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The Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium will see its last night of action on Saturday, ending the dog track’s 89-year history

Tickets for the race on Saturday March 25 are just £7, and will be the last night of racing as it due to be demolished to be the site for the new AFC Wimbledon ground

AFTER 89 years, the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium will see its last night of racing on Saturday as the site is set to be demolished.

The last greyhound track in London will see no more memories, but will be paving the way for new ones to be created as the site will be used as the location for AFC Wimbledon's new football ground.

Racegoers enjoy a night of greyhound stadium at the Wimbledon dog track in South London last week
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Racegoers enjoy a night of greyhound stadium at the Wimbledon dog track in South London last weekCredit: Getty Images
After 89 years, the historic stadium is set to be demolished to pave the way for AFC Wimbledon's new stadium
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After 89 years, the historic stadium is set to be demolished to pave the way for AFC Wimbledon's new stadiumCredit: Getty Images
A greyhound is shown being weighed before a race, if a dog is two pounds over the required limit, they are not allowed to race
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A greyhound is shown being weighed before a race, if a dog is two pounds over the required limit, they are not allowed to raceCredit: Daily Sketch
A dog is shown being washed by shampoo at the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium training quarters
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A dog is shown being washed by shampoo at the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium training quartersCredit: Kemsley

An estimated 2,000 will be in attendance to witness the last night of action, where racegoers will be treated to a three-course meal.

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The dog track has hosted the English Greyhound Derby every year since 1985 after the closure of White City - the most prestigious race in the British calendar.

The winner in 2017 (now being held in Towcester) will win £175,000, making it the richest greyhound race in the world.

Greyhound racing came to Britain in around 1926, and the Wimbledon Stadium hosted their first night of action on May 19 1928, with the first race being won by 'Ballindura,' trained by Harry Leader.

March 25 will see the last night of action at the Wimbledon Stadium - leaving London with no more greyhound tracks
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March 25 will see the last night of action at the Wimbledon Stadium - leaving London with no more greyhound tracksCredit: Getty Images
Since 1985, Britains premier racing competiton - the English Greyhound Derby has been held at the Stadium
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Since 1985, Britains premier racing competiton - the English Greyhound Derby has been held at the StadiumCredit: Rex Features

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Trainer Mark Wallis celebrates as Kinda Ready wins the 2009 Greyhound Derby Final at the Wimbledon dog track
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Trainer Mark Wallis celebrates as Kinda Ready wins the 2009 Greyhound Derby Final at the Wimbledon dog trackCredit: PA:Press Association

After Wimbledon's closure, England will be reduced to just a mere 24 greyhound tracks left in the country.

Attendances have fallen to an all-time low with just two million visitors a year, but it is still the sixth most-watched sport, with action shown live in bookmakers and on TV.

Gates open at 6.30pm, an hour before the first race, and for £7 entry you will obtain a souvenir programme and be treated to eight races.

An aerial view of the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium that has been in use since the late 1920s
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An aerial view of the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium that has been in use since the late 1920sCredit: Alamy
The start of a race from way back in 1949
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The start of a race from way back in 1949Credit: Kemsley
A picture from 1932 shows the dogs being led out to the track
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A picture from 1932 shows the dogs being led out to the trackCredit: Kemsley
A photograph showing how kennels were kept cool during a hot spell
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A photograph showing how kennels were kept cool during a hot spellCredit: The Daily Sketch

Racegoers who are still eager to follow their beloved sport will have to travel to Romford or Crayford.

Not only was the stadium home to greyhound racing, but it also hosted stock car events and held speedway there until 2005.

It was also the scene where 65 professional models rode nude on bikes around the stadium for Queen's song 'Bicycle Race' which was released in 1978.

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