Swindon Stadium
Greyhound and speedway track in Blunsdon, Swindon, England
title: "Swindon Stadium" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["sports-venues-in-swindon", "defunct-speedway-venues-in-england", "defunct-greyhound-racing-venues-in-the-united-kingdom", "1949-establishments-in-england", "2025-disestablishments-in-england", "sports-venues-completed-in-1949"] description: "Greyhound and speedway track in Blunsdon, Swindon, England" topic_path: "sports" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swindon_Stadium" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary Greyhound and speedway track in Blunsdon, Swindon, England ::
::data[format=table title="Infobox venue"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| image | Abbeyracerobins.JPG |
| caption | A Speedway event at the stadium in 2009 |
| fullname | Abbey Stadium, Swindon |
| location | Lady Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon, England |
| coordinates | |
| broke_ground | 1947 |
| opened | 23 July 1949 |
| closed | 27 December 2025 |
| demolished | 2026 (scheduled) |
| tenants | |
| capacity | 2,000 |
| website | Official website |
| :: |
| image = Abbeyracerobins.JPG | caption = A Speedway event at the stadium in 2009 | fullname = Abbey Stadium, Swindon | location = Lady Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon, England | coordinates = | broke_ground = 1947 | opened = 23 July 1949 | closed = 27 December 2025 | demolished = 2026 (scheduled) | tenants = | capacity = 2,000 | website = Official website
Swindon Stadium, also known as Abbey Stadium, was a greyhound racing and speedway track in Blunsdon, Swindon, England.
From inception, the stadium was home to the Swindon Robins, who later competed in the SGB Premiership. Three years later in 1952, greyhound racing was introduced, with regulation from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, using the ARC fixture schedule.
Since July 2006, the stadium's footprint was the subject of numerous redevelopment proposals. In November 2016, housing developments began on disused land towards the rear of the stadium. On 17 October 2019, the Swindon Robbins raced at the end of the season, and did not return due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and uncertainty regarding the stadium's future. In June 2022, permission was granted to build houses on the majority of the stadium's car park.
In March 2025, its owners announced the stadium would close at the end of the year. The stadium hosted its final public greyhound racing event on 23 December 2025, and its final greyhound racing event was held on 27 December 2025, behind closed doors.
The stadium is planned for demolition in early 2026, and a planning application to demolish the stadium and convert the land into residential and community development has been filed.
History
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/26/Swindon_Stadium_c.1980.png" caption="Abbey Stadium c.1980"] ::
Abbey Stadium opened to the public on 23 July 1949 when it hosted the Swindon Robins speedway team; greyhound racing followed three years later on 1 November 1952. Initially, the greyhound racing was independent (unlicensed), with 2,000 people attending to watch a greyhound called Don't Care win a 324-yard race in a time of 19.02 secs at odds of 6–1.
Swindon had two earlier short-lived greyhound track venues, in the village of Wroughton and near the town centre in Edinburgh Street, but both had disappeared by the mid-thirties. Abbey Stadium occupied a rural setting south of Lady Lane and was named after the Blunsdon Abbey estate in Blunsdon St Andrew, a Victorian estate which had seen its main house destroyed by fire in 1904.
Abbey Stadium was later acquired by the Bristol Greyhound Racing Association, owners of Oxford and Eastville (Bristol) stadiums. This led to the track becoming part of the National Greyhound Racing Club during April 1968. The Silver Plume competition arrived in the same year, as the track's principal event. Another independent track to the northwest of Swindon opened during the sixties at Common Platt, but had little effect on the business of its larger neighbour.
In 1983, ADT (British Car Auctions) acquired Abbey Stadium and used its large car park as a base for their sales. Other competitions at the track were the Grand National of the West, Pride of the West and the Jubilee Stakes. In 1997, Gaming International (then The BS Group) sold their Eastville Stadium and bought Abbey Stadium from ADT. The entire Bristol operation including the racing office, bookmakers, trainers, the Western Two Year Old Produce Stakes and the BAGS contract transferred to Abbey Stadium.
