Charlie Lister, greyhound trainer

The legendary British greyhound trainer Charles Richard Lister, known simply as Charlie in the industry, began his career in the 1950s. Born in Yorkshire in 1940, his passion for greyhound racing was cultivated from a young age by his father, who had a natural connection with animals and a love for the sport. 

Spending time together at coursing events, Charlie absorbed his father's wisdom and mantra that "patience is the key to animals", sparking his lifelong dedication to training and racing greyhounds.

Independent racing (flapping)

Joe Booth, once a renowned figure in independent greyhound racing in the 50s and 60s, has now faded into obscurity. However, during his prime, he was an icon in the sport, mentoring and guiding Charlie Lister towards success. The mere mention of their names would spark excitement and anticipation among racing enthusiasts.

Despite the strict regulations imposed by the National Greyhound Racing Club (NGRC), which oversaw licensed tracks, trainers like Charlie Lister found ways to skirt the rules and participate in unofficial races. His dog Some Picture, a champion in the English and Scottish Greyhound Derby, even competed in these "gray" zone events, achieving remarkable success.

In a candid interview, Charlie Lister reflects on the challenges he faced in entering clapping races, where NGRC trainers were forbidden. Despite the obstacles, he found ways to enter his dogs, much to the dismay of his competitors. His resilience and resourcefulness led to victories and breaking track records, showcasing his talent and determination in the sport.

Now retired and with independent tracks fading into history, Charlie Lister can openly discuss his past exploits. His anecdotes shed light on the ingenuity and tenacity required to thrive in the world of greyhound racing, even in the face of stringent regulations and opposition from rivals.

Official victories of Charlie Lister's dogs

Lister's array of official triumphs is truly remarkable, beginning with Swift Band's win at the 1981 East Anglian Derby at Great Yarmouth Racecourse. Over the years, Charlie Lister's dogs continued to secure victories at various prestigious races, including Tsezarievich's win with Killenagh Dream in 1993 and Newinn Shadow's triumph in 2017. Lister's impressive track record includes 12 wins at Great Yarmouth Racecourse, 7 wins each at the English and Scottish Derby, and numerous victories at other major classics and open races. Of particular note are Lister's seven victories at the English Derby, a feat unmatched by any other coach in the history of the sport.

Derby victories 1997-2003

Lister's beloved dog, Some Picture, achieved victory in the 1997 Scottish Greyhound Derby and was a popular choice for the English Derby. She set a new record at Wimbledon with a time of 28.23 seconds.

The renowned Rapid Ranger secured consecutive wins in the finals of 2000 and 2001, joining the ranks of previous double Derby champions Mick Miller and Patricia Hope. However, in 2002, Rapid Ranger did not make it to the Derby final despite Charlie Lister's efforts. The following years saw additional Derby champions for Lister, with Westmead Hawk claiming victory in 2005 and 2006 under trainer Nick Savva.

In a surprising turn of events in 2003, Charlie Lister's dogs, Farloe Verdict, Top Savings, and Larkhill Bullet, finished second, third, and sixth in the final race. The initial winner, Droopys Hewitt, was disqualified due to a positive sample, leading to Farloe Verdict being awarded first place after a legal dispute. This marked Lister's fourth victory as a Derby-winning trainer.

Derby victories 2010–2013

Following his unexpected victory in the 2003 Derby, there was a seven-year gap before Charlie Lister and his dogs once again established themselves as dominant forces in the sport. Bandicoot Tipoki claimed the Derby title in 2010 with a time of 28.57 seconds, allowing Lister to equal Leslie Reynolds in the number of Derby victories from the 1940s and 1950s.

In 2011, Lister experienced a resurgence as Taylors Sky shattered the course record with a time of 28.17 seconds in the final, after setting the stage with a time of 28.21 seconds in the semi-final.

The winning streak continued in 2013, with Sidaz Jack securing victory in the Derby final and earning Lister his seventh Derby title, along with a substantial prize of £150,000 for the owner.

Leaving a career

In 1918, at the age of 78, Charlie Lister retired as a trainer and passed on his nursery and licence to his loyal assistant Chris Akers. Despite his retirement, Charlie remains active in helping Chris whenever needed, showing his dedication to the sport. Charlie's motto of fearlessly moving forward in his profession is evident in his career achievements.

Although Charlie admitted to having fears, such as putting a seriously injured dog to sleep or delivering bad news to owners, he always remained honest and transparent. He would inform owners if their dog had no potential in racing to prevent unnecessary spending on kennel bills. However, he never gave up on a sick dog and would work towards turning it into a champion.

Charlie Lister's success in greyhound racing earned him prestigious titles and awards, including an OBE in 2011. His accomplishments have set a high standard for aspiring trainers, with only Mark Wallis coming close to replicating his achievements among current coaches. Charlie's legacy serves as both inspiration and a challenge for the next generation.