Halfway Greyhound Track

The Halfway Greyhound Track was a greyhound racing stadium on Torquay Road, Kingskerswell, between Newton Abbot and Torquay in Devon.[1]

Halfway Greyhound Track
LocationTorquay Road, Kingskerswell, Devon
Coordinates50°29′28″N 3°34′35″W
Opened1933
Closed1971

Origins

A greyhound track was constructed in 1932 on the east side of the Great Western Railway Torquay and Dartmouth branch line and the west side of the Torquay Road. The name derives from the Half Way Cottages and Half Way Inn that were located on its east side. It is not known where the name Half Way originates but could be because Kingskerswell is halfway between Torquay and Newton Abbot.[2]

Opening

The track opened during February 1933 and traded through the war. The racing was independent (not affiliated to the sports governing body the National Greyhound Racing Club).

History

The venue was listed as being able to hold 500 spectators and in 1947 had a totalisator turnover of £157,233 which was a large turnover for a small track.[3]

In the 1960s the track was all-grass and raced five dog races over 220 and 530 yards and had an inside rail hare system.[4]

Closure

The track raced until November 1971 with land being sold for redevelopment.[5] The housing on the site today is called Stadium Drive and the Halfway Inn is now a private dwelling. A newer pub called the Hare and Hounds is situated immediately next door to the former Halfway Inn.

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References
  1. Genders, Roy (1975). The Greyhound and Racing Greyhound. Page Brothers (Norwich). ISBN 0-85020-0474.
  2. "OS County Series Devon 1937". old-maps.co.uk.
  3. Particulars of Licensed tracks, table 1 Licensed Dog Racecourses. Licensing Authorities. 1947.
  4. Furby, R (1968). Independent Greyhound Racing. New Dominion House. p. 33.
  5. Genders, Roy (1990). NGRC book of Greyhound Racing. Pelham Books Ltd. ISBN 0-7207-1804-X.
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