An overview of the main greyhound races in the United Kingdom
Dog races are a popular event in British stadiums, with winners typically earning between £100 and £400. While these races feature dogs of average ability and training, they are still dearly cherished by their owners.
Open races of categories 1, 2, and 3 are highly esteemed, showcasing more skilled and well-trained greyhounds. The prize money for these races can reach tens of thousands of pounds, with the renowned Greyhound Derby offering a whopping £175,000 to the champion.
These races, known as "classics" of British greyhound racing, are eagerly anticipated by fans and receive extensive media coverage. Betting on these races adds to the excitement, with the potential for higher earnings compared to daily BAGS races.
Open races category 1
These are the most significant events in the field of greyhound racing in the country, the most discussed by the public and bringing maximum dividends to participants. In 2023 on the GBGB racing calendar 58 1st class races were presented, taking place at 15 stadiums across the country.
English Greyhound Derby
The top event on the racing circuit for greyhound enthusiasts of all levels is the Greyhound Derby, which has been a staple since 1927. Beginning in London's prestigious White City Stadium, it has now found a new home at Towcester Stadium starting in 2021. Entry Badge, trained by Joe Hartman, took home the inaugural title at the historic event.
Every English school child now knows about the two-time Derby winners of English greyhounds. Mick Miller, a prominent figure in British greyhound racing, claimed victory in the Greyhound Derby in both 1929 and 1930. Other notable winners of the competition include Patricias Hope (1972, 1973), Rapid Ranger (2000, 2001), and Westmead Hawk (2005, 2006). The Derby was not held during 1941-1944 due to wartime conditions, leading to changes in its location over the years.
The final race at White City took place in 1984, with Whisper Wishes emerging as the champion, before the stadium was demolished to make way for a business centre. The competition then moved to London's Wimbledon Stadium from 1985 to 2016, until its closure and eventual replacement with a residential complex in 2017. Subsequent years saw the Derby hosted at Towcester Stadium, followed by a switch to Nottingham Stadium in 2019 due to the former's closure threat.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 Derby, but it returned in 2021 at Towcester Stadium, hopefully establishing a long-term home there. The modern and well-equipped Towcester Racecourse, nestled in the picturesque Northamptonshire countryside, provides a perfect setting for the premier greyhound racing event in the UK. The race spans 500 metres and traditionally takes place in early July, with Liam Bowling's Irish dog De Lahdedah capturing the victory in 2024.
East Anglian Derby
The Grade 1 Open race at Yarmouth Stadium has been taking place since 1947, covering a distance of 462 metres. The winner of the race is awarded £15,000. This race was initially independent until 1975, with the rules of the NGRC not applying to the East Anglian Derby. The race has a prestigious history, with renowned trainer Charlie Lister and his dogs triumphing 12 times. The East Anglian Derby is a highlight of the East Coast Racing Festival, held in September. It's a big celebration for all holidaymakers at this time of year and racing enthusiasts who come from all over the country to watch the horse racing at Great Yarmouth Racecourse and the greyhound racing at Yarmouth Stadium.
The 2023 winner was Watch The Limo by trainer Seamus Cahill.
Arena Racing Company Laurels
Laurels, considered a classic race, also changed location frequently. From 1930 to 1997 the race was held at Wimbledon Stadium, then from 1998 to 2017 at Belle Vue Stadium. In 2017, Towcester Hippodrome was in contention to host the Laurels, but fate had its own way.
Race sponsor Arena Racing Company suggested Newcastle Stadium, where the Laurels were held for two years.
The race has moved to Perry Barr Stadium for 2021, hopefully for a long time to come.
Race distance 480 m, prize fund £12,500.
The first race in 1930 is notable for the fact that three Irish dogs, trained by Sydney Orton, trainer of Mick Miller, reached the final. One of them, Kilbrean Boy, won the race by six lengths, leaving his trainer perplexed as before the race Sydney Orton considered the dog to be the worst of the three.
The 2024 winner was Perry Barr trainer Paul Harmes' Kilwest Ranger.
Select Stakes
Technically, this event is designated as an invitational where the top dogs from across the country compete. The race has been running since 1952, originally at Wembley Stadium in London before relocating to Nottingham after the stadium's closure in 1996. Covering a distance of 500m, the race offers a purse of £10,000. In a thrilling turn of events in 2013, the two dogs, Daddy Knows Best and Holdem Spy, crossed the finish line simultaneously, resulting in a rare tie where both are declared as the winners of the race.
Cesarewitch
This is a category 1 marathon race, one of the classics, a tough test for greyhounds, which cover 731 m. In 2020, the distance was even greater, 925 m. The winner receives £12,500. Existing since 1928, the race has changed location frequently, and since 2023 it has been held in Central Park in mid-January.
As with the English Greyhound Derby, the Cesarevic has an equivalent race in horse racing, as well as the Irish Cesarewitch greyhound race.
Premier Greyhound Racing Regency
The race, originally known as the Regency Produce Stakes and restricted to British-bred dogs, began in 1948. In 1966, it opened up to all greyhounds and dropped the "Produce" from its name. The race covers a distance of 695 m and previously had a prize fund of £10,000. As one of the most lucrative races, ARC doubled the prize fund in 2020. A surprising upset took place in 2014 when Boltatwelldigger, at odds of 25/1, claimed victory in the race.
Grand National
The Grand National for greyhounds has been held since 1927, inspired by horse racing but with shorter distances and less intensity. The race has not reached the same level of popularity as its equine counterpart, but still offers a prize fund of £10,000. Originally held at White City Stadium until 1984, the event has had various locations before being revived by Ladbrokes and hosted at Crayford. The hurdle distance has varied over the years, with 380m in 2022 and 540m in 2023. Notable winner Sherry's Prince dominated the race from 1970 to 1972, under the guidance of coaches John Shevlin and Colin West.
Open races 2 and 3 categories
The GBGB racing calendar for 2023 features 19 Category 2 races.
Doncaster hosts the GBGB St Leger, the “little brother” of the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger, a Grade 1 race held at Perry Barr.
The Sovereign Stakes, Derby Plate, Challenge Trophy are held at Towcester, the ARC Scurry Gold at Perry Barr, the ARC Puppy Cup at Sunderland and others.
These races are also prestigious for the participants, and you can win big by betting on them.
So, in July 2024, the Doug Tyler Summer Cup and Romford Friday Night 500 Maiden Stayers will be held in Romford, the Harlow Maiden Sprint Monkey and Harlow Maiden Stayers Monkey will be held in Harlow, and so on.
On average, the winner of these races receives around £500.
According to many, greyhound racing is in decline, race attendance is falling and stadiums are closing. In the past, there was simply no Internet, and even regular television was inaccessible. Therefore, stadium attendance was record high. It is incorrect to compare it with the attendance in the present, since now the audience has even grown due to the use of technology and remote ways of watching the race.
The greyhound racing market regulates itself, leaving the strongest players and the right number of the most exciting races.