White City Greyhounds


White City Greyhounds was the greyhound racing operation held at White City Stadium in London. The venue was regarded as the sport's primary track during its existence.

History

Origins

After the 1908 Summer Olympics the White City area was used for further exhibitions but the stadium began to be underused. By 1922 attempts had been made to sell it and it is reputed to have been in a very poor state by 1926. During the Februarys of 1926 and 1927 the stadium was used for the British Industries Fair before the public announcement that the Greyhound Racing Association had purchased the stadium following on from the success experienced by the company at the nation's first greyhound meetings in Manchester at Belle Vue Stadium.
It would be the GRA’s second stadium and the old running and cycle tracks were grassed over. A new restaurant was built and covered terracing was constructed. The Metropolitan Railway reopened their Wood Lane station in preparation for the race nights.

Opening

The first greyhounds moved into the kennels on 20 May and the first private trial was planned for 30 May with racing starting on 1 June but delays ensued. The first meeting finally took place on Monday 20 June 1927 with the first race won by a greyhound called Charlie Cranston. Entry Badge, the 1927 English Greyhound Derby winner, also ran on the opening night. There was a capacity of 93,000 and club house accommodation for 1,000 people more than the original seating capacity in 1908.
The track had a large 498 circumference with long straights of 120 yards described as good sweeping turns suitable for strong galloping type dogs. The hare system was an outside trolley type and the GRA’s finances were helped with the use of an automatic totalisator.

1928-1939

The GRA moved its headquarters to White City from Belle Vue and early visitors included the Prince of Wales later King Edward VIII and Prince George, later King George VI.
The English Greyhound Derby was inaugurated in 1927 followed by the Champion Hurdle the following year. The Oaks would complete a trio of classic races. The GRA purchased the Hook estate at Northaw some 13 miles from the centre of London. They saw it as the ideal place for GRA trainers to train greyhounds for White City and Harringay Stadium which was their third track to open, and later other London tracks. The 140 acres of park and grassland became famous within the industry.
The Derby competition became the primary target for all greyhound connections. The first winner was Entry Badge who picked up 1,000, he was trained by local trainer Joe Harmon and had won a race on opening night. The following year all qualifying rounds would be held at White City which had not been the case in 1927.
In 1929 Mick the Miller arrived for his first Derby from Ireland and captured the public’s imagination sending greyhound racing into most households in Britain and Ireland. His successful defence of the title one year later drew a 50,000 crowd and the controversial final of 1931 attracted 70,000. Major Percy Brown was installed as Racing Manager in 1931 arriving from sister track Belle Vue and greyhounds that won the Derby over the following years found fame.
In 1936 the stadium introduced the Wood Lane Stakes and the 'White City', the former would remain an important race throughout the years but the latter was less known despite rewards that came second only to the Derby in terms of prize money. It was an invitation race for the sports top greyhounds but only lasted until the start of the war. In 1937 the Springbok and GRA Stakes was inaugurated for novice hurdlers and stayers respectively. Early track trainers included Leslie Reynolds, William Dixon, Albert Jonas, Les Parry and Harry Buck. A greyhound called Brave Don was the first to be transported to Britain from Ireland by air. He came into the kennels of Leslie Reynolds following a flight from Dublin to Croydon.
In 1938 the track boasted that they had the largest totalisator in the world with 634 issuing machines.
A record 92,000 people attended the 1939 English Greyhound Derby and the tote turnover set new records of £14,341 for a single race and £114,780 for a meeting. Using historic inflation this equates to £7 million for one meeting.

1946-1950

White City was the first track to install a photo finish camera in 1945 and the sport remained a national pastime after the war with the annual tote turnover for White City in 1946 being £17,576,190.
In 1946 Bahs Choice went undefeated through the Wood Lane Stakes and on 6 June 1946 in a Derby trial, he recorded 28.99 sec to become the first dog in the world to break 29sec over 525 yards. Quare Times broke the track record twice during the 1946 event which led to Major Brown organising a match race between the pair at White City on August Bank Holiday Monday. Quare Times won the race setting a new world record for the 550 yards. Also in 1946 another new event was introduced called the Longcross Cup.
In 1949, three new sea-food bars attract more than 4,000 customers on race nights and the track employs 14 part time staff to cope with the demand.

1950s

White City was featured in numerous films including the 1950 movie The Blue Lamp and one year later Major Percy Brown had to select 48 greyhounds for the Derby from a record 140 entries.
In December 1955 Spanish Battleship travelled to England for the first time for a special match race with Duet leader and Hi There at White City. Pigalle Wonder and Mile Bush Pride won the Derby during the 1950s and the Gimcrack race was introduced in 1959 with the Oaks moving to sister track Harringay.

