Greyhound racing in London
Introduced to the UK in 1926, “a night at the dogs” was once enormously popular entertainment, with London stadiums attracting over 50,000 people to watch and gamble. But greyhound racing’s crowds have dwindled since the 1960s – causing almost all of London’s tracks to close.
Across London
Since 1927
London’s first greyhound races
After greyhound racing was introduced to the UK from America, London hosted its first races in 1927. Tens of thousands came to Harringay and White City to watch dogs chase a mechanical hare around the track – and to gamble on the result. Park Royal Stadium, shown here, opened in 1931.
Peak popularity
By the 1930s, there were 17 greyhound tracks in London, many purpose-built and located mostly in working-class suburbs such as Haringey, Catford, Walthamstow and Romford. In 1936, more people went to the dogs than the cinema.
White City Stadium
This west London stadium was used for the 1908 Olympics, and could hold over 60,000 people in its stands. Greyhound racing started here in 1927. After the last race was held in 1984, the stadium was closed for demolition.
Wembley Stadium
This drawing by the artist Grace Golden shows a huge crowd watching racing at the old Wembley Stadium in the 1930s. Although Wembley is now most famous for hosting major football finals, regular dog racing started there in 1927 and was initially the stadium’s main focus.
Who went to the dogs?
Racing attracted people from many backgrounds – MPs and lawyers rubbed shoulders with working men and sometimes women. Its connection to America made it a glamorous activity, but it was also a chance to gamble in a time before betting shops were legalised.
Falling popularity
Dog racing has declined in popularity from its peak around the Second World War (1939–1945). Other leisure activities became more popular, while the legalisation of betting shops under the 1961 Betting and Gaming Act created a major rival.
London’s last dog tracks
Harringay Stadium closed in September 1987, exactly 50 years after it opened. Most other dog tracks have followed, including Wimbledon Stadium in 2017. In 2024, two remained open in London – at Romford in Havering and Crayford in Bexley.
Greyhound racing at London Museum
As well as photos from dog tracks, our collection includes signs and parts of the totalisator from Harringay Stadium. The electro-mechanical totalisator or “tote” was installed in 1930, and was used to calculate and set the odds in a time before computers.
