SHANGHAI RACECOURSE
A racecourse is known to have existed in Shanghai as early as 1850 on a plot of land known as the Old Park, although racing was at this time confined to pony racing. However, by 1854 the course was extended and meetings were increased to two per year in May and again in November.
	By 1858 a more expansive area of land was developed at Defence Creek and its first meeting took place in 1860.
Amazingly, greyhound racing took place in China at the Canidrome which was built in 1928. Cani means dog and drome means racecourse, and the stadium could house up to 50,000 punters. It continued to operate until banned by the Communist Party in 1949.
	The racecourse closed in 1951 and was paved over by the People's Park and People's Square which covered 140,000 square metres. The picture on the right shows the City Hall which was built on the site of the racecourse. In 1952 the Shanghai Museum was opened on the same site.
If you have badges, racecards, pictures of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email johnslusar@fsmail.net