In 2008, due to the closure of Walthamstow stadium, Abbey Stadium hosted the Arc competition. In 2018, Abbey Stadium signed a deal with Arena Racing Company to hold weekly matinée meetings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In 2018, the Arc competition was discontinued due to expected track changes, but following the sudden closure of Towcester Greyhound Stadium, leading owner John Turner stepped in to save the Oaks with a late scheduling in December.
Abbey Stadium signed a new media rights five-year contract extension with Arena Racing Company to run from January 2025.
Renovation (2006–2025)
In July 2006, landowners Gaming International announced that they wished to demolish the stadium, and transform the site into a business park, but would work to find a new home for the Swindon Robins. The announcement triggered a petition with over 2,000 signatories to save the speedway events. Clarke Osborne, chief executive of Gaming International, argued that there was not enough support to keep speedway events commercially viable, and pointed to noise complaints from local residents.
In May 2007, following the Save Our Robins campaign, Gaming International proposed a new purpose-built stadium for speedway and greyhound racing, as well as a new business park, covered market, and 450 homes, using disused land towards the back of the stadium. In February 2008, councillors approved plans for the new stadium. In May 2008, planning inspectors approved plans for the new stadium. In September 2008, the plans for the new stadium were approved, but halted due to the Great Recession. In November 2010, the plans were given the green light again. In August 2011, outline planning permission was granted again. In March 2013, the plans were proposed to the public at an exhibition. In December 2013, permission was granted to build 66 homes on disused ground at the stadium, in the hope these would kickstart plans for the new stadium. In March 2015, plans for a new stadium were renewed.
In November 2016, housing development plans on disused grounds went ahead. but the stadium redevelopment plans were delayed. In June 2019, the original plans to reposition the stadium and track were scrapped, and the track was reduced in circumference from 463 metres by creating two new bends inside the old circumference, making way for housing; and as a consequence the 509-metre distance was also scrapped. The planning authority disallowed any further housing additions until progress was made with renovating the stadium. The stadium and track remained in its original position with plans to install prefabricated buildings in place of the existing buildings, instead of a new-built stadium as originally promised. The stadium hosted its final speedway racing event at the end of the season on 17 October 2019, and the Swindon Robins did not compete in future seasons due to uncertainty surrounding the stadium's redevelopment plans. The development plans were largely halted throughout 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however a new pre-fabricated seating stand was constructed during this time.
In June 2022, builders Taylor Wimpey were granted permission to build 127 homes in the stadium's car park. In December 2022, a stand-off occurred between Gaming International, Swindon Borough Council and Taylor Wimpey over perimeters and expected redevelopment. Clarke Osborne of Gaming International issued a press release, stating that it wanted to instead relocate the stadium entirely, seeking a new ground to host a 5,000-capacity stadium to host speedway, karting and car racing. However, the industry remained sceptical as similar statements had been issued in prior years by Gaming International for Milton Keynes Greyhound Stadium, Poole Stadium, Reading Stadium and Eastville Stadium. In March 2024, an application to remove the requirements for the site to host speedway and greyhound racing events was presented. In September 2024, the Swindon Needs Speedway group was launched and created a petition to attempt to save speedway events at the grounds. At the same time, Gaming International speculated that a new stadium could be built near Royal Wootton Bassett.
Closure (2025)
In March 2025, Gaming International announced that the stadium would host its final greyhound racing event at the end of the year and that the stadium would be demolished, with Clarke Osborne highlighting mounting costs and declining attendances. In April 2025, Gaming International and Legal & General proposed a new housing development to sit on the footprint of the Abbey Stadium. In September 2025, Gaming International's new division, Swindon Motorsports Ltd, urged residents to have their say on a consultation into a proposed new speedway stadium on the outskirts of Swindon.
