Scary times for greyhound racing in the capital with news that Wimpey is close to a deal to acquire Walthamstow Stadium. Unfortunately, that won’t mean a brand new burger bar at the track because it’s George Wimpey - the builder - who will flatten the track just like Ascot but there will be no room for a hare at the new Walthamstow with flats and houses by the dozen replacing the track which has seen racing for 70 years.

The sad reality is that despite a resurgence in on-track attendance – the track still loses money.

Walthamstow has also been hitting the headlines this weekend for the somewhat bizarre decision to ban the use of Betfair on-track. Apparently there has been an increase in punters using PDA’s and telephones – to get on at Betfair prices – and you can hardly blame them.

However, banning the high-tech punters is ridiculously short-sighted and simply draws attention to the poor value the on-course bookies have got away with for years. Exchanges are here to stay and it is highly unlikely punters clued up enough to have Betfair PDA access to 105% books will suddenly rush back to the 125% on offer on the boards.

Greyhound racing, as a night out is superb entertainment – but the sport simply has to move with the times. If that means tracks jettisoning their antiquated Tote systems and showing a little less loyalty to the bookmaking cartel then so be it. With de-regulation and cheaper technology – greyhound tracks have the ideal opportunity to be the equivalent of USA sportsbooks – slots, casinos, big-screen action showing a wide range of sports, great food and embracing Betfair with terminals. Deliver value to the 21st century punter and you might just find you get more profit not less in return.