Of the 20 officially registered greyhound tracks on the British mainland, three are to be found in the county of Yorkshire. Kinsley Greyhound Stadium is the most northerly of this trio, residing in the small town of the same name just outside Pontefract, approximately halfway between Doncaster and Leeds.
First opening for business back in 1939, the track has grown to become one of the most respected in the UK – previously winning the award for the “Best National Greyhound Racing Club Greyhound Stadium in the North”. Operating a consistent schedule of Tuesday, Friday and Sunday afternoon fixtures, in addition to occasional Thursday and Saturday evening meetings, the track provides everything you need for an excellent trip to the dogs, including an on-site bar and restaurant.
What’s On Offer at Kinsley?
The earliest starts of the week come in the Tuesday and Friday mid-afternoon fixtures. Both meetings consist of 12 races, with the first beginning at around 11am, and the last concluding shortly before 2pm. Also featuring 12 events, the Sunday afternoon card begins a little later; the hare being set in motion for the first at around 2pm, and the last getting underway a little before 5:30pm.
Evening meetings at the track once again consist of 12 contests, beginning not long after 6pm and running through to 9:30pm. The major event of the season comes in May, as a field of talented pups line up for the Gymcrack.
Track Information
- Circuit Length – 385m
- Sprint Distance – 268m
- Middle Distances – 462m (standard)
- Stayers Distance – 650m
- Marathon Distance – 844m
What Can You Expect?
Tuesday and Friday afternoon fixtures are mainly held for the benefit of betting shop and online punters and usually don’t open for business for those wishing to attend the track. Saturday evening meetings are priced at £6.50 for adults, £4.50 for OAPs, £4 for 14 to 17 year olds, and £1 for eight to 13 year olds, with all under eights gaining free entry with a paying adult. Sunday afternoon fixtures offer free entry to all, with racecards priced at just £1.
Saturday Evening “Kids Pack” Deal
Saturday evening meetings offer a special “Kids Pack” deal, including admission, a bottle of pop and a kids tray meal, priced at £9 for 14 to 17 year olds, £6.50 for 8 to 13 year olds, and £5 for under eights.
On-Site Facilities
On-site facilities include a bar and an above-average snack bar, but those looking to make more of a night of it may wish to consider a booking in the excellent Jubilee Restaurant – complete with waiter service and a table for the evening/afternoon – or the Spycatcher Executive Suites. Prices vary according to the meeting, with the best advice being to consult the track’s official website for information on the latest deals.
How to Get There
The stadium address is Kinsley Greyhound Stadium, 96 Wakefield Road, Kinsley, Pontefract, WF9 5EH. For those driving to the course, the track lies on the B6273, only eight miles from Junction 31 of the M62. Upon arrival at the track, those travelling by car will find ample parking available directly opposite the stadium entrance.
Fitzwilliam Train Station is the closest to the track – lying around a 20-minute walk or a short drive from the stadium – and receives frequent services from several northern cities and towns including Doncaster, Leeds and Sheffield. Public transport options include the 28, 28C, 36A, 48, 196, 197, 223, 496 and 497 local bus services, all of which stop close to the track.
How to Get in Touch
- Tel: – 01977 610 946
- Email: – enquiries@kinsleydogs.co.uk
- Twitter: – @Kinsley_Dogs
What Else Do I Need to Know?
First opening for business back in 1939, the track immediately gained huge popularity with the local mining community. Despite remaining an independent or “flapping” track, the post-WWII period regularly saw attendances of close to 3,500 enthusiastic racegoers.
John Curran & Keith Murrell
Little changed over the next 40 years or so, until the stadium was taken over by John Curran and Keith Murrell. Keen to bring the track into the modern era, the duo invested considerably in facilities, introducing an upgraded Inside Sumner hare, and installing the 160-seat Jubilee Restaurant.
The introduction of the Kinsley Derby, complete with a £20,000 purse which surpassed many of the top official events, further increased the profile of the track. By this stage, Kinsley boasted 12 regular on-course bookmakers, a tote betting facility and 48 Kennels – an officially recognised track in all but name.
An application for an NGRC licence was the next logical step in the development of the stadium, and that duly came in 2000 – the first officially regulated meeting at the venue took place on the 15th of January 2000. Kinsley was a flapping track no more.
Swafffham Hare
The introduction of the industry-leading Swafffham Hare soon followed, with the improvements at the facility being acknowledged when Kinsley was voted the “Best National Greyhound Racing Club Greyhound Stadium in the North” in 2008.
Television Trophy
Further boosts came in 2010 when the track was selected as the venue for the prestigious Television Trophy, and again in 2011 when the Gymcrack was transferred to the venue from Hall Green Stadium.
Arena Racing Company
Kinsley then cemented its immediate future in 2018 when signing a deal with Arena Racing Company to stage meetings on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The Yorkshire track is now amongst the most respected in the land, both for the quality of the action, and the excellent work it puts into rehoming retired greyhounds.