Wembley Greyhounds


Wembley Greyhounds was the greyhound racing operation held at Wembley Stadium in London.

History

Origins

After the 1924-25 British Empire Exhibition Wembley Stadium was in liquidation before eventually being purchased by Arthur Elvin. For the stadium to survive into the future it required much needed revenue and it was greyhound racing that provided it.

Opening

The first meeting was held on 10 December 1927 when 70,000 people witnessed the first ever winner called Spin claim the Empire Stakes over 525 yards. The Director of Racing and Racing Manager was Captain Arthur Brice, he was well known as the judge for the Waterloo Cup.

Pre war">World War II">war history

In 1928 the stadium introduced a major competition called the St Leger which became one of the most prominent classic races in the greyhound racing calendar ranking only lower than the English Greyhound Derby. The first ever running in 1928 was won by a local hound by the name of Burletta trained by Alf Mulliner. Over the following decades Wembley would become unrivalled in terms of major competition success and at times become almost dominant. Despite the success it was never seen as the spiritual home of greyhound racing because the White City Stadium which hosted the Derby took this honour and even after the closure of White City it was Walthamstow Stadium that took over the mantle.
Wembley attracted all of the sports greatest greyhounds and introduced further events called the Coronation Stakes in 1928 for bitches only, the Trafalgar Cup which started in 1929 and was as significant an event for puppies as was the Puppy Derby at the time, the Wembley Gold Cup in 1929, the Wembley Spring Cup in 1930 and the Wembley Summer Cup in 1937.
Mick the Miller won the 1930 Wembley Spring Stakes defeating a greyhound called Swashbuckler by a short head, Swashbuckler had won by 20 lengths in a race on the opening night and held five track records over all distances between 1928 and 1929. Mick the Miller successfully defended his title in 1931 culminating in a track record performance in the final and then claimed the St Leger later in the year.
Another star called Future Cutlet arrived on the track in 1931; he had come over from Ireland after being purchased for £600 by W.A. Evershed to race at Wembley Stadium; the Probert trained brindle dog became the first Derby winner for Wembley.
Arthur 'Doc' Callanan joined the training ranks in 1931 which included Alf Mulliner, Thomas Cudmore, Bob Burls, Sidney Probert and Jim Syder Sr. The track characteristics were described as a fast galloping track 463 yards in circumference with long straights and easy turns, it was also noted that the track was well kept and well turfed but the course was too rigorous for the smaller type of dog and an 'Inside MacWhirter Trackless' hare system was used. The greyhounds were kept on site in the grounds of the stadium with facilities found on the left hand side of the famous Twin Towers, they included six sets of kennels housing 300 greyhounds in total with incorporated kitchens, each had its own paddock area and they were situated next door to the racing and administration offices. In addition there were isolation kennels for sick greyhounds, a large training gallop a large paddock by the racing kennels, and a veterinary surgery. The racing kennels were only on race nights.
Two significant training appointments were made starting with Harry 'Jack' Harvey in 1936 and Leslie Reynolds three years later in 1939. The pair embarked on a series of competition wins that was the most successful in the industry for three decades.

1946-1950

In 1946 Bah's Choice an English bred greyhound trained by Bob Burls clocked 29.04 sec to set a new 525 yards world and track record. Under the leadership of Arthur Elvin the greyhound racing made very large profits in 1947 of £610,000 of which £343,000 was taken by the government in tax. The totalisator turnover was a £10,905,145 the equivalent of a staggering £411 million as of 2015.

1950s

In 1952 the track underwent changes, the circumference was shortened to 435 metres and the Inside MacWhirter Trackless hare system was replaced by an Outside McKee Scott. Three of the most well-known owners the all ran their greyhounds at Wembley; the trio of George Flintham, Noel Purvis and Norman Dupont purchased and owned many of the sports leading greyhounds. In 1953, which was the year Elvin died, 30,000 people watched the final of the St Leger with Magourna Reject and the race was screened on television. John Jolliffe had taken over as Racing Manager in the late 1940s and he recruited Jack Tetlow as his deputy.
During 1958 Pigalle Wonder recorded 28.78 sec at Wembley, a best time that stood for almost 20 years until the distance was changed to metres. Jim Syder Jr retired and Leslie Reynolds died with the latter leaving a legacy and record of training five Derby winners. Their replacements were Jack Kinsley and Jimmy Rimmer.

