The Laurels is an original classic greyhound competition held at
Perry Barr Stadium
Perry Barr Stadium (also known as Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium and previously as Alexander Sports Ground(s)) is a Greyhound racing in the United Kingdom, greyhound racing and motorcycle speedway stadium on Aldridge Road in Perry Barr, Birmin ...
. It was run at
Wimbledon Stadium
Wimbledon Stadium, also known as Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium, was a greyhound racing track located in Wimbledon in southwest London, England.
It also hosted stock car and other small circuit motor racing events, and until 2005 hosted motorc ...
from 1930 until 1997. It then moved to
Belle Vue Stadium
Belle Vue Stadium was a Greyhound racing in the United Kingdom, greyhound racing track in Belle Vue, Manchester, England, where the first race around an oval track in Britain was held on 24 July 1926. It has also been used for motorcycle speedw ...
in 1998 and remained there until 2017 when it switched to
Newcastle Stadium
Newcastle Stadium is a greyhound racing and former motorcycle speedway stadium, located on The Fossway, Byker, Newcastle. Racing at the stadium takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The circumference of the greyhound tr ...
. After two years at Newcastle and a cancellation in 2020 due to
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. In January 2020, the disease spread worldwide, resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The symptoms of COVID‑19 can vary but often include fever ...
it switched to Perry Barr in 2021.
competition lost its Category 1 status but was still regarded as one of the most valuable prizes during the racing year. The
Arena Racing Company gained the prestigious competition in 2017 from the
GRA and it returned to Category 1 status in 2022.
Venues and distances
*1930–1974 (Wimbledon Stadium, 500 y)
*1975–1997 (Wimbledon Stadium, 460 m)
*1998-1998 (Belle Vue Stadium, 460 m)
*1999–2002 (Belle Vue Stadium, 465 m)
*2003–2003 (Belle Vue Stadium, 480 m)
*2004–2004 (Belle Vue Stadium, 465 m)
*2005–2016 (Belle Vue Stadium, 470 m)
*2017–2019 (Newcastle Stadium, 480 m)
*2021–2025 (Perry Barr Stadium, 480 m)
Sponsors
Past winners
External links
Kilbrean Boy and The Laurels Pub
References
{{UK & Irish greyhound competitions
Greyhound racing competitions in the United Kingdom
Recurring sporting events established in 1930
Sport in Newcastle upon Tyne
Greyhound racing in London