Hinckley Greyhound Stadium
 | |
| Location | Nutts Lane, Hinckley, southwest Leicestershire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 52°31′54″N 1°23′59″W / 52.53167°N 1.39972°W |
| Opened | 1936 |
| Closed | 2006 |
Hinckley Greyhound Stadium was a greyhound racing stadium on Nutts Lane in Hinckley, south-west Leicestershire.
Origins
A man called Joe Grant started the Hinckley Greyhound and Whippet Racing Association in 1936 and a track was constructed in Nutts Lane directly on the north side of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway South Leicestershire branch.[1]
Opening
The track opened in 1936 and the racing was independent (not affiliated to the sports governing body the National Greyhound Racing Club).[2]
History
During the 1930s and 1940s the stadium ran mixed meetings where the greyhound races were supplemented by whippet racing. Joe Grant purchased an extra one and a half acres in 1947 and the track was extended. A McWhiter hare system was installed and the track established itself as one of the leading flapping tracks in the country. Flapping was the nickname given to independent tracks.[2]
By 1960s the McWhirter hare system was replaced by the 'Inside Sumner' on a track measuring a 400 yard circumference with race distances over 300, 500, 710 and 900 yards. Racing was held on Wednesday and Saturday evening at 7.30pm.[3]
In 1972 Tom Grant took over from Joe after his death in 1972. During the 1980s and 1990s the track had a covered stand, car parking for 200 vehicles and a computerised totalisator.[2] The stadium also held a Sunday market.
Closure
The council granted Crest Nicholson planning permission in 2006 for 84 homes. The stadium was demolished making way for housing called Greyhound Croft.
References
- ^ "OS Plan 1963-1964". old-maps.co.uk.
- ^ a b c Barnes, Julia (1988). Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File. Ringpress Books. ISBN 0-948955-15-5.
- ^ Furby, R (1968). Independent Greyhound Racing. New Dominion House. p. 47.