Holloway Calls on Central Park to Reintroduce Hurdle Racing

Six Months Since Crayford’s Final Hurdle Race

Tomorrow marks six months since Crayford Stadium closed its doors and with it, ended the last of the UK’s greyhound hurdle racing. The final event was won by Razldazl Barkley, trained by Ricky Holloway, who now champions the call to revive hurdle racing and extend the careers of dogs who would otherwise be retired early.

Star Pelaw to Lead the Hurdles Revival

Star Pelaw has taken delivery of Crayford’s hurdles and is expected to reintroduce hurdle racing within weeks. Holloway confirms he will support them:

“I’ve already said to Kim Sanzone at Star Pelaw I’d come there and support them when they are good to go."

Why Central Park Should Reintroduce Hurdles

Central Park has unused hurdles on-site and is currently struggling with dog numbers. Holloway highlights the benefits:

• Adds variety to race cards dominated by sprints

• Utilizes hurdles already in storage

• Reduces pressure on the homing system

• Gives dogs with behavioural issues a second chance.
  
  

"I could supply them with 20 dogs for hurdling alone. It’s a no brainer."

Hurdles Can Reduce Injuries and Improve Welfare

One of the strongest arguments Holloway makes is that hurdle racing reduces injury risk, with greyhounds going into bends slower and with more control:

“Hurdle racing is much safer. It can prolong their careers – they can keep racing until they are five or older.”

Sponsorship for Hurdle Racing is Being Wasted

Holloway also points out that £30,000 in sponsorship for the Champion Hurdle, Springbok, and Grand National is going unused. Former Central Park owner Roger Cearns is still willing to fund these events.

“Who turns down dogs and sponsorship money?”

Lack of Promotion – Except by Greyhound Racing UK

In a passionate plea, Holloway challenges greyhound promoters to step up:

“All it needs is someone with balls… Who in the Greyhound industry apart from Greyhound Racing UK is actually promoting the sport?”

Can Entain Tracks Bring Back Hurdling?

Entain-owned tracks like Romford and Hove have previously staged hurdle races. Holloway shared that:

“Paul Illingworth said if another track restarts hurdles, he will follow. But I’m disappointed Entain haven’t acted.”

He argues that re-introducing hurdles at an Entain track would align with their homing campaigns and reduce disqualifications.

Greyhounds Who Benefitted from Hurdling

Magical Oscar

Initially marked as awkward, he went on to 127 races, many over hurdles, and returned to the flat with a clean record.

Nunhead Shiv

Disqualified at Hove, later won the 2024 Champion Hurdle at nearly five years old after a successful switch to hurdles.

Holloway Offers to Train for Other Kennels

Holloway is also offering to school hurdlers for other trainers, as he’s done for Mark Wallis, Seamus Cahill, and others:

“Leave them for a month and they’ll come back ready. I’m still schooling hurdlers now.”

ARC’s Position on Central Park

When contacted, ARC (Arena Racing Company) simply responded:

“We have no plans to reintroduce hurdle racing at the moment.”