1960s

In 1964 trainer Randolph Singleton was transferred to White City from Belle Vue and the GRA extended its board by adding Major Percy Brown, John Cearns and Charles Chandler Jr. to the directors. Arthur Aldridge former RM of Powderhall Stadium and Belle Vue was brought in as the new White City RM. Camira Flash owned by the Duke of Edinburgh won the Derby for White City for only the third time.
A story broke in 1969 that the GRA had granted an option to Stock Conversion and Investment Ltd to purchase greyhound racing’s premier track White City for redevelopment. The official line was that a new modern White City stadium would be built in the remaining four acres from the existing sixteen. A greyhound reporter called Neil Martin stated this move must spell death to all sport there in time – and in my opinion greyhound racing too Fellow reporter John Bower had a different view that it would create a wonderful new stadium, a view seemingly given substance by GRA
announcing that the architects plans were already drawn up. The future of the stadium was unknown.

1970s

won his second Derby and Sherrys Prince won his third consecutive Grand National victory in 1972, an added bonus for White City was the fact that his trainer Colin West had recently joined the track. West and the Cambridgeshire competition had transferred from the recently closed West Ham Stadium. In 1972 GRA Director of racing Major Percy Brown retired after 40 years in the sport, his replacement was the Arthur Aldridge. In 1975 the track switched to metres under the supervision of RM Bob Rowe.

1981-1984

During 1982 Bob Rowe relinquished his position to take up the role of chief racing manager of the GRA with John Collins brought in as the new RM. Also in 1982 trainer Joe Pickering retired as did Colin West leaving White City two trainers short. They appointed Graham Mann and Frank Melville. Randy Singleton retired soon after.

Closure

The 1969 option to sell to Stock Conversion and Investment Ltd for redevelopment had almost been forgotten due to the fact that racing had continued for another 15 years but in 1984 the redevelopment plans went ahead without plans to build a new stadium. The final Derby took place in late June before the final meeting on 22 September 1984. Hastings Girl trained by Tommy Foster was the last winner and before the month had passed demolition teams had demolished the historic stadium.
The GRA, the company who introduced greyhound racing to Britain had sold the sports premier track which became a collection of BBC buildings.

Competitions

English Greyhound Derby

The stadium had four home trained Derby winners, Entry Badge, Wild Woolley, Greta Ranee and Camira Flash.

The Oaks

Grand National

Derby Invitation/Consolation

The Cambridgeshire

Longcross Cup

The Longcross Cup was a competition held from 1946 until the stadium closed.
YearWinnerBreedingTrainerTimeSP
1946OvertimeWoodrow – Hardwick ElsiePaddy Fortune 32.03 7-2
1947Highland MelodyHarry Spoor 32.50 10-11f
1948SheevaunBellas Prince – Honey GalePaddy Fortune 31.294-7f
1949SheevaunBellas Prince – Honey GalePaddy Fortune 31.084-11f
1950Despot O'LeerBahs Choice – Baytown NightingaleLeslie Reynolds 30.582-1
1951Derryboy Blackbird Mad Tanist – Swiss MissStan Martin 31.0011-8f
1952Seal AstraAstras Son – Atomic SealTom Lightfoot 30.28 4-5f
1953Oriel OlgaSlaney Record - JanetDal Hawkesley 30.607-2
1954LizetteMaster Captain – Dorothy AnnPaddy Fortune 31.328-11f
1955Midnight ColonistHumming Bee – Midnight CandleReg Bosley 31.99 6-1
1956Yon CassiusMad Astley – Dusky JewelRonnie Melville 30.826-5f
1957Christmas IslandShaggy Lad – Pair of QueensT Harris 30.64 11-4
1958Knock Hill ChieftainGaltee Cleo – Coolkill MistressStan Martin 30.55 4-6f
1959MervilleThe Grand Champion – Fleeting AshKen Appleton 30.96 13-8f
1960Prince of SpeedPrince of Bermuda – Seafield BiddyJimmy Jowett 30.44 100-8
1961WorkawayThe Grand Champion – Templenoe FireawayGeorge Waterman 30.75
1962Dainty SparkHi There – Wild PrincessFred Taylor 30.38
1963Lucky Joan IIRecorded Course - AstraeaJohn Bassett 30.64
1964Failte MalWelcome Home - MokoBill Dash 30.62 11-4
1965O'LearySolar Prince – Cracked KateJim Hookway 30.66
1966Wonder HillClopook – The Ivy BarG.Carrigill 31.03
1967Monalee ChampionCrazy Parachute – Sheila At LastFrank Conlon 29.82
1968Switch HitterRocket Ship - Lannon Lass
1970TullyallenHi Frequency – Cremona MaidClare Orton 30.42
1971Monas FlashForward Flash – Shee Mone41.42
1972Brookside PrinceTell Nobody – Brookside LouiseFrank Melville 41.37 1-1f
1973CommuteringDusty Trail – No MabelFrank Melville 40.87 3-1
1974Westpark Mustard Newdown Heather – April MerryTom Johnston Jr. 41.03 4-11f
1975Westmead BountyWestmead County - HacksawA J Mobley 42.23
1976Sallys CobblerCobbler – Pineapple JamJohn Bassett 40.85 5-4f
1977Fly By NightMoordyk Champion – Fly SnowdropColin West 42.99 2-1
1978Black LegendSpectre II – Nora AgainTed Dickson 41.81
1979Beaverwood TonyForeign Exchange – Handy HighPaddy Milligan 42.53
1980Musical LadySage – Cois Na Gorm41.18
1981Decoy BoomWestmead County – Ka BoomJoe Cobbold 42.20
1982Alfa My SonAlfa Boy – Tough JackieLeon Steed - Cambridge42.65
1983The Italian JobCosmic Orbit – Stylish DoloresGunner Smith 41.26
1984Kasama TracButchers Trac- Lady KasamaGeorge Curtis 42.02

