The scent of chips soaked in vinegar and lager permeates the surroundings as taxi driver Keith Moore glances at the greyhound positioned in trap six, asserting with confidence that it’s on the brink of victory.

Cheers of “go on, my son” and fervent shouts of “come on number two” resonate in the lively atmosphere as the dogs speed around the sandy track.

Man cheering at a greyhound race.

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The Sun’s Oliver cheers on his dog at the trackCredit: Gary Stone
Nighttime panoramic view of a packed greyhound stadium.

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75,000 people packed London’s White City track in its heydayCredit: Alamy
Blur's Parklife album cover: two racing greyhounds.

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Blur used a snap of racing greyhounds at Romford on the cover of their landmark 1994 Parklife album

As the race reaches its conclusion, number six gains the lead, prompting Keith to yell, “Go on, baby! Oi, oi — another grand!”

The 66-year-old Gooner, an owner of a greyhound, soon revels in his winnings, smartly arranged in crisp £100 notes. Even those not fortunate with their bets seem to revel in the vibrant atmosphere, drinks, and camaraderie surrounding the event.

However, skeptics suggest that the once-thriving working-class sport of greyhound racing is facing decline.

Last Sunday marked the final closure of the Crayford track, on the outskirts of South East London, as its mechanical hare was put away for good.

READ MORE ON GREYHOUND RACING

In the past, there were 33 greyhound tracks operating within the M25. Now, Romford stands as the sole survivor.

This week, I ventured on the Elizabeth Line to explore the towns of Richard Madeley, Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson, and the illustrious Romford Pele himself, Ray Parlour, to assess the state of the beloved dogs.

‘I’ve won a few quid and it’s free to get in’

On a brisk Wednesday evening in Romford, where the East End meets Essex, I arrived at a hidden treasure near the railway line.

The Coral Romford Greyhound Stadium holds a unique spot in the that has played a significant role in the history of Britpop.

With an effortless touch, Blur chose to showcase a photograph of racing greyhounds from Romford on the cover of their iconic 1994 Parklife album.

Singer Damon Albarn even took to becoming a greyhound owner, leading some cultural observers to say that “the lesser sibling of horse racing has now blossomed into its trendy younger brother.”

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Though I didn’t encounter any notable names from Britpop, the stadium’s glass-fronted Coral Stand — featuring three inviting bars — was abuzz with a diverse crowd of weeknight regulars and festive celebrators.

Michael Goodridge, an executive chauffeur with a Rolls Royce Cullinan, shared, “I’ve made some modest bets on a few dogs without much luck so far, but it’s such an exhilarating night.”

Accompanied by his in-laws, Michael, 38, from Manor Park, East London, added: “It’s essential not to let the gambling side take over; always spend what you can afford to lose.”

“You can either place a bet or simply enjoy a night out with food and drinks. It’s genuinely an economical evening.”

Entry costs are notably lower compared to attending a Premier League football match.

Free entry is available from Monday to Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

At other times, a minimal fee of £7 applies.

A café serves £4 beef burgers and hotdogs, while cheesy chips can be enjoyed for £4.50.

For those seeking more substantial fare, the Pavilion Restaurant offers dishes such as pork belly and T-bone steaks.

Vinnie Jones with his greyhound.

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Among those who own or have owned greyhounds in recent years is Vinnie Jones
Woman hugging a racing greyhound wearing number 4.

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Katie Price is another famous face who has owned a greyhoundCredit: Instagram
Greyhound on a leash.

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Racing legend Mick The Miller in the 1920sCredit: Alamy

A group of large security personnel relish their drinks while commemorating a belated Christmas party. Simultaneously, families anxiously clutching fivers anticipate placing their bets.

Nikita Sheridan, 25, a first-time guest from Romford celebrating her husband’s birthday, commented, “I highly recommend it. I’ve won some money and free entry is a bonus.”

The excitement in the stands builds as the dogs burst from their starting boxes, followed by the announcer’s clear call: “And they’re off!”

There’s a genuine allure to greyhound racing, devoid of the pretentiousness often found in horse racing venues with strict dress codes and upscale seating arrangements for the affluent.

While enjoying chicken goujons and chips, James Harbour, a builder from Basildon, Essex, shared, “I’ve been coming to Romford dogs for 35 years.”

With family in tow, James, 53, reminisced: “This sport embodies the working class. I admire the environment, the camaraderie, and the thrill of wagering.”

Despite greyhound racing being recently banned in New Zealand due to animal welfare issues, James, a former greyhound owner, reassured me about the exceptional care received by the dogs, asserting: “They receive better nutrition in kennels than many humans do in hospitals.”

With a sense of nostalgia, he added: “This is true British sport, and watching it decline is disheartening.”

“Attendance has certainly diminished, yet now you can easily watch from your phone at home if you choose.”

The sport remains a staple in British culture.