The Abbey Stadium hosted its final greyhound racing event on 27 December 2025 behind closed doors, and is planned for demolition in early 2026.
Competitions
British Bred Produce
Main article: British Bred Produce Stakes
The Arc
Main article: Arc (greyhounds)
Silver Plume
::data[format=table]
| Year | Winner | Breeding | Trainer | Time | SP | Notes | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1978 | 1990 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1998 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glory Newtown | Printers Prince – Kilmagoura Daisy | Colin McNally (Perry Barr) | 29.18 | |||||||||||||
| The Bad Drop | Prairie Flash – Lady Juliana | Mrs Kay Lee (Swindon) | 30.35 | 20–1 | ||||||||||||
| Ballybeg Flash | Prairie Flash – Knock Late | Joe Booth (Private) | 30.71 | Track record | ||||||||||||
| Spectre's Dream | Spectre – Jockeys Dream | Hugo Spencer (Portsmouth) | 1-1f | |||||||||||||
| Lisnastrane Luke | Sole Aim – Trina Ann | Hazel Walden (Swindon) | 28.78 | |||||||||||||
| Kilcurley Coal | Moneypoint Coal – Victoria Range | John McGee (Hackney) | 29.04 | 2-1jf | ||||||||||||
| Summerhill Super | Daleys Gold – Tiny Tolcas | John Copplestone (Reading) | 28.19 | 2-5f | ||||||||||||
| Forever Roving | Skelligs Tiger – Roving Linda | Bill Masters (Hove) | 28.77 | 8–1 | ||||||||||||
| Crafty Fontana | Druids Lodge – Crafty Winter | Linda Mullins (Walthamstow) | 28.69 | 4–1 | ||||||||||||
| Trade Style | Trade Official – Biddys Style | Cindy Clapp (Hall Green) | 28.84 | 5–1 | Track record | |||||||||||
| :: |
1968–1974: 550 yards, 1975–1998: 480 metres
Track records
At closing
::data[format=table]
| Metres | Greyhound | Time | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 262 | Impact George | 15.10 | 11 December 2022 | |
| 476 | Queen Joni | 27.53 | 14 September 2023 | Produce Stakes semi final |
| 682 | Ballymac Mags | 41.18 | 2 March 2023 | |
| 896 | A Mystical Love | 56.43 | 21 September 2023 | |
| :: |
Former
Former track records (post-metric) ::data[format=table]
| Metres | Greyhound | Time | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 | Fearless Swift | 16.28 | 19 August 1985 | |
| 280 | Mollifrend Tom | 16.19 | 5 October 1988 | |
| 285 | Leaders Highway | 16.23 | 10 June 1998 | |
| 285 | Everton Cheetah | 16.23 | 12 March 2003 | |
| 285 | Jimmy Lollie | 15.90 | 30 September 2009 | |
| 460 | Droopys Clay | 27.54 | 3 September 2002 | |
| 460 | url=https://www.greyhound-data.com/d?page=stadia&st=13023&land=uk&stadiummode=1 | title=Swindon track records | publisher=Greyhound Data | access-date=17 October 2021}} |
| 476 | Money Matters | 27.89 | 3 August 1988 | |
| 476 | Cadburys Hero | 27.86 | 31 August 2019 | |
| 480 | Dave's War | 28.49 | 1979 | |
| 480 | Clonee Bill | 28.26 | 18 October 1982 | |
| 480 | Peasedown Julie | 28.26 | 9 November 1983 | |
| 480 | Trade Style | 28.84 | 23 May 1998 | Silver Plume Final |
| 480 | White Santa | 28.63 | 12 June 1998 | |
