Walthamstow Stadium

Walthamstow Stadium

The front facade in 2005
Location	Chingford Road, London, E4 8SJ England
Coordinates	51.603759°N 0.015948°E / 51.603759; 0.015948
Date opened	15 April 1933 (1933-04-15)
Date closed	16 August 2008 (2008-08-16)
Race type	Greyhound racing

Walthamstow Stadium was a greyhound racing track in the London Borough of Waltham Forest in east London. It was regarded as the leading greyhound racing stadium in Britain following the closure of White City in 1984. The stadium closed on 16 August 2008.

Greyhound racing

Inside Walthamstow Stadium in 2008

Crooked Billet

In the early part of the 20th century the Myrtle Grove sports ground was built and used by the Walthamstow Grange Football Club from 1908. By 1929 the ground hosted greyhound racing for the first time and was known as the Crooked Billet Greyhound and whippet track (named after the nearby Crooked Billet public house). The track was an independent track, unaffiliated to a governing body. In 1931, William Chandler, a bookmaker by trade, decided to build on the existing independent track. Chandler also had shares in the Hackney Wick Stadium.

Opening

It cost Chandler £24,000 to buy the site and the Art Deco parapet entrance was built in 1932 with the clock tower and totalisator board being designed by Thomas & Edge Ltd. builders of Woolwich. The grand official opening was on Monday 19 June 1933, opened by Jack Kid Berg and in which aviator Amy Johnson presented a trophy as a guest.

Pre-war history

From 1931 to 1943 the stadium underwent three major rebuilds as Chandler strived for the perfect stadium. The kennels and paddock were situated between the third and fourth bends with a veterinary room and trainers room at either end. Between the first and second bends was the Senior Club sandwiched by two stands. The back straight had one large covered stand but the home straight had another Senior Club which was located under the upstairs ballroom and dance band. There were two tea rooms and a wet and dry bar in the main grandstand and sixteen tote buildings. The track was 440 yards in circumference and was described as the slowest and most difficult course in London. The hare was an 'Inside Sumner' and there was an artesian well near the fourth bend used for watering the track.

On 13 January 1938 the track raced under National Greyhound Racing Club rules for the first time. In 1941 the stadium introduced its first major competition, called 'The Test'. The trainers and greyhounds attached to Walthamstow were situated in kennels to the north called 'The Limes' in Sewardstone Road not far from Epping Forest. Walthamstow were unusual in the fact that they hired several female trainers at the time; a practice attributed to the influence of Frances Chandler (the wife of William's son Charles). Frances was a leading greyhound owner in the industry. Female trainers employed during the period mentioned included Mrs F Deathbridge, Meg Fairbrass, Miss J Griffiths and Mrs B Lark. Wartime champion greyhound Ballynennan Moon won the Stewards Cup and broke the track record in 1942.

Late 1940s

As the war ended the stadium hosted Winston Churchill as he addressed 20,000 people when canvassing support for re-election. A major event called the Grand Prix was inaugurated in 1945 and later became a classic race. Towards the end of 1946 William 'Billy' Chandler died leaving equal shares of the business to his children. Charles became the new Managing Director, Victor snr (whose son is Victor Chandler) and Jack were concentrating on their bookmaking businesses and Ronnie was training greyhounds in Ireland. The industry and Walthamstow experienced an extraordinary boom in business with tote turnover in excess of £7 million in 1946.

In 1948 the track had their first English Greyhound Derby finalist in Doughery Boy and two more female trainers Noreen Collin and Miss K Sanderson joined in 1950. Joe Coral (founder of Coral Empire) stood as a track bookmaker before branching into betting offices in the sixties. In 1952 the neon lighting greyhound sign was added to commemorate the 1952 Coronation, the same year the land which housed the Salisbury Hall Manor House (once owned by Henry VIII) was purchased by Chandler, demolished and used as the car park for the stadium.

1950s and 1960s

Tom 'Paddy' Reilly, Dave Geggus and Barney O’Connor became three very prominent trainers at the track and in the industry; Reilly replaced Noreen Collin in 1953. Other trainers at the time were Jack Durkin, Kevin O'Neil and Reg 'String' Marsh. In 1963 the track introduced a closed circuit television system and in 1965 chromotography (a drug testing unit) was first used at Walthamstow in their purpose built lab. In 1968 the bends were sanded and banked producing a much faster surface than all-grass.

