Wimbledon Stadium

Former greyhound racing track in London, England

51°25′52.91″N 0°11′12.01″W / 51.4313639°N 0.1866694°W / 51.4313639; -0.1866694ConstructionOpened19 May 1928; 95 years ago (1928-05-19)Renovated1950sClosed25 March 2017; 7 years ago (2017-03-25)Demolished16 March 2018; 6 years ago (2018-03-16)

Wimbledon Stadium, also known as Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium, was a greyhound racing track located in Wimbledon in southwest London, England.[1]

It also hosted stock car and other small circuit motor racing events, and until 2005 hosted motorcycle speedway.[2] The stadium hosted the English Greyhound Derby every year between 1985 and 2016.

Facing declining attendances and with no renovations undertaken for many years, the stadium was put up for sale by the owners, the Greyhound Racing Association, and closed permanently in March 2017. The site was purchased by Galliard Homes Limited,[3] in order to build 600 new apartments and a new football stadium, the new Plough Lane, for AFC Wimbledon.[4][5] The stadium was demolished in 2018 to clear the site for the new development; it was one of London's last remaining greyhound stadia, leaving only Crayford and Romford remaining, and was the third to close since the year 2000 after Catford in 2003 and Walthamstow in 2008.[6]

Stadium

The facilities originally included a brick-fronted grandstand, seating 8,000, executive suites, several bars, and catering facilities, including a large waiter-service restaurant. The stadium was surrounded by a large open-air car park, which hosted car-boot sales on Saturdays and Sundays for many years.

Greyhound racing

Origins

The greyhound stadium was constructed east of the River Wandle on a section of marshland which was difficult to build on and was prone to flooding. The only buildings nearby were a chamois leather mill, a large sewage works, and the Plough public house. Slightly to the east was Summerstown Road, which held the only housing in the immediate area.[7]

The difficult plot did not deter South London Greyhound Racecourses Ltd., who went ahead with plans to build a large stadium ready for 1928. However, financial difficulties halted the project until a consortium headed by Bill 'WJ' Cearns, whose firm had been responsible for the construction of the stadium, stepped in with sufficient funds to save the project.[8]

Opening

The first race on opening night, 19 May 1928, was won by a greyhound named Ballindura trained by Harry Leader. The Burhill kennels in Walton-on-Thames became renowned within the industry for housing the hounds for Wimbledon, and were used by trainers Stan Biss, Harry Leader and Ken Appleton. Paddy McEllistrim, a Norfolk farmer and breeder of greyhounds, and Sidney Orton, joined the training kennels soon after.[8]

1928–1939

Wimbledon was the first track to introduce weighing scales in 1929 at their kennels, so that the racing public could be issued with the greyhounds' weights before racing. The same year, Harry Leader returned to Ireland and was replaced by Sidney Orton. New events named the Puppy Derby, International, Wimbledon Gold Cup and Wimbledon Spring Stakes were all inaugurated.[9]

In December 1929 Arundel Kempton purchased Mick the Miller for £2,000 as a present for his wife, and placed him with Sidney Orton. The track had already been associated with Mick the Miller because the champion took up residence at the kennels of Paddy McEllistrim during the duration of the 1929 English Greyhound Derby. Con Stevens was the first Racing Manager and was instrumental in bringing the first classic race to Wimbledon in the form of the Laurels in 1930. Mick the Miller claimed his second Derby crown in 1930, propelling himself, the sport, and Wimbledon into national fame.[10]

Trainer Joe Harmon arrived from White City in 1934, and Paddy Fortune, another new trainer at Wimbledon, claimed a second Derby victory for the track in 1939, with greyhound Highland Rum. The 'Two Year Old Produce Stakes' was introduced in 1935, and another event named 'The Key' began in 1936.[11]

1940s

During World War II the stadium suffered bomb damage but continued to operate. The well-known Irish dog Tanist was put with Paddy McEllistrim, but found it hard to cope with the sharp turns at Wimbledon, and failed to win a single race by the end of June 1940. By contrast, Ballynennan Moon became a household name during the war years after becoming a Wimbledon greyhound, with Billy Quinn negotiating the sale to Mrs Cearns, wife of the managing director of Wimbledon Stadium. In 1942, after a winter rest, he won the Walthamstow Stakes and Wimbledon Spring Cup, before embarking on forty wins and seven second places from 48 starts. After finishing first fourteen times in succession, he was beaten by a neck by Laughing Lackey, narrowly failing to beat Mick the Miller's 19 straight wins record.[12]

A new puppy named Ballyhennessy Seal first came to the scene in 1943 after moving from Catford Stadium to Wimbledon, and was placed in the care of Stan Martin. Martin had joined the Wimbledon training ranks following the death of Joe Harmon in 1942. Martin guided Ballyhennessy Seal to a third Derby success for the track in 1945.[13]

1950s

After the war the Wimbledon management constructed a new grandstand in place of the war damaged section of the stadium. They also introduced new perforated tote tickets following continual losses on forged tote tickets every Saturday to the tune of £1,000. Ballymac Ball was the next greyhound to win the Derby for Wimbledon, the brindle dog winning the 1950 event for Stan Martin.[14] In 1950 the Instaprint photo timer was tested at Wimbledon, and given the seal of approval to use throughout Britain.[15]