| 480 | Three Wells | 28.60 | 11 April 2001 | |
| 480 | Dalcash Invader | 28.57 | 3 September 2002 | |
| 480 | Westmead Joe | 28.50 | 19 July 2006 | British Bred Produce Stakes semi-final |
| 480 | Rhyzome Wizard | 28.44 | 21 October 2006 | |
| 480 | Troys Expert | 28.29 | 25 July 2009 | British Bred Produce Stakes final |
| 480 | Mark My Words | 28.28 | 9 July 2011 | British Bred Produce Stakes heats |
| 480 | Mark My Words | 28.26 | 15 July 2011 | British Bred Produce Stakes 2nd round |
| 480 | Sids Dream | 28.20 | 24 February 2012 | |
| 480 | Shaneboy Alley | 28.18 | 1 May 2013 | Arc final |
| 480 | Johnnys Star | 28.18 | 5 July 2013 | |
| 509 | Greenfield Fox | March 1977 | ||
| 509 | Westmead Gold | 29.98 | 1 July 1987 | |
| 509 | DarraghCommet | 29.94 | 4 July 1988 | |
| 509 | Broadacres Butch | 29.85 | 4 April 2001 | |
| 509 | Rhyzome Wizard | 29.73 | 26 August 2006 | |
| 509 | Pine Isle | 29.70 | 16 September 2009 | |
| 509 | Little Jig | 29.65 | 30 September 2009 | Pride of the West final |
| 509 | Crusty Crab | 29.59 | 10 November 2010 | |
| 509 | Sawpit Sensation | 29.43 | 1 May 2013 | |
| 530 | Greenfield Fox | 31.58 | 1977 | |
| 685 | Bright Cut | 42.38 | 1976 | |
| 685 | Black Port | 41.72 | 18 July 1984 | |
| 685 | Droopys Kovac | 41.86 | 31 May 2002 | |
| 685 | Streaky Luvs Men | 41.64 | 13 July 2002 | |
| 685 | Shelbourne Star | 40.94 | 11 February 2004 | |
| 695 | Miss Linsey | 45.42 | 17 June 1985 | Jubilee Stakes semi-final |
| 695 | Go Go Tiger | 45.37 | 17 June 1985 | Jubilee Stakes semi-final |
| 695 | Jet Streamer | 45.31 | 6 November 1987 | |
| 737 | Wailea Flash | 44.62 | 3 August 1988 | |
| 737 | XamaxAyam Zaman | 45.13 | 3 September 2002 | |
| 737 | Streaky Luvs Men | 45.11 | 11 July 2003 | |
| 737 | Wise Maldini | 44.86 | 20 September 2003 | |
| 737 | Ballymac Swift | 44.29 | 1 May 2013 | |
| 932 | Ballymac Swift | 59.12 | 22 May 2013 | |
| 943 | Eternal Mist | 60.18 | 1980 | |
| 943 | Tartan Sarah | 58.52 | 23 July 1984 | |
| 476 H | Gizmo Pasha | 29.40 | 13 June 1990 | |
| 476 H | Faoides Country | 29.11 | 18 September 1991 | |
| 480 H | Greenacre George | 28.93 | 3 September 2002 | |
| :: |
Former track records (pre-metric) ::data[format=table]
| Yards | Greyhound | Time | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520 | Glory Newtown | 29.18 | 1970 | |
| 520 | Houghton Ryp | 1972 | ||
| 520 | Houghton Herald | August 1973 | ||
| 550 | Snobbish Flash | 31.37 | 1969 | |
| 550 | Buff Bauhus | 31.31 | October 1969 | |
| 550 | Ballybeg Flash | 30.71 | 29 June 1970 | Silver Plume Final |
| 575 | Legane Glory | 32.44 | 1970 | |
| 740 | Bishops Miss | 42.93 | 1970 | |
| :: |
References
References
- "Swindon Greyhound Stadium | Swindon Dog Track".
- "Track Search". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
- (5 October 2021). "Return of speedway at Swindon delayed until 2023".
- "Swindon Robins Speedway Official Website: CLUB OFFICIALS & TRACK STAFF".
