A Racing Certainty for a Good Night Out

 The complex is recognised as being one of the best designed and equipped independent greyhound racing venues in the UK and is one of only five circuits north of the border.

 

First opened by James Norman and Sons in June 1986, the showpiece facility maintains a tradition of greyhound racing at Gretna, which dates from just after the end of World War Two. The previous track around the outside of Raydale Park. Gretna, home of the town's football club, was closed in the early 1980s.

The 416-metres Halcrow track, with a Silicon sand surface, is known for wide-open bends and a smooth racing surface. It is fully floodlit, has an outside McGee hare and was among the first independent circuits in the country to install a modern 'MacFinish' computerised photo finish system.

Staff in the track control room and judge's box, above the main stand, have the technology to swiftly display colour photo finish pictures on TV monitors in the betting enclosure and in the spacious bar lounge area, which has window tables overlooking the track.

In addition, a video cameraman is normally in attendance and live race pictures and replays are also screened on the TV monitors.

There are six licensed bookmakers at the track offering plenty of choice for race goers looking for a competitive flutter.

Halcrow Stadium's main weekly race meetings are staged on Friday nights from 7.30. Racing is over the three principal distances, 280, 470 and 665 metres and there are regular special competitions, open races and occasional Sunday evening meetings. Qualify trials for greyhounds new to the track are held every Tuesday evening between 7.30 and 8.45.

Racegoers can enjoy a convivial drink in the bar and lounge or alternatively a hot beverage, meal or snack from the cafe.

The success of Halcrow Stadium Is In no small part due to the Norman family's own passion for the sport and the enthusiasm of the full and part-time staff.

Senior director James Norman, who acts as general manager, has owned and trained greyhounds for around 45 years. He is supported by his wife Dorothy, also a director, and his sons and fellow directors, Craig, the racing manager and handicapper, Trevor, photofinish operator and Kevin, who is responsible for on-track services and the public address system.

As the region's only greyhound venue, Gretna attracts significant general media and specialist racing press coverage on both sides of the border.

This includes locally a weekly round up of news, views and results in the 'Toby McKend' column in the Annandale Observer, Annandale Herald, Moffat News and Dumfries Courier while nationally regular updates on runners, winners and prices appear in the Daily Record.