Con Stevens continued to manage the stadium throughout the 1950s, overseeing the success of the track. A fifth Derby success came in 1957, after the Dennis Hannafin (brother of Jerry) trained Ford Spartan took the title.[16] In 1958 Paddy Fortune died, and his kennels were taken over by George Waterman. Within a few months, Sidney Orton retired and his son Clare Orton took up his position at Wimbledon, with Clare having been a trainer in his own right for nearly ten years.[17]

1960s

Phil Rees Sr. joined the track as a trainer in the 1960s following the retirement of Dennis Hannafin, and the Greyhound Express Merit Puppy Championship was renamed the Juvenile in 1963. George Waterman died, and his Burhill kennel range was given to new trainer Nora Gleeson. The three-time Derby winning trainer Paddy McEvoy also joined the track in the late 1960s. Towards the end of 1969, the possibility of the stadium being redeveloped became a possibility, but the Greyhound Racing Association bought a major stake in Wimbledon after a prolonged battle against developers.

1970s

Murmurings about redevelopment remained as GRA Property Trust continued to buy and sell stadiums, but the GRA chose to invest in the stadium, raising the winning prize money levels of the Laurels to £2,000 in 1970 and £5,000 one year later. In 1972, the GRA sealed a deal to buy Wimbledon Stadium outright, and bring the track fully under the GRA banner.[18] Paddy McEllistrim and Stan Martin both retired in 1974,[19] and were replaced by Paddy's daughter Norah, and by Sam Sykes, a former head lad to Clare Orton. Con Stevens resigned from the board of directors at Wimbledon, bringing to an end his 46 years of association with the track.[17]

Wimbledon introduced new technology in 1976 after using a sectional timing mechanism, and were one of the first tracks to use the system of grading (selecting greyhounds in classes on ability). In the same year, Mutts Silver, trained by Phil Rees Snr., won the Derby; Rees handed his kennels to his son Philip Rees Jnr. just two years later after retiring.[20]

1980s

Wimbledon was chosen to host the sport's premier event, the 1985 Greyhound Derby, following the closure of White City in 1984. Industry support for Wembley to be given the premier race was inconsequential, since GRA owned the rights to the competition and would not allow a non-GRA track to have the race. Bob Rowe, Chief Racing Manager for the GRA, was Racing Manager at Wimbledon when the track was handed the Derby, and trainers Tom Foster and David Kinchett both joined from White City. The first Derby at Wimbledon was held over a new distance of 480 metres (520 yd), and ended with a seventh success for the track. Pagan Swallow won the competition, and the Rees family became the second father and son to each win the Derby.[21] Arthur Hitch joined the tack in 1987 when Slough Stadium closed, and following the closure of Harringay Stadium the prestigious Oaks for bitches was relocated to Wimbledon.

1990s

In 1990 a greyhound called Druids Johno was given to Prince Edward; the half share of the black dog had been given to the Prince by Patsy Byrne during a charity meeting at Kingsmead Stadium, Canterbury. Byrne joined Wimbledon as a trainer in 1991, and sponsored the long-running International in the process. This appointment brought about the last Derby triumph for the track, with Ballinderry Ash taking the 1991 title to bring the total to eight, just one behind Wembley.[22]

In 1992 GRA parent company Wembley PLC announced losses of £8 million, despite a £13 million profit in its UK operation. Simon Harris arrived from Hall Green to become Racing Manager, with Bob Rowe remaining at Wimbledon in his role as Chief Racing Manager of the GRA.[23] 1996 saw the introduction of the Intertrack betting service, which enabled race-goers at other tracks around the country to view racing and place bets directly into the Wimbledon tote. In 1998 the Laurels relocated to sister track Belle Vue Stadium, and a new Paddock Bar extension costing £500,000 opened; the kennels were moved to the first bend to facilitate the change.[24] The next year, Sky Sports screened their first greyhound meeting at Wimbledon, which included the Springbok final. The GRA switched the Grand National to Wimbledon from Hall Green in 1999.

2000–2017

Rapid Ranger completed two Derby successes in 2001, emulating Mick the Miller and Patricias Hope. Seamus Cahill and Bernie Doyle joined Wimbledon from Catford and Reading Stadium respectively in 2002. Catford closed in 2003, resulting in three new trainers, John Simpson, Tony Taylor and John Walsh. Catford Racing Manager Derek Hope took over from the departing Simon Harris, who left for Coventry. In 2003 Wimbledon underwent £70,000 in track improvements, following criticism received during the 2002 Derby. Consequently, the 680 m (740 yd) trip was changed to 688 m (752 yd) and the 868 m (949 yd) was changed to 872 m (954 yd). Trainer Tommy Foster retired in 2004.[25]

Westmead Hawk won the 2005 and 2006 Greyhound Derby, becoming the fourth greyhound to attain two wins. Trainer Ray Peacock died in 2007, with racing Manager Derek Hope leaving to join William Hill, being replaced by Gary Matthews. In 2008 Richard Rees, son of Philip Rees Jnr., became a third-generation trainer at Wimbledon; Philip Rees Jnr retired due to ill health. Tony Morris, who stood as a track bookmaker, also retired after a long career at Wimbledon. In 2010 Wimbledon underwent major changes in time for the Derby; the grandstand was switched to the far side of the stadium, and the physical makeup of the track was altered, meaning new track records would be set.[26] The changes cost around £400,000, which were partly funded by a £195,370 grant from the British Greyhound Racing Fund.[24]

The GRA allowed the Grand National to go to Central Park Stadium in Sittingbourne in 2012, and leading trainer Norah McEllistrim left for Brighton & Hove Greyhound Stadium. Bob Rowe switched to Belle Vue as the Racing Manager, along with the Oaks.

