Closure of Swindon's Abbey Stadium announced bringing more than 73 years of greyhound racing at the track to an end

The phased closure of Swindon’s Abbey Stadium was announced on Monday by owners Gaming International, with Tuesday, December 30 stated as the final scheduled meeting, bringing to an end more than 73 years of greyhound racing at the track.

Staff and trainers were officially notified yesterday morning before the issuing of a press release, which cited a decline since the pandemic in attendances as being at the core of the decision.

The release said: “Since the pandemic, there are virtually no members of the public attending Abbey Stadium and the decline of greyhound racing as a spectator sport has accelerated to the point where its operation at the Abbey Stadium is no longer viable with a reliance on media rights revenues alone to cover the rapidly increasing cost of staging racing.

“During this period of declining revenues, costs have continued to rise significantly, and operators are bracing themselves for the increased costs of employment that will arrive in April.

“At a national level, greyhound racing faces big challenges including revenue decline, increasing costs, the increasing voice of animal welfare groups together with the changing gambling and leisure markets.”

The decision was confirmed by Clarke Osborne, chairman of Gaming International, who said: “It is with profound sadness that we make this announcement today, sadness for our loyal family of colleagues and for our greyhound trainers, some of whom have been with us for over 30 years.

More than 73 years of greyhound racing at Swindon is set to come to an endCredit: Steve Nash

“We understand that while some will welcome this announcement, there are others for whom this decision creates uncertainty for their futures. Let me be clear – we are committed to a sustainable and phased closure of the site which provides continued financial support for our trainers, and colleagues, through to the end of operations next year. We will work together in the months to come, providing support during this difficult period of change.

“I am sure there will be much debate on the history and future of greyhound racing in the UK during the months to come and I will certainly participate. For us, the closure of racing at the Abbey Stadium in December will mark the end of 73 years of greyhound racing promotion for this company and over 40 years for me personally.

“All things end and no one is able to hold back the changes in technology and trends in leisure pursuits. We must all look forward and embrace the future with hope and enthusiasm.”

The stadium first opened to the public on July 23, 1949 as home to the Swindon Robins speedway team, with the first greyhound meeting following three years later on November 1, 1952. It has changed hands several times, with the BS Group becoming owners following the closure of its track In Bristol in 1997. The BS Group later became Stadia UK and then Gaming International.

Yesterday, one of the longest-serving handlers at the track, Paul Foster, who trains from kennels on-site, was pondering his future as he said: “I’ve been based at these kennels for over 27 years and this is a very sad day for us and all involved at Swindon.

“I’m not angry with Swindon, as I’ve loved being here and it is not just a job, but a way of life and where my friends are. It’s true we don’t get the general public here any more and I wouldn’t know about the value of the media contracts.

“We’ve been given nine months to try and make plans and I guess we will look around for kennels, but it’s not easy and I’m 67 now, so who knows what we’ll do.

“Currently we’ve around 30 dogs in the kennel, about 20 on the strength and I’ve just been trialling in some new ones. We’ll keep going but also take stock of what the future holds. This has been a way of life for many years for me and there have been rumours flying around for some time, but until you’re told officially you just carry on. Now we have been given the bad news – it’s really sad.”

Mick Lawlor, formerly based with the late John Honeysett, has worked with Foster for over 20 years as head man. He said: “We all knew this day would come, but you always hope it might not. The sport isn’t what it once was and I’d say we’ve seen the best of it now.”

Crayford: another track to close earlier this yearCredit: Steve Nash

Reacting to the news yesterday, GBGB chief executive Mark Bird said: “GBGB is disappointed at the loss of another GBGB-licensed greyhound track and, while there have long been rumours of a plan to redevelop the site, this will of course be difficult news for all whose livelihoods are centred around Abbey Stadium.

“We are committed to working with the track in the coming months to ensure the continued welfare of all greyhounds and to support attached trainers to transfer their operations to other licensed tracks should they wish to. Likewise, we will look to support any track staff who want to continue working in the industry to find suitable roles at another GBGB licensed stadium.”

Meanwhile, high-profile trainer Kevin Hutton, who cut his teeth at the track and has been a regular supporter of its open racing, expressed his anger at the news.

He told the Racing Post: “It’s a huge loss to the sport, Swindon is a great track with a good bunch of trainers and the track staff do a terrific job – they have one of the best surfaces in the country.

“Down the years we enjoyed plenty of success at Swindon, including two Oaks victories. But the track has been left to rot by the owners and it’s a real shame, such a sad loss.

“Unfortunately it doesn’t come as a surprise to me, every track Gaming International has owned has been closed. Plenty of broken promises along the way and I feel really sorry for everyone connected to the track – they’ve been led down the garden path.”

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