1960s

In 1966 the government extended on course betting tax to all greyhound tracks. In the same year during the 1966 World Cup greyhound racing history was made when Wembley refused to cancel the greyhound meeting scheduled resulting in the Uruguay versus France fixture moving to be played at White City. In 1968 Jolliffe retired after a 37 year career, also retiring was the well respected trainer Ronnie Melville replaced by the Tom Johnston Jr.

1970s

The Wembley kennels were demolished in 1973 which forced some of the trainers to relocate. Jack Harvey, Bob Burls and Jack Kinsley all chose early retirement. Using a contract trainer system replacements included John Coleman from Romford Stadium and Wally Ginzel. Jack Tetlow also retired ending a 43 year association with the stadium to be replaced by a new Racing Manager called Ron Fraser.
Westpark Mustard trained by Tom Johnston Jr. embarked on a record run in 1974 and after sixteen successive wins she would race and win four times at Wembley to break Mick the Miller's existing record. In 1978 Peter Shotton took the role of head of racing at Wembley followed by his
assistant Jim Cremin who would later become editor of the Racing Post

1980s

An event called 'The Blue Riband' was introduced in 1981 which replaced the long running Spring Cup which had been one of the first major competitions in the greyhound racing calendar. The stadium hosted the only ever meeting between Ballyregan Bob and Scurlogue Champ in 1985, the invitation race saw Ballyregan Bob equal the Westpark Mustard's record but sadly Scurlogue Champ failed to finish after pulling up lame. A future BBC Television trophy winner Glenowen Queen finished second but 11¾ lengths adrift.
The Greyhound Racing Association GRA was taken over by Wembley plc in 1987 in a £68.5 million merger, meaning that the Wembley greyhound operation now came entirely under the GRA banner. John Rowley was the Wembley Racing Manager assisted by Peter Miller with trainers attached to the track being Ted Dickson, Pam Heasman, Adam Jackson, Wally Ginzel, John Honeysett, Tom Johnston Jr. and Hazel Walden.

1990s

By 1992 GRA parent company Wembley plc announced losses of £8 million despite a £13 million profit in its UK operation. Later the Wembley plc American greyhound operation saw profits fall from £5.9 to £3.3 million and the British tracks made a £2.1 million profit but Wembley plc was servicing a sizeable debt.

Closure

In 1998 during a very difficult spell the news arrived that the greyhound racing would end as plans were revealed for the stadium rebuild. The sport that had been responsible for the survival of the stadium for decades had not been included in the new plans. The last race was held on Friday 18 December 1998.