After sharply falling attendances for many years, and with the stadium becoming dilapidated, its closure was announced by the GRA and the final meeting was held on 25 March 2017. This attracted a large crowd, many of whom were turned away due to reduced capacity restrictions, caused by much of the stadium being closed off for public safety. The last ever race was won by Glitzy King, trained by Brian Nicholls, who provided many of the dogs in the final few months of the stadium's existence.[citation needed]

Speedway

Until 2005, the stadium was also home for over 50 years to the now defunct Wimbledon Dons speedway team. It was famous for hosting the Internationale meeting every season[27] from 1962 until 1981, also hosting a qualifying round of this competition in 1961.

Speedway arrived at Wimbledon in the 1928 pioneer season, and a team was entered in the league competitions from 1929 to 1939. The team was re-formed after the war and the Dons raced in the top flight National League Division One from 1946 to 1964. The Dons were multiple winners of the league in the 1950s, and were founding members of the British League in 1965. From 1946, reopening after the war, average weekly attendances were in excess of 30,000, until the early 1950s, when the sport declined rapidly in popularity. However, Wimbledon remained one of the top teams, with healthy crowd figures, and upon the closure of Wembley in 1956 were the only team in London (excluding sporadic appearances by New Cross in 1959/1960 and 1963) until 1963 when Hackney entered the Provincial League, and 1964 when West Ham reopened in the National League (now known as the 1st Division Elite League).

Wimbledon's tenure in the top flight came to an end in the 1980s and the Greyhound Racing Association, the owners of the stadium at the time, decreed that speedway would end at the end of the 1986 season. However, David Pickles, a London stockbroker, gathered together a consortium in the 1986/87 close season that ensured that the Dons would continue to run. They employed the ex-England team manager John Berry, and enjoyed reasonable success on and off the track in their first season. After a disagreement with Berry and the other members of the board, Pickles dramatically resigned as chairman of the club during the match with Exeter in September 1987, selling his shares back to the other members. With a few reshuffles at board level and the leaving of Berry, the remaining members eventually took Wimbledon back to the British League Division One in 1991, but the move proved disastrous and with only a couple of months of the season having been ridden, the financial losses proved to be so great that they were forced to disband the team. In June 1991 Wimbledon rode their final meeting, which was eventually curtailed due to the weather. Although there was no longer any league racing at the Plough Lane stadium, the team continued their league fixtures for the 1991 season, moving to Eastbourne, and were known during this period as the Eastbourne Dons.

Having been defunct for eleven years, the team were then reopened again at Wimbledon Stadium in 2002, but were finally disbanded completely in 2005 as a result of a dispute between the team's promoters and the owners of the stadium, over a proposed large rent increase.[27]

Stock car racing

A Stock Car meeting at Wimbledon Stadium

Plough Lane also hosted Motor Racing events promoted by Spedeworth International, including Superstox, Stock Cars, Hot Rods and Bangers. The first stock car meeting at Wimbledon was on 29 September 1962 (the Superstox World Championship), and the circuit quickly became Spedeworth's flagship venue, with the World Final being held there every year up to and including 1974. The World Championship, along with other key race meetings such as Carnival Night, became very popular and were often 'ticket only' events filled to capacity. The stadium also boasted its own stock car racing teams in 1966 (London Sparrows) and 1971-72 (Canaries/Dons). The 1966 team shared its base with New Cross Stadium. The Unlimited Banger World Final also used to take place at Wimbledon until the event moved to Foxhall Stadium in 2008, citing the introduction of the London low emission zone as making it too expensive for the transporters to travel to the venue.[citation needed]

Other notable events

Wimbledon Stadium was the scene for part of the music video for the 1978 Queen song "Bicycle Race", in which 65 professional female models rode on bicycles (nude/partially-clothed) around the stadium.[citation needed]

Banger racing at the stadium was featured in episode 12, series 1 of the 1970s ITV police series The Sweeney, named "Contact Breaker".[citation needed]

Closure and demolition

In 2007 the stadium was purchased by development company Galliard Homes, when the Greyhound Racing Association was put up for sale (along with all of its assets) by parent company Wembley PLC.[28] Following this, local professional football team AFC Wimbledon expressed interest in building their new football stadium on the site of the greyhound track. A joint planning application made by Galliard Homes and AFC Wimbledon to build the new football stadium, together with 600 residences, on the site of the greyhound stadium was approved by the London Borough of Merton in December 2015 despite the plans being in contravention of the "London Plan".[4][29] Attempts to prevent the closure of the stadium failed; a £20 million rival planning bid to build a new greyhound stadium, submitted by Irish businessman Paschal Taggart, owner of Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium, and a bid by pressure group 'Save Wimbledon Stadium Action Group' to have the stadium granted listed status by Historic England both came to nothing.[30][31] The stadium finally closed to the public on 25 March 2017,[3] and demolition of the stadium and associated buildings commenced on 16 March 2018.[32]

Competitions

1972 Wimbledon Spring Cup champion Puff Pastry with owner Mr R.White

Wimbledon hosted the following competitions throughout its history.

