Look back at return of greyhound racing at Watford's ground

Watford first went to ‘the dogs’ nearly a century ago in 1928, but in 1969 it hosted what many thought would be its final race.

Fast forward five years though, and with gates and revenues plummeting following the club’s relegation to Division Three, the sport was back at Vicarage Road.

The tightness of the bends was soon to cause problems (Image: Watford Observer)

• A bird's eye view of Vicarage Road 50 years ago
• When Watford shocked the champions in Cantona's last game for Leeds
• When Watford came from 3-0 down to complete a remarkable victory

Only a small number of people were present, including a Watford Observer photographer, when trials took place at the ground, but the following month the crowds returned to witness the opening meeting on October 14, 1974.

The bookmakers were kept busy at the first meeting back at Vicarage Road (Image: Watford Observer)

Racing resumed on a purpose-built sand track around the pitch, with kennels and associated buildings behind the Rookery stand.

The Main Stand was packed for the first meeting in October 1974 (Image: Watford Observer)

There were soon problems though. The new track had four very tight bends, causing a high rate of injuries among the dogs and the venue was to gain a reputation for unpredictable results amid doping allegations.

This man caught the photographer's attention (Image: Watford Observer)

It all ended on October 30, 1978 when Chad Supreme was the winner of the last ever race at Vicarage Road.

Some more faces in the crowd at that first race meeting (Image: Watford Observer)

Dogs are led out for the trial races in September 1974 (Image: Watford Observer)

Looking down at the track in front of the Main Stand (Image: Watford Observer)

The start of a three-dog race (Image: Watford Observer)

Dog racing ended for good at Vicarage Road in 1978 (Image: Watford Observer)