FORMER track bookmaker Alan Hutton, who saved Brough Park from the bulldozer three years ago, has bought the flourishing Tyneside track.

And now the boss at Team Greyhounds is planning a massive extension scheme on site.

Hutton stepped in to take up the lease of the track when previous owner Kevin Wilde, who owns the Regal Sunderland Stadium, was considering closing it down and selling the site.

Under Hutton's direction the track has gone from strength to strength, and the acquisition of a Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service contract has strengthened the financial foundation of the business.

Part of the agreement with Wilde was Team Greyhounds would have the option of buying the track, and that has now been exercised.

Hutton, who has poured all his time and resources into putting Brough Park - acknowledged as one of the best galloping tracks in the country - back on the greyhound map, has big plans for the Newcastle venue.

He explained: "The option on the freehold of the track was an integral part of a business plan when I first took control and this is only the first phase in the development of the site.

"I certainly won't be resting on my laurels and I have ambitious plans for Brough Park.

"Long term I hope to have amenities on the site which are compatible with greyhound racing and the possibilities include a casino, hotel, health club, night club and theme club."

Since taking over the track Hutton has invested heavily in facilities, and has seen attendances up by 25 percent on last year.

* Sunderland is staging a new open puppy race series, offering a £5,000 bonus for any greyhound winning all four races.

The next £1,000 event in the series, which is sponsored by the track bookmakers - the Neville Ferguson Puppy Trophy - will take next month, with the heats on Wednesday, June 6, and the final on the following Saturday.

Leading local contender is expected to be Harry Williams' September 1999 Lassa Java-Bellingham Rosi fawn dog Villiers Bridge.