Chesterfield Sports Stadium

Chesterfield Sports Stadium
Location Station Road, Brimington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Coordinates 53°15'20.7"N 1°24'52.8"W
Opened 1939
Closed 1997

Chesterfield Sports Stadium was a greyhound racing stadium in Station Road, Brimington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Origins

The stadium began to take form in 1939 just before the war. The site chosen was a rural setting in Brimington north of Chesterfield near an old Brimington Colliery air shaft. Access to the stadium was from Station Road and then down the lane leading to Ryecroft Farm. Directly on the west side of the new track was the Chesterfield Canal.[1]

Opening

The stadium also known as Wheeldon Mill opened around 1939 and the racing was independent (not affiliated to the sports governing body the National Greyhound Racing Club). The capacity was listed as 8,000 spectators in late 1940s.[2]

History

During the 1960s the track raced on Monday and Friday. The circuit was a large with a circumference of 440 yards resulting in race distances of 285, 358, 453, 480, 510 and 700 yards. The hare system was an 'Inside Sumner' and races were both level break races (normal) and handicap races.[3]

By 1985 the stadium was owned by Albert Ullyett and J Liles and facilities had improved with veterinary surgeon attendance, a totalisator, car parking for 400 vehicles, a new stand and refreshment bar. Race distances had changed to 100, 290, 358, 452, 500, 700 and 880 yards and annual competitions were run over the four distances used for grading racing. Race nights were Monday, Wednesday and Friday and whippet racing also took place occasionally including a whippet Derby in November.[4]

Closure

The track closed in 1997 and became in a state of disrepair. The site today remains as unused land on Ryecroft Farm.

References

  1. ↑ "OS Plan 1964". old-maps.co.uk.
  2. ↑ Particulars of Licensed tracks, table 1 Licensed Dog Racecourses. Licensing Authorities. 1947.
  3. ↑ Furby, R (1968). Independent Greyhound Racing. New Dominion House. p. 28.
  4. ↑ Barnes, Julia (1988). Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File. Ringpress Books. p. 281. ISBN 0-948955-15-5.
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