1946-1970, 1971-1974, 1977-1984

Wood Lane Stakes

The Wood Lane Stakes was a competition held from 1936 until the stadium closed.
YearWinnerBreedingTrainerTimeSP
1936Shove HalfpennyTown Treasure-Princess KarlJack Harvey
1937Lewis of WaterhallPaddy Fortune 30.416-1
1938Demotic MackBeef Cutlet – Kaiti HillCharlie Cross 29.857-1
1939BallyjokerBeef Cutlet – Jeanne of WaterhallSidney Orton 29.287-4
1946Bahs ChoiceTokio – Chittering DuchessBob Burls 29.922-1
1948Priceless BorderClonahard Border - Priceless SandillsLeslie Reynolds 29.181-5f
1949Behattan MarquisCountryman - BehattanBob Burls
1950Red WindDysertmore Prince – Light BiddyFred Trevillion 29.385-6f
1951Fancy HeroTrabolgan Prince – Carriganea LassJack Harvey 30.235-4f
1952Seal AstraAstras Son – Atomic SealTom Lightfoot 29.154-9f
1953Midnight CharlotteRimmells Black – Midnight CradleStan Martin 29.80100-6
1954Home LuckTrevs Cutter – Queens WoodFrank Johnson 28.334-9f
1955Coolkill ChieftainCeltic Chief - Coolkill DarkieJack Harvey 29.268-1
1956Duet LeaderChampion Prince - Derryluskin LadyTom Paddy Reilly 29.008-13f
1957Racing DonJim Syder Jr. 29.277-1
1958Beware ChampThe Grand Champion – Beware of MePaddy Fortune 28.934-1
1959Pigalle WonderChampion Prince – Prairie PegJim Syder Jr. 29.474-7f
1960Long StoryFlash Jack – I'm YoursJim Syder Jr. 28.832-1
1961Oregon PrinceKnock Hill Chieftain – Burleighs FancyPhil Rees Sr. 28.90
1962WestparkHi There - FaoideTom Paddy Reilly 29.00
1963WestparkHi There - FaoideTom Paddy Reilly 29.04
1964Atomic KnockrourKnockrour Again – Atomic TulipJim Irving 29.01100-8
1965Booked OutKnock Hill Chieftain – Direct LeadEric Adkins 29.90
1966Morden MistSuper Orange - Denver HettyClare Orton 29.45
1967Double RockPrinter's Present – Dolores DaughterPaddy Milligan 28.94
1968Yellow PrinterPrinter's Prince – Yellow StreakJohn Bassett 28.91
1969Avondhu IronMad Era – Knock RosePaddy Milligan 29.167-1
1970TullyallenHi Frequency – Cremona MaidClare Orton 29.4410-1
1971LinmareeSpectre II - NevascaColin West 29.2411-4
1973Skyhawk MonaleeArkle – Little Play GirlTom Johnston Jr. 29.058-15f
1974MyrtownMyross Again – Longstown LassieEddie Moore 28.688-11f
1975Sampson FlashClomoney Jet – Eyre PrideTom Johnston Jr. 29.98
1976Princeley MomentMotor Light – Star ExpertWally Ginzel 29.4113-2
1977SwiboMonalee Champion – Damsels SpeckTerry Dartnall 30.17
1978Instant GamblerItsachampion – SabrinaBarbara Tompkins 30.42
1979Our RufusRail Ship – Geraldine GoldJohn Coleman 30.02
1980Jon BarrieClashing – Famous HeartRay Andrews 29.99
1981Corrakelly AirSupreme Fun – Quarry StreakerCharlie Coyle 30.589-4
1982Chimney SweepViolet Hall – Salubrious LadyRay Andrews 30.1011-10f
1983Aglish PoacherKnockrour Slave – Aglish PilgrimJerry Fisher 29.43
1984Game BallSand Man – Stay In BusinessJerry Fisher 29.74