The Derby

St Leger

Grand National

Laurels

Oaks

Puppy Derby

Juvenile

Champion Hurdle

Cearns Invitation

Champion Stakes

Derby Consolation/Invitation

The International

The Key

The Key was a competition held from 1936 over the stayers distance and then the marathon distance.[33][34]

Year Winner Trainer Time SP
1936 Book Reporter Joe Harmon (Wimbledon) 40.80
1937 Brave Queen Stanley Biss (West Ham) 40.70
1938 Sally Maid A Rees (Private) 41.04
1939 Ballydancer Sidney Orton (Wimbledon) 41.42 6-4jf
1940 Keel Border Joe Harmon (Wimbledon) 41.20 6-1
1941 Rahinisky Champion Paddy Fortune (Wimbledon) 40.81 2-1f
1942 Wallace C Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 41.63 6-1
1943 Merry Two Star M Barnett (Private) 41.03 5-2
1944 Model Dasher Tom Baldwin (Perry Barr) 42.17 8-13f
1945 Robeen Printer George McKay (Coventry) 41.53 8-11f
1946 Maggie Sally D Hayes (Coventry) 42.06 5-1
1947 Ben Silver Stanley Biss (Clapton) 42.39 5-4f
1948 Baytown Flash Stanley Biss (Clapton) 42.20 8-15f
1949 Drastic O'Leer W Major (Private) 42.59 13-8f
1950 Sheevaun Paddy Fortune (Wimbledon) 42.00 8-1
1951 Rapid Choice Paddy McEvoy (Private) 41.55 4-11f
1952 Careless Hands Jimmy Quinn (Eastville) 42.06 5-1
1953 Magourna Reject Tom Paddy Reilly (Walthamstow) 41.49 1-2f
1954 Mottram Hero Leslie Reynolds (Wembley) 41.76 11-2
1956 Spark Prince Paddy Fortune (Wimbledon) 42.13 9-4
1957 Highway Tim Mrs Rosalie Beba (Private) 40.21 4-5f
1958 Budget Surplus Wilf France Harringay) 55.05 11-10f
1959 The Lure of the Turf Phil Rees Sr. (Private) 55.35 5-1
1960 Lemon Chip Phil Rees Sr. (Private) 55.46 40-1
1961 Pine Blacktop Noreen Collin (Private) 55.11
1962 What Cheer Frank Conlon (Private) 54.93
1963 Miss Elegant Paddy Keane (Private) 54.96
1964 Carmen Star Mrs E Eade (Private) 55.18 2-5f
1966 I'm Speedy Jimmy Jowett (Clapton) 54.82
1967 Miss Taft Bob Burls (Wembley) 54.78
1968 Greenville Fauna Paddy McEvoy (Wimbledon) 54.54
1969 Ballycairn John Coleman (Romford) 55.24 7-1
1970 Swift Silver Arthur Hancock (Brighton) 55.05 1-1f
1971 Swift Silver Arthur Hancock (Brighton) 54.88
1972 Iver Flash George Curtis (Brighton) 54.67 8-13f
1973 Country Maiden Frank Baldwin (Perry Barr) 55.67 3-1
1974 Leading Pride George Curtis (Brighton) 54.49
1975 Mondays Style 55.68 9-2
1976 Sindys Flame John Honeysett (Private) 54.54 7-1
1977 Moonlight Mod Nora Gleeson (Wimbledon) 54.34 4-1
1978 Langford Dacoit George Curtis (Brighton) 54.25
1979 Portland Dusty Frank Melville Harringay) 55.30
1980 Salina George Lang (Rye House) 55.15 4-5f
1981 Regal Girl George Lang (Rye House) 55.38 1-3f
1982 Nails United A Smith (Private) 55.06 5-2
1983 Sandy Lane George Curtis (Brighton) 54.41 1-2f
1984 Sandy Lane George Curtis (Brighton) 54.90 1-7f
1985 Miss Linsey Kenny Linzell (Walthamstow) 54.70 5-2jf
1986 Yankees Shadow George Curtis (Brighton) 55.07 1-5f
1987 Denes Mutt Fred Wiseman (Private) 54.46 4-7f
1988 Cloverhill June Terry Kibble (Bristol) 55.19 7-4
1989 Xpert Heroine Sam Sykes (Wimbledon) 55.46 13-8
1990 Ivory Lamb Hazel Dickson (Wembley) 54.87 1-4f
1992 Hopton Chilli Graham Sharp (Walthamstow) 54.84 5-1
1993 Killenagh Dream Charlie Lister (Private) 54.69 1-1f
1994 Smart Decision Ernie Gaskin Sr. (Walthamstow) 55.39 11-10f

1936 -1957 (725 yards), 1936 -1975 (940 yards), 1975-1994 (868 metres)

Wimbledon Gold Cup

The Wimbledon Gold Cup was a competition held from 1929 originally over hurdles and later the stayers distance.[33][34]

