Eric Graham confirms the closure of Portsmouth greyhound stadium
Yes, it has officially been confirmed by Eric Graham, the promoter of Portsmouth that his lease has not been extended by current owners SEEDA. The result is that the Target Road track will now close with immediate effect.
In fact, Saturday’s meeting at Portsmouth was its last and as saddening as the news may strike you, it was looking inevitable. The giveaway would have been notable in a statement Steve Law, the director of Tipner Regenergation development made last week.
Law said: “The site was bought for redevelopment and it was always the intention to close it down.” The regeneration scheme proposes to create an important gateway to the city and deliver housing and jobs.
No matter what the future benefits may be to the community, the present reality has hit promoter Graham hard and he was deeply saddened to make the announcement on Monday. It’s only natural for him to be upset as he was connected with the track for 19 years.
Naturally, we had all hoped the closure didn’t occur. We all wish that Portsmouth may once again re-open for racing events. But for the time being, we can’t do anything about the stadium now being closed.
It’s a shame to see almost 80 years of greyhound racing at Portsmouth come to an end. However, you may be pleased to know that the GBGB have stepped in to help all concerned trainers and owners of the track.
The GBGB said in the Racing Post: "While the closure of any track is, of course, hugely disappointing, the GBGB does keep a reserve fund to deal with such eventualities.
"The GBGB can assure all concerned parties that everything possible is being done to protect the welfare of the racing greyhounds. Last week letters were sent to all attached trainers informing them of available GBGB and Retired Greyhound Trust support."
Welfare manager Peter Laurie also added: “We are liasing with Norah McEllistrim/Greyhound Trainers’ Association and the Retired Greyhound Trust and have written to all trainers attached to the track offering re-homing assistance and financial support to ensure no greyhound is at risk.”
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