1936-1975, 1976-1984

The White City

1936, 1937, 1937

G.R.A Stakes

The G.R.A Stakes was a competition held from 1937 until the stadium closed.
YearWinnerBreedingTrainerTimeSP
1937Maidens DelightMaidens Boy – Springfield SalJim Syder Sr. 41.7011-8f
1946Coynes CastleCastledown Lad – Unequalled LadyKen Newham 40.535-2
1949Alvaston MuirModel Dasher – Alvaston Heather BlueStan Martin 42.107-4f
1950Nervous PaddyPaddy The Champion – Elusive BessL M Hiscock 41.093-1
1952Pass On ExpressTom Lightfoot 45.858-11f
1953Border LadWally Hancox 47.107-1
1954Sundown Silver StreamSandown Champion- Knight ShadeJim Syder Jr. 46.166-1
1955Oriel OlgaSlaney Record - JanetDal Hawkesley 46.321-4f
1956Speir BheanMaddest Neighbour - My DreamlandJack Harvey 45.86 7-4
1957Rathmore RainbowApril Tanist – Rathmore TutsyIvor Morse 46.602-7f
1958Holystone MischiefHolystone Lifelong – Elphin GirlJimmy Purnell 46.9711-4
1959Noras JewelImperial Dancer – Noras BirthdayJack Harvey 45.48100-8
1961The Cherry TreeCheeky Tippy – Clonbrick RoseHarry Tasker 50.09
1962The Cherry TreeCheeky Tippy – Clonbrick RoseHarry Tasker 50.79
1963HillstrideKnockhill Chieftain – Miss LorraineTom Perry 51.52 2-9f
1964Ballymotey BoySolar Prince – July FlowerDal Hawkesley 51.50
1965Boothroyden FlashCrazy Parachute – Knockmullagh LadyHarry Bamford 51.86
1966Ballyloo HindHi There – Craan MajesticSid Ryall 50.42
1967Come on DoloresKnock Hill Chieftain – Sultry PeachErnie Gaskin Sr. 50.30
1968Poor MickCrazy Parachute - DearnsideRandy Singleton 50.429-2
1969Farma ZoraMad Era – Rorys SallyPhil Rees Sr. 51.0411-4
1970Hiver WhitenoseCrazy Society – Hiver SwankyJim Morgan 50.85
1972The MarchionessFaithful Hope – Trojan SilverReg Young 51.374-6f
1973Balliniska GunRussian Gun - ParlandoArthur Hancock 45.0925-1
1974Westpark MustardNewdown Heather – April MerryTommy Johnston Jr. 44.731-5f
1975Westmead BountyWestmead County – Hack SawA J Mobley 45.86
1977MontreenMoordyke Spot – AvondaleHarry Bamford 44.687-4
1981Decoy BoomWestmead County – Ka BoomJoe Cobbold
1982Paradise LostParadise Spectre – Gerards SallyGeorge Curtis 44.679-2

