New greyhound racing track gets green light

The Arena Racing Company also operates a number of hotels, including the Holiday Inn, at Wolverhampton Racecourse

Plans for a new greyhound racing track at Wolverhampton Racecourse have been approved by council bosses.

The plans, submitted by owners Arena Racing Company (Arc), show it will be built opposite the grandstand at the Dunstall Park site.

"Our aspiration is that [it] can become a landmark venue for greyhound racing," said racing division managing director Mark Spincer.

"Greyhound welfare is a hugely important aspect of our business."

Arc worked closely with Sports Turf Research Institute on their proposal, and looks forward to working with them, as well as the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, on making sure the facilities meet the highest possible welfare standards.

"With many of the facilities already in place, we are confident that it would prove a popular venue with greyhound owners, trainers and fans alike,” Mr Spincer added.

Acting on behalf of the company, Matthew Pardoe, director of Moorside Planning said “there are likely to be four greyhound meetings per week – two evenings and two daytimes."

"Most meetings are attended by 50 to 100 patrons and the only exception would be a Friday or Saturday evening, when up to 500 people could attend.”

Arc is the largest horse and greyhound racing group in the UK, and operates 16 racecourses and five greyhound stadia around the country, as well as a few golf courses and hotels.