Competitions

St Leger

Trafalgar Cup

Wembley Spring Cup

Coronation Stakes

Blue Riband

Select Stakes

Wembley Gold Cup

The Wembley Gold Cup was a competition held from 1929 over the stayers distance until the stadium closed.
YearWinnerTrainerTimeSP
1929Chain MailJack Kennedy Harringay)41.52
1930War Cloud41.45
1931Maidens BoyS Young 41.42
1932Maidens BoyS Young 41.46
1933Jubilee Jim41.15 1-3f
1934Scallywag IIClaude Champion 41.11
1935Mick The Moocher41.12
1936Satans BabyLes Parry 41.302-1f
1937Grosvenor EdwinJim Syder Sr. 41.07 7-2
1938Grosvenor EdwinF Rolfe 40.96 1-2f
1939Catherine of WaterhallBill Cowell 40.71 100-6
1940Muskerry CreamPaddy Fortune 39.90 8-11f
1941Majestic SandillsC Crowley 40.71 2-1jf
1942Patty Dear John Snowball 41.26 9-2
1942Ashfield Star Gordon Beesley 41.26 8-1
1943Maidens ChampionPaddy McEllistrim 40.44 11-10f
1944Model DasherTom Baldwin 39.93 4-5f
1945Kampion SailorSidney Orton 40.194-9f
1946Lilacs LuckR Jones 40.064-6f
1947Mad MidnightJack Toseland 40.031-4f
1948Northam StarLeslie Reynolds 40.655-4f
1949Rising Tide IISidney Probert 40.606-1
1950Captain The KillerNorman Merchant 40.407-4f
1951Rapid ChoicePaddy McEvoy 40.627-4
1952Pass On ExpressTom Lightfoot 40.56 1-5f
1953Malanna MaceHenry Parsons 41.099-2
1954Mottram HeroLeslie Reynolds 40.393-1
1955CatchmanF Quill 41.042-1
1956Title RoleJack Harvey 40.627-2
1957ShandonJoe Booth 40.376-1
1958Highwood SovereignLeslie Reynolds 40.264-9f
1959Greenane AirlinesJim Irving 39.975-1
1960CoradunW Holland 40.554-1
1961What CheerLeslie Reynolds 40.60
1962Watch KernTony Dennis 40.10
1963Northern DantePaddy Keane 40.03
1964Lucky Hi ThereJimmy Jowett 39.28 TR 1-3f
1965Carols ChampionJohnny Bullock West Ham Stadium|

Wembley Summer Cup

The Wembley Summer Cup was a competition held from 1937 over the standard distance until 1980.
YearWinnerTrainerTimeSP
1937Eves WelcomeE Harfield 30.34 100-7
1938BallyjokerSidney Orton 30.07 3-1
1940Junior ClassicJoe Harmon 29.60 5-2
1941Ballynennan MoonSidney Orton 29.73 5-1
1942Ballynennan MoonSidney Orton 29.40 5-6f
1943Tower StyleSid Jennings 29.6510-1
1944Ballyhennessy SealStan Martin 29.2911-4
1945Newtown DefenderPaddy Fortune 29.254-1
1946Bahs ChoiceBob Burls 29.602-1
1947Dante IIBob Burls 29.961-4f
1949Behattan MarquisBob Burls 29.577-2
1950Paving StoneJimmy Jowett 29.41 11-10f
1951Mad MillerLeslie Reynolds 29.30 100-8
1952Endless GossipLeslie Reynolds 29.2211-10f
1953Galtee CleoJack Harvey 29.36 5-4f
1955Gulf Of HondurasJack Harvey 29.36 2-1f
1956Northern KingJack Harvey 29.40 2-5f
1957ScoutbushBob Burls 29.34 4-7f
1958Beware ChampGeorge Waterman 29.087-1
1959Society WonderJim Syder Sr. 29.48 3-1
1960Clonalvy PrideJack Harvey 29.51 4-5f
1961Sherrys PalJack Harvey 29.37
1962Any HarmRonnie Melville 29.34
1963Shady MermaidenPhil Rees Sr. 29.53
1964Die CastJimmy Rimmer 29.095-4f
1965Venture AgainDave Geggus 29.51
1966Cons DukeLionel Maxen 29.28
1967Taper SpeedLes Crawley 29.61
1968Yellow PrinterJohn Bassett 29.20
1969Northern GlowVicky Holloway 29.02 2-1f
1970Valiant RayJimmy Rimmer 29.04
1971CobblerDave Geggus 29.15
1972Westmead CountyNatalie Savva 29.566-4
1973Butchers FlashTom Johnston Jr. 29.39 5-2
1974Mones HeroJohn Coleman 29.5010-1
1975Tory MorPaddy Milligan 29.25
1976Doon FantasyTerry Dartnall 29.567-4
1977Huberts ConsortTom Paddy Reilly 29.173-1
1978Pat SeamurGeoff De Mulder 29.02
1979Desert PilotGeoff De Mulder 29.33
1980Super Glow29.54

