New greyhound racing stadium on track for opening

Trials were held on Wednesday with the first race for the public launching on 19 September

The first greyhound races have taken place at a brand new track in Wolverhampton ahead of its official opening next month.

Work began on Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium in April, and on Wednesday, 77 greyhounds took part in trial sessions, organisers said.

The racing venue is the first new facility to be built in the UK for more than 10 years and opens to the public on 19 September, owners Arena Racing Company (ARC) said.

It follows the closure of the Perry Barr track after more than 100 years of racing as operations switch to Dunstall.

The new track sits inside the horse racing venue, with up to 25,000 spectators able to watch races from the main grandstand.

Chris Black, stadium general manager, said the new facility was "the result of years of planning" and was pleased with the success of the trials.

The new facility (pictured) follows the closure of the Perry Barr track on 23 August

"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."

He said the team were also encouraged by ticket sales for the opening night next month.

Greyhound trainer Emily Blunt, from Bromsgrove in Worcestershire, took part in the trials and said it was an exciting time for the sport.

The 26-year-old started out by helping her mum run kennels and was now one of the youngest professional trainers in the country.

"We had 10 greyhounds trialling who all went really well," she said.

"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."