Entain Announces Closure of Crayford Greyhound Stadium Amid Shifting Business Priorities

A Difficult Decision Rooted in Financial Realities

Operating since 1986, the Crayford Greyhound Stadium has long been a staple of greyhound racing. Entain, which has been involved with the venue since its inception, emphasized that the decision to shut it down was not made lightly.

Simon Clare, communications director at Entain, expressed sadness over the announcement, noting the significant effort invested in exploring alternative options to keep the stadium operational. However, waning trainer interest, inconsistent race days, and declining fan attendance ultimately left the company with no viable path forward.

“The track has experienced dwindling support over recent years,” Clare said. “This has made it increasingly challenging to maintain regular schedules and attract a consistent audience.”

Support for Affected Employees and Trainers

Entain has assured that employees impacted by the potential closure have been informed and will be consulted on available options. Clare also reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting affected trainers during this transition.

The specific timeline for the closure remains unclear, with Entain stating that the Crayford Greyhound Stadium will continue to operate through the upcoming holiday season, adhering to its normal schedule. Additionally, the company has not ruled out the possibility of selling the venue, leaving room for further developments.

Leadership Expansion Signals Strategic Shifts

In parallel with the racetrack announcement, Entain is making significant changes to its leadership team. The company has appointed Dafne Guisard as its new chief operations officer, effective January 13, 2025.

Guisard brings extensive expertise in strategy, transformation, and technology from her previous role at The Kraft Heinz Company, where she led its ten-year growth strategy. At Entain, she will oversee global strategic planning, customer service operations, and M&A integration, with a particular focus on leveraging artificial intelligence to drive innovation.

Entain CEO Gavin Isaacs welcomed Guisard to the team. “Her appointment will place Entain at the forefront of innovation and strengthen our executive management team as we continue to deliver on strong revenue growth and market expansion,” Isaacs said.

While Entain’s closure of Crayford Greyhound Stadium reflects a pivot away from legacy assets, the company remains focused on growth in emerging markets. Entain has identified Brazil as a key area for expansion, though it acknowledges that local growth may slow down in the near term.