1937-1974, 1975-1980

Breeders Forum Stakes

The Breeders Forum Stakes was a competition held from 1972 over the standard distance.
YearWinnerTrainerTimeSP
1972Decimal QueenMick Hawkins 29.45
1973Drynham RocketNatalie Savva 29.5514-1
1974Hollpark RejonFred Lugg 29.6311-4
1975Daemonic GambolPaddy McEvoy 29.451-1f
1976DundrumSid Ryall 30.19 7-1
1977Glenesk CometRandolph Singleton 29.34 5-4f
1978Durfold DandyJohn Honeysett 29.42 7-1
1979Close EncounterTed Dickson 29.873-1
1980Dodford BillDave Drinkwater 29.601-1f
1981Duke of HazardJohn Coleman 29.16 4-6f
1982Duke of HazardJohn Coleman 29.62 8-11f
1983Glatton GrangeKenny Linzell 29.2510-11f
1984Indian TrailSmith 29.484-1
1985Fearless ChampGeoff De Mulder 29.154-6f
1986Westmead CannonMel Bass 29.4412-1
1987SandwinderVicky Holloway 29.205-1
1990Burham Boy D Walters 29.79 5-2f
1991Hare FlikPeter Rich 29.3310-1
1992Westmead SpiritNatalie Savva 29.393-1

Empire Stadium Stakes

The Empire Hurdles Stakes was a competition held from 1930 over hurdles.
YearWinnerTrainerTimeSP
1930Smart FashionPaddy McEllistrim
1931Rule The RoostJoe Harmon
1932Long HopIan McCorkindale – Harringay
1933Scallywag IIClaude Champion
1934The Longfellow IISidney Orton
1935Era Jem Mount
1936Red CarJoe Harmon 31.097-4jf
1937Border MuttonPaddy McEllistrim 30.918-11f
1938Lenins RingJoe Harmon 30.93 4-5f
1939PrinterPaddy McEllistrim 30.23 5-4f
1940Juvenile ClassicJoe Harmon 30.56 4-5f
1941TactPaddy McEllistrim 30.499-4
1942Still MovingPaddy Fortune 30.5611-8f
1943Frating DanA F Dandridge 30.172-1
1944Derryboy JubileeStan Biss 30.256-4
1945Nilo
1947Obstinate InvaderJerry Hannafin 30.505-4f
1950Shauns BanditStanley Biss 30.65100-8
1951Devil O'LeerW Taylor 30.1511-10f
1964Knowing NowtGordon Hodson 41.86 7-1
1970PetroniusJack Harvey 41.56
1972Clinker Pat41.61
1973Mad Cavalier41.56
1974Secret ArmourTom Paddy Reilly 30.22
1976Black PengolaPhil Rees Sr. 31.054-5f
1977Meanus DandyJoe Pickering 30.165-2
1978Meanus DandyJoe Pickering 30.46
1979Bowery Music30.67
1980Laurdella WizardMrs Berry Bateman 30.49 9-2
1981Westlands SteveGunner Smith 29.9810-11f
1990Gizmo PashaLinda Mullins 30.8311-8
1991Ballinlough HillArthur Hitch 30.0912-1
1992Regular YankBernie Doyle 30.084-6f
1993Heavenly DukeLinda Mullins 30.14 4-1
1994Lammermuir LadBert Meadows 30.259-2
1995In The DoghouseTom Foster 30.038-1
1996Bodrun SunshineLinda Mullins 30.4933-1
1997Delightful StarRussell Samson 30.0210-1

1930-1973, 1974, 1975-1997, 1952-1960

Track records

Pre-Metric

Post-Metric Track records

Wembley Greyhound Derby winners

  • 1933 Future Cutlet
  • 1937 Wattle Bark
  • 1948 Priceless Border
  • 1949 Narrogar Ann
  • 1951 Ballylanigan Tanist
  • 1952 Endless Gossip
  • 1954 Pauls Fun
  • 1958 Pigalle Wonder
  • 1959 Mile Bush Pride
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