Year Winner Trainer Time SP
1929 Honeymans Last 29.76
1930 Firework 29.81
1931 Smart Fashion Paddy McEllistrim (Wimbledon) 29.75
1932 Lock Audacity Jerry Hannafin (Wimbledon) 31.09 10-1
1933 Bronze Dragon 29.87
1934 March On 29.27
1935 Kilganny Bridge PJ Higgins (Clapton) 29.46
1936 Wild Storm Les Parry (White City) 29.37 6-4
1937 Terrys Hope F Rolfe (Private) 29.23 4-1
1938 Lenins Ring Joe Harmon (Wimbledon) 29.18 9-4
1939 Printer Paddy McEllistrim (Wimbledon) 29.22 1-1f
1940 Captain Moonlight Archie Whitcher (Catford) 29.71 100-8
1941 Dangerous Rally Harry Buck (White City) 30.03 100-8
1942 Winterhead Big Sidney Orton (Wimbledon) 30.05 8-1
1943 Gypsy Win W Franks (Eastville) 29.58 4-5f
1944 Gypsy Win Sidney Orton (Wimbledon) 29.17 5-4
1945 Derryboy Jubilee Stan Biss (Clapton) 29.33
1946 Red Nuxer Robert Linney (Catford) 28.94 9-4
1947 Scoff That Jack Cooper Harringay) 29.43 9-2
1948 Listoke Invader Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 29.40 5-2
1949 Sprightly Peter Paddy McEllistrim (Wimbledon) 29.39 4-5f
1950 Blossom of Annagura Jack Sherry (Ramsgate) 29.24 7-1
1951 Devil O'Leer Norman Merchant (Private) 29.05 6-1
1952 Spanish Rosetree Jerry Hannafin (Wimbledon) 29.16 5-1
1953 Spanish Rosetree Jerry Hannafin (Wimbledon) 28.96 5-2
1954 Oriel Idol Dal Hawkesley (West Ham) 29.51 2-1
1955 Roguish Shaggy Peter Hawkesley (Romford) 29.30 100-30
1956 Vintners Cup Sidney Orton (Wimbledon) 29.16 2-1jf
1957 Glacier Metal Paddy Fortune (Wimbledon) 29.19 8-1
1958 Fodda Champion Jimmy Jowett (Clapton) 28.83 4-5f
1959 Khaffra F.Hedley (Hackney) 29.12 5-2
1960 Change That Jack Harvey (Wembley) 28.75 8-11f
1961 Ballinatona Special Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 28.37
1962 Pigalle The Great Jimmy Clubb (Private) 29.47
1963 Mood Indigo II Paddy McEllistrim (Wimbledon) 29.21
1964 Fairyfield Surprise G Jackson (Private) 28.91 7-4f
1965 Lisnalong Hero Paddy McEllistrim (Wimbledon) 28.74
1966 Charlie Caesar Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 29.13
1967 No Chips Paddy McEvoy (Wimbledon) 29.12
1968 Super Fame Norah Gleeson (Wimbledon) 29.47
1969 Colonels Rib Joe Pickering (White City) 29.19 4-1
1970 Peaceful Home Clare Orton (Wimbledon) 28.99 5-1
1971 Sherrys Prince Colin West (West Ham) 28.83
1972 Derry Palm Phil Rees Sr. (Wimbledon) 29.33 3-1
1973 Crimsons Grove Nora Gleeson (Wimbledon) 29.13
1974 Gurteen Prince 29.55
1975 Bansha Pride Phil Rees Sr. (Wimbledon) 28.24
1976 Try It Blackie Frank Melville Harringay) 28.67 3-1
1977 Belated Silver Sam Sykes (Wimbledon) 28.35 6-4f
1978 Moreen Penguin Bette Godwin (Wimbledon) 29.11
1979 Toms Chance Joe Pickering (White City) 29.06
1980 Cladagh Colina 29.65
1981 Westmead Prince Natalie Savva (Private) 28.34 4-1
1982 Westlands Bridge Gunner Smith (Brighton) 28.19
1983 Pagan Pansy Ted Dickson (Wembley)
1986 Lone Wolf George Curtis (Brighton) 1-2f
1990 Trans Mercedes Maldwyn Thomas (Reading) 41.08 1-4f
1991 Anglers Pride Sam Sykes (Wimbledon) 40.73 5-1
1992 Westmead Surprise Nick Savva (Milton Keynes) 40.40 5-2
1993 Squire Delta John Coleman (Walthamstow) 40.41 1-1f
1994 Island Doe[35] Derek Knight (Hove) 40.59 6-4f
1995 Argos Chief Tommy Foster (Wimbledon) 40.50 2-1
1999 Spenwood Wizard Ron Hough (Sheffield) 54.99 1-2f

1936 -1975 (500 yards hurdles), 1975-1982 (460 metres hurdles), 1986-1994 (660 metres)

Wimbledon Spring Cup

The Wimbledon Spring Cup also known as the Spring Stakes was a competition held from 1929 the standard distance and later the stayers distance.[33][34]

