Clapton Stadium
Clapton Stadium was a former greyhound stadium that existed between 1928 and 1974.[1]
The Stadium was designed by the famous architect Sir Owen Williams, and became London's fourth greyhound track, although it did not stage its first meeting until 7 April 1928. After spending over £80,000 to install greyhound facilities at the Millfields Road ground, which was also a major venue for boxing, and even in its early days baseball, the football team was soon asked to find a new home as the track invested in the dogs.
In 1928 the track hosted a new race over 400 yards that gained classic status called the Scurry Gold Cup. Many famous greyhound trainers were based at Clapton at one time or another including Stanley Biss, Paddy McEvoy, Clare Orton, John Bassett, Paddy Keane and Adam Jackson.
In 1939 the track underwent improvements and a second restaurant was built.
In 1966 the Clapton shareholders contemplated a bid from the GRA which included two training sites with 180 acres and an interest in West Ham Stadium. The deal went ahead in 1967.
In 1969 the immensely popular track was then sold by GRA and the tracks demise caused much upset, it would eventually close its doors for the final time on 1 January 1974. It was replaced by the Millfields housing estate in the early eighties.