Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium will open its doors to racegoers for the first time on Friday night, and a strong turnout is predicted for the public launch of the UK’s newest track.
The Wolverhampton venue will host 12 live races this evening from 6.14pm, including nine over the track’s standard 480m trip and a further three sprint races.
It follows a successful trial period where racing has been held behind closed doors in the last fortnight to allow staff – many of whom have transferred from the now closed Perry Barr – to familiarise themselves with the new facilities.
Constructed through the spring and summer months, the track is a result of a multi-million investment by Arena Racing Company – the UK’s largest horse and greyhound racing group – which also operates Central Park, Nottingham, Newcastle and Sunderland.
Racegoers have taken advantage of the track’s Fiver Friday offer which will run for the rest of 2025 and allows adults entry to Dunstall Park’s fixtures for just £5, with U18s going free.
Chris Black, General Manager at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium, is looking forward to welcoming crowds trackside.
“Tonight is the result of years in the planning as part of Arena Racing Company’s commitment to the future of greyhound racing in England,” said Chris.
“We’re really pleased how our behind closed doors fixtures have operated, and tonight look forward to welcoming crowds trackside for the first time.
“Feedback from our trainers and kennel hands so far has been overwhelmingly positive, which we hope proves to be the case for our customers too who can make use of the world class facilities we have inherited from our colleagues in horse racing.
“To add to the excitement, our first trials for this year’s £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks will take place before racing with Irish superstar Droopys Kathleen set to sparkle on track.
“It’s going to be a memorable evening, and hope to see as many casual and regular racegoers trackside.”
Lichfield-based trainer Kate Harrison is among those to have runners on tonight’s card.
She sends out Swift Emery in the first race, with 12 others also taking to the track for its first public fixture.
Kate said: “I’m a big fan of the track.
“Everyone’s greyhounds seem to be running much better on it – they’re striding out better than what we saw at Perry Barr which is good news.
“Plenty of our owners will be travelling up for the night, including one from Swansea. There are greyhound racing enthusiasts all over the UK who will be keeping a close eye on the action.
“It will be a great night and we’re excited to be part of it.”
Tickets for Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium’s first public fixture on Friday, September 19, are available for £5 via www.dunstallpark-greyhounds.co.uk or can be purchased on the door.