Year Winner Trainer Time SP
1929 Elm Branch 29.08
1930 Brisbane Sidney Orton (Wimbledon) 29.48
1931 Rory of the Hill 29.33
1932 Altamatzin Arthur Doc Callanan (Wembley) 28.99 9-4
1933 Wild Woolley Jack Rimmer (White City, Man) 29.61
1934 Happy Form 29.78
1935 Curleys Fancy II Jerry Hannafin (Wimbledon) 28.37
1936 Mitzvah Arthur Doc Callanan (Wembley) 29.56 11-8f
1937 Shandy Gaff Sidney Orton (Wimbledon) 29.18 2-1
1938 Lone Keel Sydney Wright (Private) 28.48 7-4jf
1939 Ivyhouse Champion 28.97
1940 Selsey Cutlet Leslie Reynolds (Wembley) 28.57 5-1
1941 Lights O'London Joe Harmon (Wimbledon) 29.37 2-5f
1942 Ballynennan Moon Sidney Orton (Wimbledon) 29.05 5-6f
1943 Farloe Best Mrs R McKay (Coventry) 28.86 5-1
1944 Jazzer Smith 28.05
1945 Fair Marquis Sidney Orton (Wimbledon) 28.67 8-1
1946 Fair and Handsome Bill Cowell (Coventry) 28.99 6-1
1948 Don Gipsey Leslie Reynolds (Wembley) 28.79 2-1
1949 Olives Ivy Paddy Fortune (Wimbledon) 28.51 4-1
1950 Ballymac Ball Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 27.97 1-6f
1951 Magna Hasty Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 29.08 5-2
1952 Ryton Basher Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 28.15 2-1
1953 Home Luck Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 28.12 8-11f
1954 Small Town Leslie Reynolds (Wembley) 28.58 2-1
1955 Imperial Fawn George Crussell (Private) 28.86 10-1
1956 The Grey Goose Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 28.42 5-4f
1957 Highway Sue Sidney Orton (Wimbledon) 28.31 5-2jf
1958 Beware Champ Paddy Fortune (Wimbledon) 28.46 1-2f
1959 Firgrove Snowman Ted Brennan (Owlerton) 28.62 7-2
1960 Mink Muff Joe De Mulder (Private) 40.01 11-10f
1961 Just Sherry Phil Rees Sr. (Private) 40.50
1962 Watch Kern Tony Dennis (Private) 40.50
1963 Hi Rebel Dennis Hannafin (Wimbledon) 41.01
1964 Lucky Hi There Jimmy Jowett (Clapton) 40.38 11-8f
1965 Westpark Quail Noreen Collin (Private) 40.59
1966 Miss Taft Bob Burls (Wembley) 40.25
1967 Hampton Lad Paddy McEvoy (Wimbledon) 40.98
1968 Cullen Era Clare Orton (Wimbledon) 39.72 4-9f
1969 Shanes Rocket Paddy Milligan (Private) 41.24 3-1
1970 Shady Antionette Norman Oliver (Brough Park) 40.31 2-1
1971 Dolores Rocket Herbert White (Private) 39.66
1972 Puff Pastry Sid Ryall (Private) 40.80 7-4
1973 Starline Lady Geoff De Mulder (Hall Green) 40.21 2-1f
1974 Cowboy Jo Mick Hawkins (Private) 41.16 10-3
1975 Glin Bridge George Curtis (Brighton) 42.07
1976 Drynham Star Natalie Savva (Bletchley) 40.18 7-4
1977 Oaken Lad Paddy Coughlan (Crayford) 41.82 8-1
1978 Sindys Prospect Paddy Coughlan (Crayford) 41.48
1979 Owners Guide Tony Jowett (Slough) 42.59
1980 Little Lamb 40.95
1981 Nails Tails Charlie Coyle (Private) 41.38 2-1
1982 Auburn Jet Paddy Coughlan (Crayford) 41.57 7-2
1983 Tangled Threads
1984 Fergus Rock Ray Peacock Harringay)
1985 Lady Opinion Philip Rees Jr. (Wimbledon)
1986 Kalamity Kelly Gunner Smith (Brighton) 40.89
1987 Lone Wolf George Curtis (Brighton)
1988 Ohteevee Ted Dickson (Wembley)
1989 Silver Chance John Honeysett (Wembley)
1990 Crohane Lucy Tony Lucas (Portsmouth) 40.56 1-1f
1991 Kaszenas Lad John McGee Sr. (Peterborough) 41.60 9-4
1992 Gold Splash Philip Rees Jr. (Wimbledon) 41.06 10-1
1993 Regent Lass Philip Rees Jr. (Wimbledon) 41.05 9-2
1994 Phantom Rose Philip Rees Jr. (Wimbledon) 40.84 10-1

1929 -1959 (500 yards), 1936 -1975 (700 yards), 1975-1994 (660 metres)

Two-Year Old Produce Stakes

The Wimbledon Two-Year Old Produce Stakes was a competition held from 1935 until 1974.[33][34] In 1974 the track announced that the race would end blaming changing ties and increased expenses.[36]