- (2020-07-04). "swindon robins Archives".
- (2025-12-23). "Final greyhound race to take place at Swindon's Abbey Stadium".
- (2025-12-19). "Date of last greyhound race at Swindon's Abbey Stadium confirmed".
- Barnes, Julia. (1988). "Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File, page 134". Ringpress Books.
- (1952). "2,000 watch the greyhound racing - 3 November 1952". The Evening Advertiser.
- (1930). "Greyhound Racing for Wroughton, Saturday 19 July". Swindon Advertiser & North Wilts Chronicle.
- (2016-03-09). "Sunday blazing Sunday brings down Blunsdon Abbey, recalls Barry Leighton".
- Genders, Roy. (1981). "The Encyclopedia of Greyhound Racing, page 81". Pelham Books Ltd.
- Furby, R. (1968). "Independent Greyhound Racing, page 61". New Dominion House.
- Genders, Roy. (1990). "NGRC book of Greyhound Racing, page 59". Pelham Books Ltd.
- Hobbs, Jonathan. (2002). "Greyhound Annual 2003, page 143". Raceform.
- (21 December 2017). "Arc Schedule Released". Greyhound Star.
- (8 November 2018). "Oaks to be run in December". Greyhound Star.
- (13 August 2024). "Arc and four independents extend deal".
- (2006-07-20). "Speedway club looks for new home".
- (2007-05-31). "Visions of a super stadium".
- (2008-02-13). "New stadium approved for Swindon".
- (2008-05-12). "New Swindon speedway stadium moves ahead".
- (2010-11-10). "New life breathed into stadium plan".
- (2013-03-05). "Have your say on homes plan near Swindon stadium".
- (2013-03-11). "Stadium plans go on show to public".
- (2013-12-27). "Swindon Council says yes to 66 houses at Abbey Stadium site".
- (2015-03-20). "New venue for Swindon Robins speedway team".
- Humphreys, Chris. (11 November 2016). "Work starts on new £5m stadium for Swindon".
- Amphlett, Floyd. (24 January 2018). "AT LAST! The New Swindon Ready To Proceed". Greyhound Star.
- (18 June 2019). "Produce Stakes Last Event Before Swindon Switch". Greyhound Star.
- "DECISION DELAYED ON MODIFIED PLANS FOR STADIUM". Insider Media Ltd.
- "Let's Go Racing". Swindon Greyhounds.
- (11 January 2021). "Swindon withdraw from 2021 Premiership". BBC Sport.
- (2021-10-06). "Swindon to miss 2022 Premiership season as Abbey Stadium work continues". BBC Sport.
- "Taylor Wimpey to begin work on new Swindon housing development".
- . (19 November 2022). "Call for sites".
- Thomas, Aled. (23 February 2025). "Gaming International's history with other speedway stadiums".
- (17 March 2025). "Swindon Trainers informed of Stadium closure".
- (2024-03-06). "Application to drop speedway and greyhounds requirement at Abbey Stadium".
- (2024-09-11). "Fans launch petition to ensure speedway stays in Swindon".
- "Clarke Osbourne reveals why Swindon Speedway had to leave stadium".
- "Consultation into housing plans at former Abbey Stadium".
- (2025-09-10). "Last chance to have say on Swindon speedway stadium plans".
- (11 January 2024). "British Track Records as of January 2024".
- "The Seventy Seventh British Bred Produce Stakes 2023 Semi-Final - Heat 3". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
- "The Blunsdon Marathon". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
- "Track records". Greyhound Data.
- "2009 track record result". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
- "Swindon track records". Greyhound Data.
- "Monthly Greyhound Star (Remember When 1988) August edition". Greyhound Star.
- "The Swindon Standard Stakes". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
- "2013 track record result". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
- "result". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
- "Monthly Greyhound Star (Remember When 1977) March edition". Greyhound Star.
- "result". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
- "737 track record". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
- "932 track record". Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
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