Located in the heart of Romford town centre in the London Borough of Havering, the Ladbrokes Coral Greyhound Stadium has established itself as one of the premier greyhound racing venues in the United Kingdom. The stadium boasts top-class facilities, a rich history, and a diverse range of competitions that make it a must-visit destination for greyhound racing enthusiasts.
A Brief History of the Stadium
Origins and Early Days
The story of the Ladbrokes Coral Greyhound Stadium dates back to 1929 when Archer Leggett and his brother-in-law rented a small piece of land near the Crown Hotel in Romford. They invested £400 in equipping the land for greyhound racing and opened for business on 21 June. However, after only a year, the venture was forced to relocate due to a sudden rent increase from the landlord.
In 1931, Leggett raised £600 to build a new track and stand on a field within Belle Vue Meadow, adjacent to the London and North Eastern Railway line. The new site, which is the current location of the stadium, featured a hand-operated totalisator and an electrically operated hare. Regular attendances at the time exceeded 1,000 people per meeting.
Expansion and Innovations
In 1935, four new directors joined the original team, forming Romford Stadium Ltd., which invested £17,000 in the construction of additional stands and kennels. The company later purchased Dagenham Greyhound Stadium, further expanding their reach in the greyhound racing industry.
Over the years, the stadium has been home to various innovative ideas and experiments, such as the introduction of cheetah racing in 1937. Although short-lived, the event garnered significant attention and remains a unique chapter in the stadium's history.
Modern Developments
In 1976, Romford Stadium Ltd. agreed to sell the venue to Coral, a renowned bookmaking company. Coral invested heavily in the stadium, constructing a new grandstand, modernizing the tote and hare systems, and introducing new competitions and events. The investment paid off, and the stadium became increasingly popular among the public and greyhound racing industry.
Racing at the Ladbrokes Coral Greyhound Stadium
Track Specifications
The track at the stadium has a circumference of 350 meters, with race distances ranging from 225 meters to 1100 meters. The run to the first bend is 67 meters, and the stadium uses an Outside Swaffham hare type for races.
Weekly Racing Schedule
Racing at the Ladbrokes Coral Greyhound Stadium takes place six times per week, with events on Monday and Thursday afternoons, Tuesday and Saturday mornings, and Friday and Saturday evenings. Special races are also held on Tuesday evenings during December.
Major Competitions
The stadium hosts numerous major open racing events throughout the year, including:
- Cesarewitch
- Essex Vase
- Champion Stakes
- Golden Sprint
- Romford Puppy Cup
- Coronation Cup
These prestigious races attract top-class greyhounds and trainers, making the stadium a hub for high-quality racing action.
Facilities at the Stadium
The Coral Grandstand
The Coral grandstand, which opened in September 2019 after a £10 million refurbishment, is situated on the finishing line side of the track and is split over two levels. It houses two public bars – The Champions Bar and La Roc Bar – as well as the Trap 7 Snack Bar and Tote betting facilities. The grandstand also features the Paddock Restaurant, which can accommodate up to 200 diners.
The Pavilion Restaurant
Located on the third bend of the track, the Pavilion Restaurant can cater to 100 diners. It offers a range of dining options and views of the racing action.
The Marquee
Situated on the fourth bend, the purpose-built Marquee contains a bar, snack bar, and Tote betting facilities, providing an alternative space for spectators to enjoy the races.
Rehoming Greyhounds
The Ladbrokes Coral Greyhound Stadium is committed to ensuring the well-being of retired greyhounds. The stadium partners with a local greyhound trust to provide homes, medical attention, and necessary support for retired racing dogs. Thousands of pounds are donated each year to kennel houses to secure a healthy and happy lifestyle for these retired greyhounds.
Getting to the Stadium
The Ladbrokes Coral Greyhound Stadium is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. It is located approximately 15 minutes from Junction 28 of the M25 via the A12 on the A118 London Road. Free limited parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Romford Train Station, which is well connected to London's main lines, is just a five-minute taxi ride away. Alternatively, the number 86 bus stops right outside the stadium.
Think 25 Policy and Entry for Under 18s
The stadium operates a Think 25 policy to ensure compliance with the Gambling Act 2005 and Licensing Act 2003. This policy requires anyone who appears to be under 25 to provide proof of age for admission, betting, and alcohol consumption. Acceptable forms of identification include a full or provisional photocard driving license, a UK or international passport, an ID bearing the PASS logo, and a military identification card.
Under 18s are welcome at the stadium, provided that they are accompanied by a responsible adult aged 21 or older. Children must be supervised at all times, and under 18s are not permitted to place bets.
Experience the Thrill of Greyhound Racing at the Ladbrokes Coral Greyhound Stadium
With its rich history, exciting racing action, and top-notch facilities, the Ladbrokes Coral Greyhound Stadium in Romford offers a truly memorable experience for greyhound racing enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sport, a visit to this iconic racing venue is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Author’s Biography
Thomas James is an experienced journalist and content writer who has worked in the online slots industry for years. He brings a wealth of insight and experience to his writing, having interviewed many of the leading slot developers and operators in the UK.