Pontefract Greyhound Stadium
Greyhound racing stadium in West Yorkshire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pontefract Greyhound Stadium originally known as the Pontefract Willow Park Electric Hare Stadium was a greyhound racing stadium located on the north side of Baghill Lane in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England.[1]
 Interactive map of Pontefract Greyhound Stadium | |
| Location | Baghill Lane, Pontefract, West Yorkshire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 53°41′30″N 1°17′36″W |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1938 |
| Closed | 1969 |
Greyhound racing
Claude Firth, licensee of the Willow Park Hotel gained permission from the landlords to lease four acres of land. A greyhound track was constructed by Firth and his business partners J.W. Penty and Percy Smith. The stadium was located on an existing football ground. The racing was independent (not affiliated to the sports governing body the National Greyhound Racing Club).[2]
When opening the stadium was called the Pontefract Willow Park Electric Hare Stadium. A two-year lease was agreed with Carters Knottingley Brewery Co Ltd at £30 per year and racing started in 1938. After the war further leases were agreed and in January 1951 the site of the Willow Park track had a value of £2,135.[3]