1970s

Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium c.1970

In 1971 a new stand with a restaurant and an escalator were added. Charles Chandler (1976) and his brother Victor Chandler (1977) both died, bringing uncertainty as to the future of the company. Charles Chandler Jr. was made the new chairman and Percy Chandler the new managing director. Victor Chandler Jr. inherited a 20% stake but sold his share concentrating on the bookmaking business. The Greyhound Racing Association held a third share in the track but had to sell to alleviate their debts. Suddenly it became apparent that an interested party could acquire a 52% stake and have the controlling interest. Coral and Ladbrokes expressed an interest but Charles Jr., Percy and Frances Chandler spent over £400,000 to withstand the takeover attempts and buy the track outright.

1980s

Walthamstow Stadium scoreboard

Racing Manager (RM) Ray Spalding left to be replaced by Tony Smith in 1983 with Chris Page as assistant RM. Charley Chan's nightclub was built under the clock tower totalisator board in 1984 and a new generation of trainer included Jim Sherry, Dick Hawkes and Kenny Linzell. Also in 1984 a nightclub called Charlie Chan's was opened within the foundations of the clocktower. It closed permanently in November 2007. In 1986, one of the leading trainers in the country had just joined Oxford Stadium but switched to Walthamstow after receiving a late job offer. Less than a year later Baggs trained Signal Spark to the 1987 English Greyhound Derby crown, remarkably the first time the track had achieved the accolade.

A fourth major event was introduced in 1987, called the Arc. After Barney O'Connor died in 1988 further trainer appointments included Ernie Gaskin Sr. in 1988 and John Coleman in 1989. Walthamstow became the leading track in Britain and in 1988 tote turnover figures were £16,355,089.

1990s

Chris Page became Racing Manager and a second Derby triumph arrived when Slippy Blue won the 1990 event. Page recruited Linda Mullins who went on to win five Greyhound Trainer of the Year awards. The track earned their first Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service contract and John Coleman won the trainers championship. Another leading trainer called Paul Young arrived during 1996. In 1998 the Racing Post sponsored the Racing Post Festival at the track. Trainer Linda Jones was appointed in 1999, and would be Greyhound Trainer of the Year twice.

Final years

The front facade in 2006

Linda Mullins retired with the trainers going to her son John, Ernie Gaskin Sr. retired in 2005 with the kennels being taken over by his son Ernest Gaskin Jr. and Mark Wallis took over from Linda Jones. Despite the success the directors agreed to the sale of the company's freehold property to a development consortium led by Yoo Capital and K W Linfoot plc. Formal contracts were exchanged. The final race was held on Saturday 16 August at 11pm, the winner being trap two 'Mountjoy Diamond'.

Speedway

Motor cycle speedway racing was staged at the Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium in Chingford Road in 1934 and between 1949 and 1951. Between 1949 and 1951 the team, known as the Walthamstow Wolves, raced in the National League Second Division with moderate success. The team included ex-England international George Newton. At that time all the other London clubs, Wembley, Wimbledon, West Ham, Harringay and New Cross raced in the First Division. The sport left the stadium in the 1950s owing to declining attendance and complaints of noise from local residents. The track was covered in tarmac for easier maintenance of the dog track.

Stock car racing

Stock car racing took place at many greyhound and speedway tracks. Between 1962 and 1968 Walthamstow Stadium was home to BriSCA "Senior" F1 and "Junior" F2 stock cars.

On 29 March 1968 the Spedeworth promotion took over the running of racing at Walthamstow with their Superstox, Stock Car, Hot Rod, Banger and Midget Racing. The promotion continued there until the end of the 1974 racing season.

Decline and closure

Walthamstow Stadium front range neon lighting after full restoration in 2016

Walthamstow Stadium front range in daylight (2017)

It could be said that if a person from the East End of London refers to "going down the dogs", they were probably going to the dog track at Walthamstow or Romford Greyhound Stadium. There were once 33 greyhound tracks in London, but only Romford and Crayford remained after Catford closed in 2003 and Wimbledon closed in 2017.

The directors of Walthamstow Stadium Limited agreed to the sale of the company's freehold property at Walthamstow Stadium to a development consortium led by London and Quadrant. They claimed falling profits and attendances forced the sale. Formal contracts were exchanged and completed in 2008. The final race was held on Saturday 16 August 2008, the winner being 'Mountjoy Diamond'. Numerous unsuccessful attempts to buy or lease the stadium back from developers were subsequently made.