One of Shakespeare’s most famous lines from Henry V describes: “I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, straining upon the start.”

Walthamstow Stadium's art deco clock tower and sign.

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Only the listed art deco facade remains at WalthamstowCredit: Alamy
Man in a North Face hat and Moncler jacket at a dog racing track.

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Cabbie Keith Moore says the track ‘should have been saved for the community’Credit: Gary Stone
Woman at dog racing track holding a drink.

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First time visitor Nikita Sheridan, 25, said: ‘I recommend it. I’ve won a few quid and it’s free to get in’Credit: Gary Stone

“The game’s afoot: follow your spirit; and upon this charge, Cry ‘God for Harry, England and Saint George!’” At its peak, millions frequented over 200 greyhound tracks across the nation.

The inaugural greyhound stadium, Belle Vue in Manchester, opened its doors in 1926, following an American’s innovative adaptation of Britain’s ancient — now illegal — practice of hare coursing. The famous greyhound Mick The Miller won consecutive greyhound Derbys in 1929 and 1930, greatly popularizing the sport.

Once cherished by urban working-class communities, tracks were generally situated near city centers, enabling betting in times preceding betting shops.

Originally set up for the 1908 Olympics, London’s flagship White City track drew impressive crowds, averaging 40,000 spectators per event.

Notably, the France vs Uruguay match during the 1966 World Cup was relocated from Wembley to White City due to a pre-existing greyhound event.

Famous greyhound owners have included the Queen Mother, Prince Philip, and comedians Frankie Howerd and Ernie Wise. The introduction of off-track betting shops in 1961 contributed to dwindling attendance.

Numerous tracks, situated on prized urban land, became targets for property developers.

White City is now home to BBC facilities; Portsmouth has evolved into residential areas, and the storied Walthamstow, once a vibrant greyhound location, is currently undergoing redevelopment.

Today, only the art deco façade remains at Walthamstow — a relic of where David Beckham embarked on his trophy-laden journey — serving as a testament to a bygone era.

The pursuit remains strong in its traditional heartlands

Oliver Harvey

This solemn reality leaves cab driver Keith Moore from Hackney shaking his head in disappointment. “Walthamstow was always bustling until the end,” he sighs. “It ought to have been preserved for the community. Now it’s lost forever.”

Meanwhile, the greyhound racing community looks enviously at darts, another working-class sport that has recently surged in popularity, thanks to World Champion Luke Littler and the organizational efforts of Barry Hearne.

Currently, the UK hosts only 19 licensed greyhound tracks.

The closure of Crayford stemmed from dwindling participation and insufficient racing entries, as clarified by a representative of Entain Group.

This season, just 18 percent of meetings showcased the complete lineup of six dogs, reducing the appeal for bettors, they noted.

Entain Group, also overseeing tracks in Hove, East Sussex, and Monmore, Wolverhampton, in addition to Romford, assures that these venues will remain operational.

The closing of the South East London track prompted a Racing Post headline that stated: “Crayford closure a stark reminder of the decline of a sport once beloved by the elite.”

Despite this, the sport’s governing body, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), affirms that greyhound racing still attracts 800,000 spectators each year, ranking it among the nation’s top ten spectator sports.

The sport thrives in its traditional heartlands, with stadiums in Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Doncaster, Sunderland, and Newcastle continuing to attract crowds.

It generates £166 million in revenue, contributing £52 million in tax revenue to the government. Even in decline, it still achieves an annual betting turnover of £1.5 billion.

‘It’s authentic –  a great family evening’

Notable individuals who have owned or still own greyhounds include Katie Price, former Arsenal player Ray Parlour, and actor Vinnie Jones.

The industry provides around 5,400 jobs, including trainers, kennel staff, and hospitality workers at the tracks.

Josh Webber, 28, a security operations manager at Romford, noted, “The track employs a considerable number of local workers.”

“I’ve been here for nine years, and there’s something uniquely special about this place. It’s authentic — a wonderful family outing.”

GBGB chief executive Mark Bird stated that £6 million is allocated each year to ensure the welfare of racing dogs.

The former police officer remarked, “We owe a great debt to these dogs, and through our welfare initiatives, we strive to meet that commitment at every stage — before, during, and after their racing careers. Next year marks the century since the first race at Belle Vue.”

“There’s every reason to believe the sport can thrive for another hundred years.”

Back in Romford, Michelle Bowmer, an accounts manager, has been taking her family to the dogs for two decades.

“Romford is now the last remaining track in London,” the 50-year-old from Brentwood, Essex, emphasized. “It must continue.”

With a smile, she added: “The dogs might never catch the hare, but it’s far more captivating than a fruit machine. You’re guaranteed to have a splendid evening here.”

In that moment, an uproarious cheer erupted throughout the spacious stand as the greyhounds launched off from the starting box once again.

Clearly, there’s still plenty of vitality left in these seasoned dogs.