A dog racing event in Derry had to be cancelled for the first time in 48 years amid damage caused by vandals.
Brandywell Greyhound Track said “due to acts of vandalism” the race meeting on Monday had to be called off.
It has been reported that there were fears of broken glass on the track.
📣 RACING CANCELLED-MONDAY 30th SEP Folks, due to acts of vandalism we have had to take the decision to cancel tonight’s...
Posted by Brandywell Greyhound Track on Monday 30 September 2024
Derry City and Strabane District Council, which owns the track, said there had been “a number of recent incidents at the site”.
“The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium and Brandywell Greyhound Track are there for everyone to use and enjoy and incidents such as this are an attack on the community,” spokeswoman told the BBC.
She added: “Council is committed to engaging positively with local community representatives to look at ways of preventing these types of incidences occurring”.
In a post on social media, the greyhound track said: “In the 48 years of our operating history we have never had to abandon a meeting due to vandalism.
“We would ask those involved in this antisocial behaviour to think of the negative impact this has on our patrons of which this may be their only source of social interaction throughout the week.
“We welcome all and are open to working with those involved to include them in our sport and show them what a positive impact it has for all our patrons.”
In a further update on social media, the greyhound track thanked volunteers who had arrived at the venue to help clear up the damage.
“Today didn’t get off to the best of starts but it didn’t disappoint, many thanks to everyone who got in touch today offering support & assistance,” the post said.
“A special word of thanks to all those that attended the track this evening, this is the true meaning of sportsmanship and community.
“Whilst the clean up operation was underway everyone pitched in and assisted with the track maintenance. The positivity of all those involved makes everything we do at Brandywell worth it.
“We should be back up and running in no time.”
