Melton Mowbray Greyhound Stadium

Melton Mowbray Greyhound Stadium was a greyhound racing and Motorcycle speedway stadium located on the north side of Saxby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.[1]

Melton Mowbray Greyhound Stadium
Map
LocationSaxby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Coordinates52°45′54″N 0°52′16″W / 52.76500°N 0.87111°W / 52.76500; -0.87111
Opened1946
Closed1969

Origins edit

Greyhound racing in Melton Mowbray took place on a straight in Egerton Park just after the end of World War II,[2] which led to the construction of a purpose built facility the following year, on the east side of Melton Mowbray. The stadium was built next door (on the east side) to the All England Sports Ground, it was owned by Jack Bingham and Charles Sampey.[3]

Greyhound Racing edit

The stadium opened to greyhound racing on 11 June 1946 and the racing was independent (not affiliated to the sports governing body the National Greyhound Racing Club).[4][5] Racing took place every Thursday and Saturday and the hare system used was an inside electric sledge hare.[6]

Speedway edit

The stadium hosted speedway which was held during 1949 and 1950.[7]

Closure edit

The final meeting was held during July 1969, after it was shut down by owners Jack Bingham and Charles Sampey, following their retirement.[3] The site is now an industrial park and in particular warehouses used by Asfordby Storage & Haulage Ltd.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ "OS Plan 1966". old-maps.co.uk.
  2. ^ "Amusements - 24 September". Birmingham Mail. 1945.
  3. ^ a b "Remember When - September 1939". Greyhound Star. 2012.
  4. ^ a b Barnes, Julia (1988). Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File, p419. Ringpress Books. ISBN 0-948955-15-5.
  5. ^ "Melton Mowbray Greyhound Stadium". Greyhound Derby.com.
  6. ^ "Fixtures - 17 July". Nottingham Evening Post. 1946.
  7. ^ "Melton Mowbray Speedway". Defunct Speedway.co.uk.