The Puppy Derby. Eventually the Greyhound Racing Association would purchase the stadium and it would hold the English Greyhound Derby following the demise of White City Stadium.