Tears were shed as hundreds of people came out to watch the last-ever meet at a famous dog racing track.

Crayford Greyhound Stadium hosted its final event on Sunday (January 19) before operations formally come to an end today (January 21).

Pictures from the weekend show queues of spectators lining up outside before filling the stands, cheering and placing bets on the last 12 greyhound races with family and friends.

In the commentary booth, Robin Carter, the long-time caller, raised his microphone for one last time. “Away we go for the last race ever at Crayford,” he announced, before his running commentary was brought to a close just under 30 seconds later.

Staff members even shed a few tears as time was called on the historic venue after a near 40-year tenure at its current site.

The owners of the track, in Stadium Way, Crayford, near the border with Dartford, first announced they were pulling out of the site in November.

At the time, they stated it was no longer financially viable to run the sporting venue due to dwindling support and attendance.

The stadium previously had to cancel race meetings due to an ongoing shortage of runners.

However, others working in the industry, noting the impact of streaming and online gambling, have stated they believe it’s due to a shift in the “business model” and the sport remains, in their view, popular as before.

Read More: The rise and fall of Crayford Stadium and greyhound racing

Last week, a spokesperson for gambling firm Entain UK, the holding company of Ladbrokes which helped build and open the track in 1986, confirmed the closure of the stadium following a consultation period.

They said: “It is with great sadness that we are announcing today the confirmation of the closure of the Crayford greyhound track.

“Since announcing our intention to close the venue, several parties have expressed interest in exploring alternatives.

“We held discussions with these parties and carefully reviewed and evaluated their proposals. Regrettably, none of the options put forward were viable.”

A statement published on the stadium’s website added: “All impacted colleagues have gone through a two-stage consultation process informing them of the closure of the track, with a view to relocate colleagues at alternative locations within the business or support them with their onward journeys.

“We will also continue to support all trainers impacted by the decision and hope that many of them will continue to race their dogs at other UK greyhound tracks.

“We remain committed to the highest levels of animal welfare. As such, every affected greyhound will be cared for through an enhanced investment and rehoming strategy.

“We would like to thank all those colleagues, trainers and customers who, through their support and dedication to greyhound racing, made Crayford the track it was for the past 30-plus years, and we wish them all the best for the future.”

Entain UK said its other tracks in Romford, Hove, and Monmore are not at risk of closure.