Year Winner Trainer Time SP
1935 Maidens Delight Jim Syder Sr. (Wembley)
1936 Melksham Lassie Joe Harmon (Wimbledon) 28.73 7-4f
1937 Golden Alexander Jimmy Campbell (White City) 28.35 3-1
1938 Junior Classic Joe Harmon (Wimbledon) 28.43 8-11f
1939 Jungle Conquest Joe Harmon (Wimbledon) 28.53 8-1
1940 Rock Callan Joe Harmon (Wimbledon) 28.81 6-4f
1941 Grosvenor Flexion Joe Harmon (Wimbledon) 28.72 5-1
1942 Laughing Lieutenant Bert Heyes (White City) 29.18 6-4
1943 Lord O’the Limelight Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 28.73 100-30
1944 Cockeyed Cutlet Jimmy Campbell Harringay) 28.40 7-1
1945 Newtown Defender Paddy Fortune (Wimbledon) 28.12 10-11f
1946 Westbury Sammy Jerry Hannafin (Wimbledon) 28.34 4-1
1947 Rio Cepretta Stan Biss (Clapton) 28.32 11-10f
1948 Good Worker Jack Daley (Ramsgate) 28.85 6-4f
1949 Huntlawrigg Jerry Hannafin (Wimbledon) 28.30 5-4f
1950 Kismet D Fred Trevillion (Private) 28.46 8-11f
1951 Ilford Boy Paddy McEllistrim (Wimbledon) 28.35 3-1
1952 Marazion Michael Paddy Fortune (Wimbledon) 28.34 100-8
1953 Home Luck Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 28.30 1-8f
1954 Record Coup Paddy McEvoy (Private) 28.70 1-1f
1955 Broadway Darkie II Pam Heasman (Private) 28.27 4-1
1956 Dunmore King Paddy McEvoy (Clapton) 28.08 4-5f
1957 Town Prince Leslie Reynolds (Wembley) 28.23 1-2f
1958 Gypsy Boy Bob Burls (Wembley) 28.47 4-1
1959 Eden Gate Leslie Reynolds (Wembley) 28.11 7-2
1960 Laird O'The Glen Paddy McEllistrim (Wimbledon) 27.94 2-1f
1961 S.S. Leader Jim Hookway (Owlerton) 28.13
1962 Pride of Pillar Stan Mitchell (Private) 28.24
1963 Tripaway Vivien Pateman (Private) 28.17
1964 Flintstone Ted Brennan (Owlerton) 28.26 9-4
1965 Marshbank Lion Stan Martin (Wimbledon) 28.25
1966 Morden Mist W.English (Private) 28.09
1967 Warfield Flash Len Drewery (Private) 28.04
1968 Petrovitch Jack Harvey (Wembley) 28.10
1969 Lion Laddie Arthur Hancock (Brighton) 28.23 100-8
1970 Kasama Lad Gordon Hodson (White City) 28.07 4-1
1972 Deneholme Chief Fred Lugg (Brighton) 27.82 11-4
1973 Carry On Bimbo Paddy Coughlan (Crayford) 27.95 6-4f
1974 Daemonic Gambol Paddy McEvoy (Wimbledon)

1935 -1974 (500 yards)

Track records

[37]

Post Metric records

Distance
(metres)
Greyhound Time Date Notes
252 Travara Rock 15.15 12 Dec 1980
252 Ballybeg Sport [38] 15.14 1981
252 Dysert Moth 15.08 10 Dec 1982
252 Barbaran 15.18 5 May 1984
252 Slipaway Jaydee 14.95 16 Mar 1994
256 Setemup Joe 15.24 11 Nov 2003
256 Drominboy Jet 15.24* 29 Oct 2005 St Leger heats split time
256 Thai Girl 15.23 18 Mar 2008
256 Fifis Rocket 15.14 2 Mar 2010
272 Wheres The Limo 16.23 11 May 1991
272 Dynamic Fair 16.11 28 Jun 1997
273 Officer Donagh 16.21 18 May 2010
273 Jimmy Lollie 15.95 29 May 2010
273 Jimmy Lollie 15.85 29 Jun 2010
273 Skate On 15.82 31 May 2014
276 Jans Rainbow 16.61 21.12.2006
276 Lunar Vacation 16.26 7 Jul 2007
412 Barbaran 24.96 30 May 1985
412 Ballinahow Blue 24.89 27 Dec 1984
412 Mr Plum 24.89 23 Jun 1987
412 Spiral Manor 24.89 25 Jun 1987
460 Flying Pursuit 27.60 12 Oct 1979 Puppy Derby heats
460 The Grand Devil [39] 27.58 December 1979 The International
460 Flying Pursuit 27.58 2 May 1980 Laurels heats
460 Ramblers Jet 27.52 27 May 1980
460 Upland Tiger 27.48 1980 Juvenile
460 Duke of Hazard 27.48 May 1982 Laurels heats
460 Kybo 27.48 8 Dec 1984
460 Fearless Action 27.47 1986
460 Sams Bridge 27.44 12 Mar 1988
460 Double Bid 27.33 25 Jun 1988
460 Droopys Shearer 27.32 17 Jun 2003
460 Zigzag Dutchy 27.32 2 Jul 2005
460 Lenson Bolt 27.30 27 Oct 2009
460 Yahoo Jamie 27.29 15 Dec 2009
460 Ardbeg Kate 27.29 15 Dec 2009
480 Lloydsboro Flash 28.71 21 May 1985 Derby heats
480 Fearless Champ 28.66 21 May 1985 Derby heats
480 Morans Beef 28.60 25 May 1985 Derby heats
480 Fearless Action 28.51 29 May 1986 Derby heats
480 Lodge Prince 28.34 29 May 1986 Derby heats
480 Greenane Squire 28.21 12 Jul 1994
480 Eye Eye Pickle 28.48 29 Apr 2010 New track – Derby heats
480 Aero Ardiles 28.38 29 Apr 2010 Derby heats
480 Bandicoot Tipoki 28.26 29 Apr 2010 Derby heats
480 Toomaline Jack 28.25 15 May 2010 Derby heats
480 Droopys Harvey 28.22 27 May 2011
480 Razldazl Jayfkay 28.22 28 May 2011 Derby third round
480 Taylors Sky 28.21 31 May 2011 Derby quarter-finals
480 Taylors Sky 28.21 4 Jun 2011 Derby semi-finals
480 Taylors Sky 28.17 11 Jun 2011 Derby final
480 Razldazl Jayfkay 28.08 5 May 2012 Derby heats
480 Fiery Splendour 28.06 3 May 2014 Derby heats
480 Eden The Kid 27.95 30 May 2015 Derby heats
660 Jingling Star [38] 40.61 27 Jul 1980
660 Astrosyn Doll 40.48 30 Sep 1983
660 Ballyregan Bob 40.35 23 Nov 1985
660 Ballyregan Bob 40.15 19 Apr 1986
660 First Defence 40.12 8 Mar 1994
668 Baran Zulu 40.98 29 Aug 2003
668 Special Trick 40.82 13 Mar 2004 WJ Cearns Memorial
668 Black Pear 40.51 20 Jul 2004
668 Black Pear 40.52 2 Jul 2005
668 Dazzle Special 40.45 15 Dec 2009
680 Geinis Champion 41.73 24 Jun 1995
687 Corrig Vieri 42.09 29 Jun 2010
687 Corrig Vieri 41.97 3 Aug 2010
687 Droopys Bradley 41.89 19 Oct 2010 St Leger semi-finals
687 Droopys Bradley 41.48 26 Oct 2010 St Leger final
687 Farloe Tango 41.40 12 Nov 2013 St Leger final
687 Romantic Rambo 41.24 31 May 2014
687 Racenight Jenny 41.19 1 Nov 2014
687 Millwards Teddy 41.13 27 Jun 2015 Derby final night
688 Shelbourne Star 41.83 5 Jun 2004
688 Caloona Striker 41.77 25 Jun 2006
820 Star Decision 51.48 28 Jul 1984
820 Role of Fame 51.26 27 Jun 1987
820 Exile Energy 51.20 1989
820 Sail On Valerie 51.16 30 Dec 1989
820 Chestnut Beauty 51.16 21 Apr 1993
868 Princess Glin 54.76 14 Sep 1980
868 Decoy Boom [38] 54.60 1981
868 Linkside Liquor [38] 54.60 1981 =track record
868 Sandy Lane 54.11 6 May 1983
872 Ericas Equity 55.47 28 Jun 2003
872 Ericas Equity 54.30 9 Sep 2003
872 Greenacre Lin 54.26 2 May 2005
872 Spiridon Louis 54.22 7 Jun 2007
892 Zenas Angel 56.19 14 Nov 2009
894 Taylors Riviera 55.53 29 Jun 2010
894 Roxholme Magic 54.78 4 Jun 2016
1068 Lynns Pride 70.72 28 Mar 1980
1068 Shropshire Lass 68.55 8 Feb 1990
1080 Somer Lovin 69.64 7 Jul 2007
412 H Outcast Jet 26.19 1987
412 H Exchange Beamish 25.85 14 Apr 1984
412 H Pantile 25.38 5 Aug 1989
460 H Dine Out 28.29 12 Dec 1980
460 H Lilabeth 28.15 22 Oct 1985
460 H Emerald Trail 28.13 1989
460 H Unbelievable 28.00 22 Jun 1991 Champion Hurdle Final
460 H Arfur Daley 27.80 20 Mar 1993 Springbok final [40]
480 H Men Of Hope 29.18 29 May 2010 Champion Hurdle Final
480 H Toomaline Jack 28.96 18 Jun 2010 Grand National heats
480 H Razldazl Raidio 28.89 25 Feb 2016
660 H Laurdella Wizard 42.33 1 Sep 1980
660 H Longcross Bruce 41.52 6 Aug 1982
660 H Gold Splash 41.15 2 Aug 1994
668 H Sizzlers Bossman 41.68 2 Jul 2005

