Plough Lane spruced up for derby

8:00am Sunday 18th May 2008

Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium has been spruced up in time for the UK's most prestigious greyhound race.

The Blue Square Derby brings together the very best dogs in Britain to compete for the £100,000 top prize.

It will also see around 5,000 racing fans from across the country make a pilgrimage to the famous track in Plough Lane on May 31.

The venue has invested a substantial amount of money to install 18 giant plasma televisions and repaint the grandstands.

While the stadium's restaurants - which are two of the biggest in London - have new menus carefully created by a team of chefs.

Much of the work is being done by stadium staff and bosses have praised them for their excellent teamwork.

Marketing Manager Martin Hayes said: "Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium is the largest and most successful dog racing track in the country and we are determined to keep it that way.

"The team spirit shown by the team throughout this work has been brilliant and it makes it a great place to entertain friends for a special occasion, a staff night out, or just to try something new."

Martin Hayes said The Blue Square Derby is greyhound racing at its very best and the stadium will be extremely busy.

"The Derby is generating a real buzz around the track and making the atmosphere even better than usual," he said.

"It will be a great occasion, both for seasoned racing fans and those who've never been before, but equally the heats will make a great night out."

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