Last Tuesday, Crayford Greyhound Stadium held a special race night for the whole family as part of its National Greyhound Week (NGW) celebrations.

With free admission for all, a range of offers on food and drinks and themed NGW races, the event drew in an excellent crowd from the local area. Over the course of the evening, twelve themed races were run, offering an NGW rosette and trophy to each winner.

A highlight of the evening was the opportunity for attendees to meet Rosie, a retired racer, and representatives of Friends of Crayford Retired Greyhounds. Rosie interacted with racegoers throughout the event and was a brilliant example of what calm, gentle animals greyhounds are and what excellent pets they make.

Pictured above: Paul Illingworth, Head of Stadia at Entain, with Rosie

The track also received a visit from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain’s (GBGB) NGW Roadshow, which saw children receive a giveaway of wristbands and rosettes. The Roadshow also invited adults to enter the NGW Trap Challenge, the winner of which will receive a table for four in the restaurant at a track of their choice.

Reflecting on the success of the evening, Wayne Crittenden, Stadium Manager at Crayford, said:

“It was wonderful to see such an enthusiastic crowd – both old faces and new – attending this year’s National Greyhound Week event at Crayford. The atmosphere was brilliant throughout the evening with some really exciting races.

“Off the track, our wonderful retired greyhound Rosie showed what excellent family pets greyhounds can make once they enter their retirement. Thank you to Friends of Crayford Retired Greyhounds for offering their knowledge and expertise about this formidable breed to our racegoers!”

Tom Huntley, who represented GBGB at the event, said:

“It was great to bring our NGW Roadshow to Crayford last night for a thrilling night of racing. The track put on an excellent event as always, attracting an amazing crowd.

“National Greyhound Week is all about celebrating the racing and the people who make it possible, so it was great to see so many fantastic canine athletes take to the track supported by their dedicated owners and trainers and racing fans of all ages.”