Greyhound enthusiasts have been sharing memories of yesteryear to mark Local and Community History Month at Newcastle Stadium, which held its first meeting 97 years ago.
The Byker venue has hosted greyhound racing since 1928 and continues to run five weekly fixtures today under the management of Arena Racing Company – the UK’s largest racecourse group – including Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons.
A greyhound named Marvin won the first race on June 23, 1928 – more than 35,000 days ago – priced 3/1.
Since then, many of the sport’s iconic names have taken to the track including the great Scurlogue Champ who won the 1986 Television Trophy live on the BBC.
Newcastle born and raised trainer Norman Oliver – who was named UK Trainer of the Year in 1973 – based himself at Brough Park during his career which spanned from the 1950s until 2010.
Norman’s greatest achievements included winning the Scottish Greyhound Derby in 1963 with Super Car, the Television Trophy and Regency with Shady Begonia plus the St Leger and Gold Collar. He even trained greyhounds for Newcastle United greats Kevin Keegan and Terry McDermott.
Valerie McDonald worked as a kennel hand for Norman.
She said: “I cared for a greyhound called Rory – he was a lovely greyhound and won plenty of races at Newcastle Stadium.
“I have great memories of the dogs having their photos taken when they won a race, and as staff we’d get our meals for free on the night too. Great memories from a super track!”
Headlining Newcastle Stadium’s racing calendar since 1938 has been the Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup.
The competition is open to 36 of the UK’s fastest standard distance greyhounds and is worth £20,000 to the winner. In its first year before the outbreak of World War II, the winner received £1,100.
Only six trainers have won the competition back-to-back in its history – Ted Brennan, Bryce Wilson, Charlie Lister OBE, Barrie Draper, Kelly Macari and Angela Harrison.
Kelly Macari won it in 2010 and 2011 with Mill Pinpoint and Mill Bling Bling while attached to nearby Sunderland Stadium.
Her kennel hand at the time Tucka Wilkinson said: “Winning the All England Cup with Mill Pinpoint and Puppy competition with Unreal Timmy is a night I will never, ever, forget.
“Those were special days, and as an owner Pinpoint Lily won a BAGS competition for me. So many wonderful memories at a great venue.”
One trophy which has evaded the Fossway venue in its 97-year history is the English Greyhound Derby.
That could change next month, though, as Ashington handler Jimmy Fenwick runs kennel star Wicky Ned in the £175,000 to-the-winner competition. The two-year-old brindled greyhound won the Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat and Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup last year.
Despite starting his career only 14 months ago, Wicky Ned has already established himself as one of Newcastle Stadium’s all-time greats.
He’s cared for by Jimmy plus his wife Mel and daughters Hannah and Lauren. Hannah, 23, has worked in greyhound racing since leaving school and represents the sport’s future.
“I’d love to take over my dad’s training license one day, although that will be a while away yet,” said Hannah. “The greyhounds themselves get me out of bed each morning.
“If you put the hours in and give the greyhounds all the attention they need, they’ll put their heart and soul into their racing. Greyhound racing is my life – I love it, and to be honest I’d be lost without it.”
Further information about Newcastle Stadium and its fixtures plus tickets for all race days can be found by visiting www.newcastle-greyhounds.co.uk.
