End of greyhound racing at Abbey Stadium

Gaming International, the owners of the Abbey Stadium in Swindon have today announced the intended closure of greyhound racing at the Abbey Stadium.

Greyhound racing will continue at the Stadium for the remainder of the year before closing following the last scheduled meeting on Tuesday 30 December 2025.

The decision to make an early announcement of the intended closure is to provide time for discussions with staff, work with greyhound trainers to support their livelihoods and supporting the welfare of greyhounds who will be retiring from racing.

Since the pandemic, there are virtually no members of the public attending Abbey Stadium and the decline of greyhound racing as a spectator sport has accelerated to the point where its operation at the Abbey Stadium is no longer viable with a reliance on media rights revenues alone to cover the rapidly increasing cost of staging racing.

During this period of declining revenues, costs have continued to rise significantly, and operators are bracing themselves for the increased costs of employment that will arrive in April.

At a national level, greyhound racing faces big challenges including revenue decline, increasing costs, the increasing voice of animal welfare groups together with the changing gambling and leisure markets.

Clarke Osborne, Chairman of Gaming International, said: “It is with profound sadness that we make this announcement today, sadness for our loyal family of colleagues and for our Greyhound Trainers, some of whom have been with us for over 30 years.

“We understand that while some will welcome this announcement, there are others for whom this decision creates uncertainty for their futures. Let me be clear – we are committed to a sustainable and phased closure of the site which provides continued financial support for our trainers, and colleagues, through to the end of operations next year. We will work together in the months to come, providing support during this difficult period of change.

“I am sure there will be much debate on the history and future of greyhound racing in the UK during the months to come and I will certainly participate. For us, the closure of racing at the Abbey Stadium in December will mark the end of 73 years of greyhound racing promotion for this company and over 40 years for me personally. All things end and no one is able to hold back the changes in technology and trends in leisure pursuits. We must all look forward and embrace the future with hope and enthusiasm.

“I hope and have the enthusiasm to maintain our presence in the Swindon leisure market in the years to come”