Colonel North, the "Nitrate King"

Fullerton, divided the Waterloo Cup, 1889

The greyhound can outrun a hare, deer and antelope.

The oldest breed; a native of The Middle East, arriving in Britain with the Celtic Invasion, it became a food lifeline to the poor and a beloved companion of the nobility. During the late 18th century Lord Orford, a coursing man and pioneering geneticist, developed the breeding of the modern greyhound of today.in 1776 he organized The Swaffham Coursing Club, in a part of the country famous for its strong hares. A century later, hare coursing was vying for the most popular spectator sport in Britain (bigger than horse racing and football). Not until 1926 did dog racing, around an oval track, begin. The crowds were vast.

In 1987 a local Norfolk man, Mr. Maurice Kirby, built the stadium and opened its doors to this exciting sport, attracting spectators and participants, who enjoyed their night out in a convivial and friendly atmosphere.

Sadly, due to a combination of failing health and the relocation of the promoter to Ireland, the sport ceased at the venue. Missed, especially by the men and women whose passion was racing their own dogs at the track;. and thanks to those men and woman, who are devoted to their dog, this wonderful sport continues to produce a truly remarkable animal: probably unique in as much as it is the only breed not to manifest any inherent defects. They remain one of the most perfectly developed dogs, lacking any of the deformities which modern man has bred into most of the show breeds.

Greyhound racing at Swaffham Stadium is to be reintroduced following its closure, some 20 years ago, states Mr. Craig Robinson, a partner in the venture.

“Considerable work, to the stadium infrastructure, has taken place during the last 24 months (new water system, drainage, road way, lighting, etc) which had to be completed prior to refurbishment works and the greyhound facility. Our programme over the next six months is to have the running rail, hare system and starting traps installed before Christmas; new finishing lines, floodlighting and judges’ box will follow. The kennels and totalisator system are on site. The tea bar is up and running and the main bar has been stripped out, currently being renovated, and foundations are in place for a new “hospitality building”, which awaits approval from Breckland Council.

The aim is to reopen as an independent greyhound track and to fill the void left by Askerne, Bury and the many great venues that have been lost, sadly, to our great sport.

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