The country’s newest greyhound track at Dunstall Park in Wolverhampton has hosted its first trials this week after being granted its GBGB licence.

Owned by Arena Racing Company, the newly-built track sits within the existing Wolverhampton horse racetrack and will be taking over the operations of Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium which closed its doors last weekend. The track has been purpose built to uphold the highest standards of welfare which are required in modern, licensed greyhound racing, from the state of the art veterinary and kennelling facilities to the advanced track maintenance equipment.

Dunstall Park will be holding its first public race meeting on 19th September and is set to host its first Category One Competition, the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks, the final of which will take place on 24th October.

Mark Bird, CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, said:

“The opening of Dunstall Park is undoubtedly a significant milestone for our sport and brings with it huge excitement among the local and sporting communities. With trials kicking off this week, we are all excited to see GBGB’s latest newly-licensed track get going and our team will of course be close at hand as it does.

“The closure of the historic Perry Barr Stadium was always going to bittersweet, and we know trainers, owners, fans and locals have been commemorating what it has offered to that community over many decades. It was, however, a necessary step for Arena Racing Company to usher in this brand-new operation at Dunstall Park, where its legacy will live on and thrive alongside the successful horse racecourse.

“Arena Racing Company has invested heavily in facilities that are second to none, from the kennelling and veterinary spaces down to the water system for track maintenance. The team are determined to do everything they can to attract the best racers our sport has to offer, whilst delivering a premium experience for trainers, owners and spectators.

“I look forward to seeing our long-standing supporters as well as many new faces at the track’s official launch in September.”