The hare is on the move at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium

First trials at Dunstall Park

The hare was on the move at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium for the first time on Wednesday as trials at the UK’s newest track started ahead of its launch fixture next month.

Three months after ground was first broken, 77 greyhounds took part in a historic trial session as the ribbon was cut on the first brand-new greyhound racing venue to be built in the UK in more than a decade. 

Michael Field’s Lady Lazarus made history when becoming the first greyhound to take to the track shortly after 11am and clocked 30.20 seconds over the its standard 480m trip. 

Two greyhounds dipped under the 29-second barrier – Robert Hall’s Antigua Lumiere and Jak Knape’s Drumdoit Finn, who clocked 28.34 seconds after posting the session’s fastest sectional time.

The trial sessions will be used to grade greyhounds so they are placed into races with dogs of equal ability. 

Members of the public will be able to experience their first race night on Friday, September 19, when the track hosts its first customer fixture with racing beginning at 6.15pm.

Chris Black, General Manager at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium, said: “This facility is the result of years of planning and underscores Arena Racing Company’s commitment to the future of greyhound racing in the UK. 

“To see it brought to life after much build up was extremely rewarding for the team, and feedback from trainers was overwhelmingly positive. 

“The trial session itself ran smoothly and to plan with everyone adjusting quickly to our new surroundings following the closure of Perry Barr on Saturday. 

“We’re encouraged by ticket sales for our first fixtures with the first meeting open to the public just over three weeks away on Friday, September 19, where we hope to draw a bumper crowd trackside.”

Among the trainers trialling greyhounds on the day was Bromsgrove-based Emily Blunt. 

The 26-year-old became a part-time kennel hand to her mum Julie as a teenager after leaving school and is now one of the UK’s youngest professional trainers, employing a team of full and part-time staff. 

She added: “We had 10 greyhounds trialling who all went really well. 

“It’s an exciting time for the sport following the closure of Perry Barr.

“I know the track has been a long time in the planning, so to be in a position where we can now get on with trialling and then racing is great for everyone and the facilities we have here are second to none.”

Tickets for Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium’s first customer fixture on Friday, September 19, are available online and can be purchased from £5 via www.dunstallpark-greyhounds.co.uk.