Stadium confirms end of greyhound racing in Peterborough after 75 years

The stadium owners confirmed the decision today, due to the financial pressures partially caused by the current pandemic.

In a statement, a spokesman for the stadium said: ““After much careful thought and consideration, and after 75 years, the Perkins family have decided to cease trading as a greyhound racing stadium with immediate effect.

“We are an evening greyhound racing venue and rely heavily on income from customers attending the venue to eat, drink, and bet (on our Tote) to survive. Without the substantial number of visitors we have experienced in the run up to the current Coronavirus outbreak, and the prospect of this not being achieved in even the longer term as social distancing measures remain in place, the long- term viability of continuing to trade from the site as a greyhound racing stadium is unsustainable.

“This is a decision that has not been taken lightly and has been taken in conjunction with and on the advice of our accountants. Long term, we are advised that the site cannot make a sufficient return to continue operating profitably as a greyhound racing stadium.

“So, it is with a heavy heart that the Perkins family would like to thank all greyhound owners and trainers, past and present, who have been attached to the stadium over the years for their support. We would also like to thank all those patrons who have visited and enjoyed a night`s racing with us over the years.

“The company remains active, and we are looking at other opportunities.”

Mark Bird, managing director of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) said; “We are extremely saddened to hear the news that Peterborough Greyhound Stadium is to close.

“It is a long established, family run track run by the Perkins Family since 1945 that has served its community throughout all that time and holds incredible, long lasting memories for racing fans throughout the country.

“The news clearly makes it a bittersweet week for our sport, as we have welcomed a safe return to trialling at many of our tracks and turned a corner since the start of this pandemic.

“We have also, of course, had the announcement that greyhound racing will shortly be returning to Towcester which is such a positive signal for the future of our sport.

“Our thoughts and best wishes are obviously with all those associated with the stadium at this incredibly difficult time. The ongoing situation with coronavirus is taking a significant toll on all sport, hospitality and leisure businesses which rely on spectators for their income.

“At GBGB, we will continue to provide whatever support we can, in particular to those trainers and owners affected. We will shortly be contacting all Peterborough attached trainers to check on their position moving forward.”