Gone to the Dogs!

In my younger days living in the Guildford area, back in the 1980s and early 90s, one of my favourite haunts most weeks was the Aldershot Greyhound track.

Aldershot Greyhounds was a racing track located in Tongham, which was a mile or so east of Aldershot town centre. 

Aldershot was known for its lively atmosphere and was a popular venue for dog racing enthusiasts. The facility hosted various events and attracted significant crowds over the years.

The track itself was 400 yards in circumference with grass straights and sanded bends. It was not affiliated to the sports governing body, being considered as a “flapping track” i.e. an independent track.

The stadium was also used as a speedway track between 1950 and 60 (hosting the Aldershot Shots who later became the Aldershot Poppies). In 1973 the stadium was taken over by Spedeworth International Ltd who staged stock car racing.

Aldershot Greyhounds opened in the early 1930s and operated up until 30th October 2016 when it was closed to make way for the new A331 road. 

I witnessed numerous unusual scenes at the track. I remember one race where the owner was not happy with the short odds being quoted by the bookmakers about his dog and consequently ran down the length of the track to stop the race. 

However the dogs had been loaded, the hare was running and the race started. How he got out of the way of 5 greyhounds charging down the track towards him at full speed was a feat of great dexterity to say the least.

There were often accusations of ringer dogs running in races, but the bookmakers and track management were generally pretty good at “smelling a rat” as it were and putting a stop to any dishonesty. 

Scuffles amongst punters would often break out, often fuelled by excessive alcohol being consumed.

A night out at Aldershot dogs was always an entertaining evening, one way or another!