Crayford has been advertised for sale
13 days since Kilmagner Flash crossed the line in front to win the last ever race at the track, pictures surfaced across social media on Saturday evening that Crayford Stadium had officially been put up for sale.
On the cover: Crayford's last ever race gets under way with crowd in full voice. Barry O'Sullivan's Devon Dolly (trap 6) leads up eventual winner Kilmagner Flash (trap 4) for Julie Luckhurst. CRAYFORD FINAL MEETING Sunday 19th January 2025 Photo: © Steve Nash
There we have it ladies and gentlemen, writes Graham Banks. 13 days since Kilmagner Flash crossed the line in front to win the last ever race at the track, pictures surfaced across social media on Saturday evening that Crayford Stadium had officially been put up for sale.
Was this a surprise to anyone? No, not really. Especially as only days prior, there were stories circulating that tables and chairs were seen being loaded onto lorries outside the stadium. Then pictures surfaced again on social media of the two advertising boards that stood on either corner of Stadium Way next to the traffic lights, being painted over with black paint. Short of seeing a huge for sale sign being drilled into the concrete opposite the Sainsbury’s exit, this is what most people would have expected. But so soon?
Again, yes. Within moments of the greyhounds crossing the line, before staff even had the chance to have a farewell photo on the podium, various pieces of technical equipment were being removed from their positions and taken away. The following day, tractors were also seen being shipped out, as were the traps along with the big screen in the middle. On the Thursday, Star Pelaw announced on their X page that they had taken delivery of the Crayford hurdles. It became obvious that the stadium was being readied for an imminent sale.
The only surprise is the lack of asking price for the stadium. Or at least an encouragement of an offer above a certain amount. Having previously announced that they had offers from interested parties that weren’t viable, it would surely have made sense to let any interested parties now know how much Entain require for the land. Instead, it has essentially becoming a blind auction, the end of which closes at 12 noon on March 6.
There will be further updates to this ongoing story.