Pre Metric records

Distance
(yards)
Greyhound Time Date Notes
275 Lone Keel 15.24 18.05.1938
440 Wily Captain 24.95 29.07.1936
440 Chi Chi's Joker 24.82 01.05.1968
440 Beef Cutlet 28.47 02.09.1932 Laurels final
500 Davesland [41] 28.32 24.08.1934 Laurels semi-finals
500 Ballyhennessy Sandhills 28.08 07.1938 National record
500 Ballymac Ball 28.03 08.1949 Laurels heats
500 Ballymac Ball 27.99 08.1949 Laurels semi-finals
500 Ford Spartan 27.89 23.08.1957 Laurels final
500 Mile Bush Pride 04.08.1959
500 Clonalvy Pride =27.66 18.08.1961 Laurels final
500 Venture Again 27.61 04.08.1965
500 Shady Parachute 27.57 13.09.1968
500 Moordyke Spot 27.57 29.07.1970
550 Mick The Miller 31.72 31.08.1929 Match v Back Isle
700 Grosvenor Edwin 40.58 1950
700 Hurry On Cleo 39.58 18.07.1958
700 Dolores Rocket 39.58 26.07.1971
725 Robeen Printer 41.51 28.04.1945
880 Boothroyden Larry 51.18 26.08.1964
880 Greenville Fauna 51.04 1970
880 Following Day 50.70 16.08.1970
940 Meteoric 54.13 26.08.1964
1140 Curraheen Bride 67.86 16.08.1963
1140 Bushane Star 66.86 08.08.1969
440 H Juvenile Classic 31.40 01.07.1938
500 H Sprightly Peter 28.88 1950
500 H Dunmore Viking 26.08.1959
500 H Change That 13.05.1960
500 H Ballinatona Special 28.37 12.05.1961
500 H Sherrys Prince 28.83 1971 Gold Cup final
700 H Markhams Brandy 41.84 1950
700 H January Prince 41.36 25.07.1961
700 H Prince Cheetah 41.36 18.08.1961
700 H Quadrant King 23.08.1961

References

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