A look at the UK's main August races

The pinnacle of British greyhound racing in 2024 was undoubtedly the Derby, with its final held on June 29 at Towcester. This prestigious event, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Towcester estate, is a highlight of the year. The scenic Northamptonshire countryside and the historical charm of the area draw in many enthusiasts of British history, significantly increasing attendance during the Derby.

Racing took place over just over a month, from late May through June, with 193 dogs registered to compete. The initial rounds occurred in May, with the first round from May 23 to 25 and the second round on May 31-June 1. June featured the third round on June 8, the quarter-finals on June 15, the semi-finals on June 22, and concluded with the announcement of the Derby champion, the Irish dog De Lahdedah, on June 29. This marked the third consecutive year that an Irish dog claimed victory in the English Derby. Following this grand event, there tends to be a brief emotional lull; while racing continues, the lingering excitement and nostalgia from the Derby remain for fans, much like a lingering sweet after a delightful treat.

Despite the summer holidays, July’s racing calendar remained bustling, with attendance in the stands unaffected by the season. Fans could look forward to events such as the Ladbrokes Champion Hurdle at Crayford, the Juvenile Classic at Towcester, the Arena Racing Company Northern Flat in Newcastle, as well as various Category 1 races in Hove and Oxford, ensuring plenty of thrilling action throughout the summer.

In August, the pace of racing slowed slightly, offering a chance for spectators to unwind and more fully appreciate the races while experiencing a diverse range of emotions. Daily Grade 3 open races at venues like Hove, Swindon, and Newcastle retained the excitement of more prestigious events, albeit with smaller prize pools and a more relaxed atmosphere. As always, Grade 1 and 2 races continued to captivate both owners and fans alike.

Crayford

The highly anticipated Grand National event, traditionally held in August at Crayford, has experienced a change in both venue and date for 2024, disappointing many steeplechase enthusiasts. The Coral Grand National hurdles race will now take place on November 10 at Hove Stadium.

On Saturday, August 17, Crayford will also feature in the final of the Ladbrokes Guys & Dolls Trophy, a Category 2 race that dates back to 1977. Notably, the qualifying races are conducted separately for male and female dogs, with the winners competing in the final.

Historically, the race distance has varied between 400 and 660 metres, but this year it will be a sprint at 380 metres. Last year's champion was female contender Swift Daisy, trained by Jean Liles from Romford. The semi-final is scheduled for next Sunday, with current male favourites Dower Pat (8/1) and Moaning Rangers (5/1), along with female contenders Millbank Nana (20/1) and Glengar Aurora (14/1).

Hove

Hove Greyhounds is hosting a Family Fun Days on 18th August Although not an open Grade 1 or 2 race, it is still worth a look. It is a new racing format that is being promoted at the stadiums. Families with children are welcome, there are entertainment and goodie bags for children, and children can play with the greyhounds and have fun while adults place their bets and watch the racing.

Henlow

Planning a trip to Henlow in 2024 is no longer worthwhile, despite the two thrilling races scheduled this year at Henlow Stadium. On Sunday, August 18, the final of the Maiden Gold Cup category 2 race was set to take place at Henlow Racecourse, preceded by three exhilarating semi-finals. Additionally, in December, Henlow hosted the Maiden Derby, showcasing its focus on races for young and non-prize-winning dogs.

Regrettably, all of this is now part of history. Currently, there’s no opportunity to visit Bedfordshire, located north of London. The historic stadium, where dog racing has taken place since 1927, closed its doors in January 2024, as its grounds were repurposed for housing development.

Montmore

On Saturday 24 August, Ladbrokes will sponsor two races: the Ladbrokes Gold Cup over 480m and the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers over 660m. The semi-finals will take place next Saturday.

These are Category 1 races, consisting of 6 heats each, followed by the final race. The final of the two races on Saturday promises to be exciting. The favourites for the Gold Cup are Aero 80/1, Velvet Mikey (80/1) and Clona Kody, (66/1).

The contenders for the Summer Stayers are also known: Hawk (150/1), Savana Jazz and Wolf Moon (125/1), Slingshot Roxy (100/1). The fight promises to be exciting.

Nottingham

This year, the annual Grade 1 Puppy Classic is set for Monday, August 26th. Exclusively for puppies under two years old, the race covers a distance of 500 metres. JenningsBet, the current race sponsor, has boosted the prize fund to £10,000, further enhancing the event's prestige. 

The heats for the Puppy Classic have taken place over the past two Mondays, with the final occurring alongside the JenningsBet Select Stakes final. The 72nd Select Stakes, also sponsored by JenningsBet, boasts a record prize fund of £12,500 in 2024, taking place at Colwick Park over 500 metres. This year, the Select Stakes final will occur on the same day as the 29th Puppy Classic, creating a thrilling double-header of Grade 1 finals at one venue.

The selections for the Select Stakes will happen on August 20th, followed by the draw the next day. Notably, this day of two Grade 1 races marks an unusual event, as it overlaps with the commencement of National Greyhound Week, which was established by GBGB last year.

National Greyhound Week

From August 26 to September 1, England will be hosting National Greyhound Week (NGW). During this period, stadiums nationwide will hold a variety of festive events, including numerous children’s parties, shows, and competitions. The goal of the celebration is to promote greyhound racing as a family-friendly sport, encouraging visitors of all ages and backgrounds to attend the events. 

The event lineup features meet-and-greets with veteran racing dogs, open house days at dog kennels, and, of course, thrilling races. Children will particularly enjoy the opportunity to interact with veteran dogs, petting and playing with them.

Throughout the week, NGW races will take place at multiple tracks across the country, alongside the NGW Trap Challenge. Participants in the Challenge will attempt to predict which trap will yield the highest number of wins for the dogs in the NGW races. The lucky winner will receive a table for four at any restaurant located at the chosen track.

Special emphasis will also be placed on greyhound adoption, with adopters showcasing their former racing dogs to demonstrate their potential as loving pets.