On 8 May 2012, the application for housing on the site was approved by four votes to three. On 30 October 2012, Mayor of London Boris Johnson approved the plans for housing. The stadium buildings were demolished and were replaced with 292 new homes, but the Grade II-listed front facade remains.

In February 2016, the 1930s neon lights were turned on for the first time since the stadium's closure in 2008, following a £100,000 restoration.

Television

The stadium appears as one of the location settings for an episode of the television New Tricks. Titled Eyes Down for a Full House, the episode centred around the story of a missing greyhound and a possible murder. It was broadcast by the BBC on 5 June 2005 as the sixth episode in the second season of the show.

Competitions

The Grand Prix

Main article: The Grand Prix

The Arc

Main article: Arc (greyhounds)

The Test

Main article: Test (greyhound competition)

Steward's Cup

Main article: Stewards' Cup (greyhounds)

The Circuit

Extended content

Year Winner Breeding Trainer Time SP Notes 1944 Ballyhennessy Seal Lone Seal – Canadian Glory Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 28.59 4-11f Track record 1945 Rushton Ranger Harry Spoor (New Cross) 29.38 100-7 1946 Gullane Idol Stanley Biss (Clapton) 28.94 11-8f 1947 Trev's Perfection Trev's Despatch-Friar Tuck Fred Trevillion (Private) 28.80 5-2 1948 Funny Mick Ruby Border – Olives Idol Bob Burls (Wembley) 28.68 9-4 1949 Black Coffee E Harding (Charlton) 29.05 7-2 1950 Kismet D Fred Trevillion (Private) 28.95 4-1 1956 Grand Reject Bill Fear (Walthamstow) 28.48 10-11f 1957 Local Swallow Galtee Cleo – Put Your Shoes on Lucy Tom Paddy Reilly (Walthamstow) 28.56 5-1 1958 Kilcaskin Kern Magourna Reject - Pavona Tony Dennis (Private) 28.38 8-13f 1959 Town King Small Town – Orphan Princess Leslie Reynolds (Wembley) 28.28 6-4f 1960 Dunstown Paddy Champion Prince – Geffs Linnett Tom Paddy Reilly (Walthamstow) 28.57 4-6f 1962 Geddys Queenie Fourth of July – Selected Miss Dave Geggus (Walthamstow) 28.03 1963 Westpark Hi There - Faoide Tom Paddy Reilly (Walthamstow) 27.60 1966 Peculiar Way George Curtis (Portsmouth) 1971 Cobbler Monalee Champion – Yurituni Dave Geggus (Walthamstow) 29.11 4-7f 1972 Say Little Albany – Newhouse Blue Colin McNally (Perry Barr) 28.85 4-5f 1973 Kenneallys Moor Moordyke Spot – Kenneallys Tune Clare Orton (Wimbledon) 29.40 5-1 1974 Leaders Champion Monalee Champion – Little Leader Dave Geggus (Walthamstow) 29.05 3-1 1975 Falban Move Gas – Monlena Dolly Charlie Coyle (Private) 29.36 1-1f 1976 Knocktoo Bill Kilbelin Style – She Is Landing Dave Geggus (Walthamstow) 29.09 11-8f 1977 Huberts Consort Mortor Light – Harmony Link Tom Paddy Reilly (Walthamstow) 29.17 8-11f 1978 Pigeon Flyer Mel's Pupil – Majorca Yank Tom Reilly (Walthamstow) 29.14 6-1 1979 It's Stylish Kilbelin Style – Ashfield Lady John Sherry (Walthamstow) 29.10 4-1 1980 Lift Coming Sunvalley Star – Brilliant Mind Dick Hawkes (Walthamstow) 28.82 4-5f 1981 Deel Joker Free Speech – Leaping Lady John Gibbons (Crayford) 28.75 4-11f 1982 Rikasso Hiker Glenore Hiker – Lady Myrtown Theo Mentzis (Milton Keynes) 28.95 3-1 1983 Raceway Mick Ballintee Star – Tullamaine Moon Adam Jackson (Wembley) 28.90 1-1f 1984 Kylemore Champ Lindas Champion – Airglooney Lass Terry Duggan (Romford) 29.02 9-4f 1985 Ballintubber One Killaclug Jet – Ballintubber Peg Kenny Linzell (Walthamstow) 29.13 7-2 1986 Hot Sauce Yankee Sand Man – Westpark Goldie Derek Knight (Brighton) 28.76 4-6f 1987 Flashy Sir Sand Man – Cherry Express Nick Savva (Milton Keynes) 28.80 7-2 1988 Round the Bend Glatton Grange – Three Point Turn 28.78 1989 Yes Speedy Curryhills Fox - Yes Mam John McGee Sr. (Private) 28.69 1990 Make Magic Manorville Sand – Roses Spots Ernie Gaskin Sr. (Private) 28.53 11-10f 1991 Ridgedale Gold Daleys Gold – Nalced Beauty Paul Garland (Oxford) 28.85 5-2 1992 Barbarian Prince Moral Support – Barbary Doll Mick Douglass (Rye House) 28.85 7-1 1993 Lyons Double Castlelyons Gem – Lyons Lady Donna Pickett (Canterbury) 29.30 4-1 1994 Connells Cross Adraville Bridge – Ballydrisheen Ernie Gaskin Sr. (Walthamstow) 28.55 7-1 1995 Countrywide Fox Greenpark Fox – Quare Wish John Coleman (Walthamstow) 29.00 4-5f 1996 Forward Venture Slaneyside Hare – Rose Venture Chris Duggan (Walthamstow) 28.70 11-4 1997 Velvet Tom Summerhill Gift – Velvet Coat David Firmager (Private) 28.86 5-2f 1998 Knockrour Casper Moaning Lad – Why Stella Ernie Gaskin Sr. (Walthamstow) 28.94 7-1 1999 Ceekay Cry Dalcash – Supa Plan Linda Mullins (Walthamstow) 28.90 5-2 2000 Mumble Swerve Druids Wally - Rhincrew Diane Linda Jones (Walthamstow) 28.68 8-1 2001 Blue Gooner Staplers Jo – Code Dancer John Mullins (Walthamstow) 28.77 5-4f 2002 Palacemews Lad Roanokee – Lisnak Slippy John Mullins (Walthamstow) 29.02 5-2 2003 Lozzas Dream He Knows – Jumbos Moth Derek Knight (Hove) 29.00 5-4f 2004 Margan Bluebell Concorde Direct – Tobys Girl Linda Jones (Walthamstow) 28.97 7-4 2005 Kindred Rebel Top Honcho – Cleanaway Sheila Mick Puzey (Walthamstow) 28.67 7-1 2006 Cobra Striking Brett Lee – Miss Tetley Ernest Gaskin Jr. (Private) 28.92 6-4f 2007 Jazz Hurricane Top Honcho – Lucy May Derek Knight (Hove) 28.69 1-1f 1944-1974 (525 yards), 1951-1955 (not held), 1975-2007 (475m)