1937-50, 1938 & 1940-45, 1952-60 & 1973-1975, 1961-72 1976-1982

Gimcrack/Challenge

The Gimcrack was renamed The Challenge in 1967 and was a competition held from 1959 until 1972.
YearWinnerBreedingTrainerTimeSP
1959Miss CheerfulCheerful Chariot – Miss MinkDave Geggus 29.33100-30
1960Wheatfield CountessOur Viscount – Wheatfield SatelliteStan Martin 29.88100-30
1961The Grand CanalChampion Prince – The Grand DuchessPaddy Dunphy 29.30
1962Dromin GloryHi There – Dromin JetJohn Bassett 29.19
1963Fairys ChumKnockhill Chieftain – Fairy JuliaBob Burls 29.15
1964Hack Up ChieftainKnockhill Chieftain – Bunclody QueenRandy Singleton 29.369-1
1965Clonmannon FlashPrairie Flash - Dainty SisterJim Hookway 29.37
1966Dusty TrailPrinters Present - Dolores DaughterPaddy Milligan 29.12
1967Shady ParachuteCrazy Parachute – Shady ContemperaPhil Rees Sr. 28.94
1969Kilbelin StylePrairie Flash – Clomoney GrandTom Johnston Jr. 29.0710-11f
1970LinmareeSpectre - NevascaLes Parry 29.02
1972Priory HiMaryville Hi - Miss Hi LandPen Andrews 29.047-2

Pre-metric
DistanceGreyhoundTimeDateNotes
500yOutside Left27.5512.07.1958
525yMick the Miller29.8216.07.1929Derby heats, world record
525yRyland R29.6916.07.1931Derby heats
525yFuture Cutlet29.6207.1932Derby heats
525yShove Halfpenny29.471936
525yFine Jubilee29.471936
525yWattle Bark29.3606.1937Derby heats
525yShove Halfpenny29.3619.06.1937Derby semi-finals
525yWattle Bark29.2626.06.1937Derby final
525yQuare Times28.9506.1946Derby heats, world record
525yQuare Times28.8229.06.1946Derby consolation, world record
525yPriceless Border28.??1947/48
525yPriceless Border28.6406.1948Derby heats
525yPauls Fun28.6419.06.1954Derby semi-finals
525yKilcaskin Kern28.6306.1958Derby heats
525yMile Bush Pride28.6006.1958Derby semi finals
525yPigalle Wonder28.4421.06.1958Derby semi finals
525yYellow Printer28.3003.06.1968Derby heats, world record
525ySuper Rory28.2617.06.1972Derby semi-finals
550yQuare Times30.3805.08.1946Match v Bahs Choice
550yBallymac Ball30.3010.12.1949
550yBallymac Ball30.2726.12.1949
550yFearless Mac29.9303.08.1959
550yMonalee Champion29.8207.01.1967
700yMick The Moocher40.6830.03.1935
725yShaggy Lass41.4306.05.1946
725yFearless Mac40.6411.07.1959
725yMurray Grant40.6327.07.1963
725yCash For Dan40.1628.06.1969
800yRyans Rose45.691950
800yWestern Stream??1954
800yJockey Club45.3030.05.1956
800yBella Bambino45.1531.10.1964
800yPoor Mick44.901970
800yLively Mandy44.8902.10.1971
880yThe Cherry Tree49.9917.03.1962
880yCash For Dan49.4416.10.1969TV Trophy final
1025yGentle Charmer60.891954
1025yYason60.8821.08.1954
1025yRimmell's Pearl59.7523.10.1954
1025yRozels Blue Girl59.5227.06.1964
1025yGreenville Fauna58.6018.07.1968
525yHBarrowside29.4307.05.1955Grand National final
525yHLucky Orange29.341970
525yHSherrys Prince29.108.05.1971
550yHBarrowside31.3523.04.1955
550yHSpotless O'Leer31.3504.06.1955=equalled
550yHIndoor Sport31.1628.07.1962
550yHSherrys Prince30.6216.10.1969
725yHGypsy Boy41.8427.06.1959
550yCFodda Champion31.1829.05.1957Chase

Post-metric
DistanceGreyhoundTimeDateNotes
268mMutts Silver15.701976
268mTravara Rock15.671981
500mSallys Cobbler29.3106.1975Derby heats
500mSlippery Slave29.2606.1975Derby Heats
500mMyrtown29.2321.06.1975Derby semi finals
500mBallybeg Prim29.231976
500mShamrock Point29.1806.1976
500mGlen Rock29.161977World record
500mBalliniska Band29.1625.06.1977Derby final
500mParkdown Jet29.0920.06.1981Derby semi-finals
500mHay Maker Mack28.9525.06.1983
680mSallys Cobbler40.851975
680mBrampton Badger40.8027.06.1981
730mGlin Bridge44.031980
730mFair Reward43.9327.06.1981
962mWestown Adam59.811980
962mPortland Dusty59.811980
730mWestown Adam59.811981=track record
500mHMoon View30.091980
680mHTopofthetide42.561979