Different greyhound racing distances

Greyhound racing distances vary significantly depending on the country and track where the event takes place. In the UK and Ireland, specific raceform prefixes are used to categorise the different race lengths. This guide delves into the various distances and corresponding prefixes, along with notable races and events that define greyhound racing in these regions.

Prefixes and Distances in Greyhound Racing

United Kingdom  

In the UK, greyhound races are primarily classified into four categories based on distance, each with its raceform prefix:

- D: Sprint races (covering 2 bends).

- A: Middle-distance races (covering 4 bends).

- S: Stayers races (spanning 6 bends).

- E: Marathon or extended races (involving 8 bends or more).

Ireland  

Ireland uses a similar, though slightly different, set of raceform prefixes for its greyhound races:

- S: Sprint races.

- A: Middle-distance races.

- D: Long-distance races.

It’s important to note that these prefixes might differ depending on the specific track hosting the event.

Key Race Distances in the UK and Ireland

One of the most common distances for greyhound races in both England and Ireland is 480 metres (525 yards). Some of the prominent races held at this distance include the Gold Cup and Puppy Derby at Monmore Green, as well as the All England Cup and Northern Puppy Derby in Newcastle. In Ireland, notable races such as the Produce Stakes at Clonmel and the Irish Oaks at Shelbourne Park also feature this distance.

The Modern-Day Derby Distance

A key development in greyhound racing came in 2021 when Towcester, located in Northamptonshire, was chosen to host the English Derby, with the event taking place over a newly established derby distance of 500 meters (547 yards).

Hove’s Middle-Distance Competitions

In 2020, Hove introduced new 500-meter middle-distance races for all competitions, with the exception of the Sussex Cup, Olympic, and Brighton Belle events, which are run over a slightly longer 515 meters.

The Evolution of Classic Greyhound Races

Over the years, many classic greyhound races have moved between various tracks and undergone changes in distance. The Scurry Gold Cup, the Cesarewitch, and the St Leger are all examples of iconic races that have experienced such transitions.

The Scurry Gold Cup: A Sprint Classic

The Scurry Gold Cup is one of the oldest sprint races, having changed venues and distances multiple times:

- Clapton (1928–1973): The race was originally held over 400 yards.

- Slough (1974–1986): The distance was extended to 434 meters (475 yards).

- Catford (1987–2002): It was later run at 385 meters (420 yards).

- Perry Barr (2005–2008): Reinstated after a two-year break, the race was run at 275 meters.

- Belle Vue (2009–Present): Currently, the event has returned to Perry Barr, where it’s run over 275 meters.

The Cesarewitch: A Long-Standing Tradition

The Cesarewitch has also seen multiple changes since its inception in 1928:

- West Ham (1928–1971): Originally run over 600 yards.

- Belle Vue (1972–1994): The distance was changed to 880 yards.

- Catford (1995–2000): Moved to 718 meters.

- Oxford (2001–2012): The event took place over 645 metres before the track's closure in 2012.

- Crayford (2019–2022): After being revived in 2019, the race was run over 874 meters and returned to Crayford in 2021 and 2022.

- Central Park (2023–Present): The race has now settled at Central Park, where it covers 708 metres.

The St Leger and the Longest Marathon Races

The St Leger, which originated at Wimbledon, found a new home at Perry Barr in Birmingham in 2017, where it is currently run over 710 meters. Meanwhile, the longest marathon in England, the Ladbrokes 1048 Marathon, is held at Crayford, spanning an impressive 1048 meters (1146 yards).

Ireland's Classic Greyhound Racing Events

Ireland's greyhound racing scene is home to several high-profile sprint and staying races. One of the premier sprint events is the Irish Sprint Cup, which is currently held at Dundalk over 400 yards, having been previously run at Newbridge. The Irish Derby, staged at Shelbourne Park since 1932, has consistently maintained its distance of 550 yards (503 meters) since 1986, while the Irish St Leger, now held in Limerick, has adhered to the same length since its establishment.

Endurance Races: Ireland’s Staying Events

Ireland's staying events are known for pushing greyhounds to their limits. Among these races are:

- The Cambridgeshire: Run at Limerick.

- Corn Cuchulainn: A challenging race covering 750 yards.

- Winter Racing Festival Marathon: Raced over 850 yards.

- Shelbourne Marathon: One of the toughest races, covering 1025 yards at Shelbourne Park.

The longest race in Ireland is the TBO Marathon at Thurles Park, stretching over 1035 yards.

International Variations

Greyhound race distances and classification systems vary around the world. In the United States, race distances are often measured in fractions of a mile. For instance, 990 feet equates to 3/16ths of a mile, and 2640 feet represents a half-mile. In Australia, races are divided into two categories: sprint (up to 564 meters) and distance (over 565 meters).

The Impact of Starting Trap Positioning

The placement of starting traps is a critical factor in greyhound racing, particularly in events where there is a short run to the first corner. These races are often unpredictable, with many greyhounds jostling for position early, making the first turn a pivotal moment in determining the race outcome.

This unpredictability, along with the skill and speed of the competing greyhounds, adds to the excitement and strategic depth of the sport, making greyhound racing a thrilling experience for both participants and spectators alike.