Track records

Pre Metric records

Extended content

Distance (yards) Greyhound Time Date Notes 500 Ballyhennessy Seal 28.59 1944 Circuit Final 500 Shaggy Lass 28.55 13.12.1945 525 Ballynennan Moon 29.79 21.11.1942 525 Ballyoulster Deemster 29.76 10.1951 Grand Prix heats 525 Rushton Smutty 29.74 10.1951 Grand Prix heats 525 Olivers Lad 29.73 10.1951 Grand Prix second round 525 Rushton Smutty 29.70 10.1951 Grand Prix semi-finals 525 Duet Leader 29.24 1956 525 Drina 28.99 23.01.1962 525 Some Cheatha 28.95 09.1968 525 Say Little 28.83 1972 700 Stylish Nancy 40.92 29.11.1945 700 Kilbelin Dancer 40.81 1948 700 The Fixer 40.09 04.08.1962 700 Switch Hitter 40.05 08.1968 700 Hong Kong Bay 39.91 09.1968 700 Cash For Dan 39.88 1970 700 Breachs Buzzard 39.78 1971 880 Bedford 16.04.1966 880 Hiver Whitenose 52.54 1968 880 Hiver Whitenose 52.13 1968 880 Todos Liza 51.58 07.10.1968 Test heats 525 H Frating Dan 31.01 10.04.1943 525 H Baytown Blackbird 30.52 1946 525 H Lisnalong Hero 30.06 01.05.1965 700 H Dogstown Queen 41.33 28.08.1965

