Racecourse association calls end of racing at Abbey Stadium a ‘loss’
Greyhound racing will close in Swindon from 2026
Last updated 18th Aug 2025
The Racecourse Promoters Association says the end of greyhound racing at Swindon’s Abbey Stadium is a “loss”.
Gaming International, the owners of Abbey Stadium, announced last week that the final meeting will be held on 30th December 2025.
The stadium also used to host speedway up until the pandemic.
Simon Franklin, chair of the Racecourse Promoters Association and director of Yarmouth Stadium, said: “I think Swindon has fallen victim to the massive demand for housing.
“Over the years, the housing has encroached on Swindon and there isn’t much of the site left. We get paid by the gambling industry to put meetings on and Swindon didn’t want or didn’t push what they could push outside of that.
“It’s a loss. Greyhound racing has kind of shrunk over the years but the tracks that are left are well-placed and we’re kind of well-placed to push forward for the future”.
According to Gaming International, the declining numbers of visitors to the stadium since the end of the pandemic and rising costs have led to the decision to end greyhound racing from 2026.
The sport is facing additional challenges due to animal welfare groups repeatedly having raised concerns about how the dogs are treated.
Swindon North MP, Will Stone, recently announced that he will be working to get greyhound racing banned.
Clarke Osbourne, chairman of Gaming International, said: “I am sure there will be much debate on the history and future of greyhound racing in the UK during the months to come and I will certainly participate. For us, the closure of racing at the Abbey Stadium in December will mark the end of 73 years of greyhound racing promotion for this company and over 40 years for me personally. All things end and no one is able to hold back the changes in technology and trends in leisure pursuits. We must all look forward and embrace the future with hope and enthusiasm.”