In November 1965, thirty-three years of greyhound racing at the Bradford City Stadium on Legrams Lane, Bradford, officially ended under the hammer of auctioneer Mr Nicholas Robinson.
The sale of the entire equipment and contents of the stadium attracted 200 bidders, more than twice the number of people who attended the twice weekly race meetings since a disastrous fire in 1963.
Mr Luke Delaney, a scrap merchant of Shearbridge Road, was one of the principal buyers, making successful bids for a variety of lots including some fire-damaged timber buildings, which he helped to build as a labourer.
The judges’ box went for £35 and the electric hare, complete with 450 yards of rail, went for £100 to a Mr Pickering, who planned to open a racing stadium at Thornton-le-Dale.
In June 1969, greyhound racing returned to Bradford this time to the Bradford Rugby Union Club ground in Lidget Green. With more than 500 spectators the evening had been a “smashing” success.
During the evening, the unexpected happened. The second race which started with six dogs finished with seven, thanks to a stray which joined half-way round.
If greyhound racing were to stay in Bradford, a permanent track would have to be built as dash races could only be held eight times a year.
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