Post Metric records

Extended content

Distance (metres) Greyhound Time Date Notes 235 Barbaran 14.23 16.04.1983 235 Often Hungry 14.23 12.11.1987 235 Ard Boxer 14.23 12.03.1988 235 Farncombe Black 14.16 25.08.1988 235 Horseshoe Ping 14.14 16.09.2006 235 Horseshoe Ping 14.14 17.11.2007 415 Roseville Fergie 25.06 18.08.1987 415 Close Enough 25.03 19.06.1990 415 Roslo Speedy 24.99 09.07.1994 415 Kilmacsimon Wave 24.88 14.09.1995 430 Thank You Madam 25.71 20.08.2005 430 Milldean Flash 25.70 16.08.2008 435 Glover Hill Boy 25.97 01.08.1996 435 Union Decree 25.71 19.11.1998 475 Blissful Hero 28.72 1978 475 Deel Joker 28.54 18.07.1981 Circuit heats 475 Foretop 28.45 09.07.1988 475 Connells Cross 28.55 09.07.1994 475 Star of Tyrone 28.49 19.03.1995 475 Westmead Chick 28.49 11.06.1995 475 Pennys Worth 28.42 19.02.2005 The Arc second round 475 Jazz Hurricane 28.42 20.01.2007 475 Barnfield On Air 28.15 04.09.2007 640 Paradise Spectre 39.50 10.1977 640 Ballyregan Bob 39.40 28.05.1985 Test heats 640 Westmead Move 39.35 11.10.1986 640 Westmead Call 39.30 06.08.1987 640 Waltham Abbey 39.18 03.08.1989 640 Silver Glow 39.41 31.05.1994 640 Spring Rose 39.05 05.10.1996 Grand Prix Final 640 Palace Issue 39.00 23.11.1999 640 Never Can Tell 39.47 30.04.2005 640 Star of Dromin 39.43 16.06.2005 640 Star of Dromin 39.24 09.07.2005 640 Fear Robben 39.21 16.09.2006 640 Spiridon Louis 39.19 07.08.2008 640 Butterbridge Ali 39.16 16.08.2008 820 Todos Liza 51.58 1981 820 Sail On Valerie 51.24 1989 820 Clonbrin Basket 51.21 19.07.1990 820 Smart Decision 51.59 09.07.1994 820 Long Island Jim 51.50 02.11.1995 835 Star of Dromin 52.65 20.08.2005 835 Star of Dromin 52.46 06.04.2006 835 Bubbly Kate 52.19 04.09.2007 840 Handy Score 52.95 15.02.1997 840 Redwood Sara 52.12 07.08.1997 880 Yankees Shadow 55.99 11.10.1986 880 Lilac Wonder 55.62 01.08.1991 880 Clonbrin Basket 55.30 12.10.1991 880 Decoy Lnyx 55.65 08.10.1994 880 Star of Dromin 55.78 15.10.2005 880 Ebony Ocean 55.53 04.09.2007 1045 Silver Mask 67.37 09.06.1987 1045 Wheres Dunait 68.61 05.30.1994 1045 Smart Decision 68.00 12.08.1995 1045 Handy Score 67.90 19.11.1998 1045 Betathan Pebbles 67.50 15.10.2005 475 H Thanet Queen 28.89 30.07.1981 475 H Never A Smile 29.79 23.02.1991 475 H Herbie Lambug 29.70 13.04.1991 475 H Unbelievable 29.37 17.04.1991 475 H Deerpark Jim 29.12 13.07.1991 475 H Heavenly Dream 28.96 19.05.1994 475 H Glown Fox 28.92 06.06.1997 475 H Blue Meadow Lad 28.75 30.05.2005 640 H Fotospur Champ 40.18 12.10.1991 640 H Freewheel Kylo 40.49 08.10.1994 640 H Heros Morsel 40.44 08.03.1997 640 H El Tenor 40.39 09.03.1999 640 H Fallowfield 40.61 02.04.2005 640 H Killeen Tom 40.31 30.04.2005 640 H Sizzlers Bossman 40.27 09.06.2005 640 H Sizzlers Bossman 39.78 09.07.2005

Notes

External links

• BBC News pictures of Walthamstow Stadium
• Satellite view of Walthamstow Stadium
• Facebook Save our Stow