For dog racing enthusiasts in the United Kingdom, the highlight of the year is undoubtedly the Greyhound Derby. Much like the prestigious Epsom Derby in horse racing, it represents a premier event within its own realm, where greyhounds take centre stage instead of horses.
The history of the Horse Derby dates back to the 18th century, initiated by the Earl of Derby. For many years, it was primarily a pastime for the wealthy elite, with ordinary spectators largely excluded from the experience.
In contrast, the Greyhound Derby has a much shorter history, with its upcoming 100th anniversary set to be celebrated in 2027. From the beginning, the event has embraced a more inclusive atmosphere, drawing a diverse crowd of spectators—ranging from working-class fans to fashionable city dwellers, and including individuals of all ages.
How it all began
Nearly a century ago, long before the advent of television and mobile phones, racing enthusiasts flocked to the racetrack to immerse themselves in the thrilling atmosphere, witness live dog races, and feel the rush of adrenaline. A record turnout of approximately 90,000 spectators attended the 1936 Derby final at White City Stadium, where the greyhound Fine Jubilee claimed victory, as reported by eyewitnesses.
In 1952, the first Greyhound Derby was recorded and aired on the BBC, followed by the inaugural televised Derby in 1956, featuring race commentary by Brian Johnston.
During the Derby's early years, it faced two significant challenges: doping and fighting among the dogs. Such altercations were so frequent that stewards were stationed at the track's turns to intervene, often resulting in races needing to be rerun, sometimes as soon as thirty minutes later. The first photo finish technology was introduced in 1953, when Dawes Dancer, the youngest winner at just 22 months, was determined by the race manager.
Up until 1970, the Derby featured 48 entries, but that year marked a turning point with 125 dogs competing in qualifying races for the first time, although no betting was permitted.
The track length has also undergone several changes. Initially set at 457 metres in 1927, it changed to 480 metres from 1928 to 1974, then increased to 500 metres between 1975 and 1984. It returned to 480 metres from 1985 to 2016, before being readjusted back to 500 metres from 2017 to the present.
The location of the English Greyhound Derby has evolved over the years as well. Originally held at White City Stadium until 1985, it then moved to Wimbledon Stadium and, after its closure in 2017, to Towcester. In 2019, the Derby was hosted in Nottingham due to Towcester's temporary closure, but as of 2021, it returned to Towcester, with hopes for a long-term stay.
First Derby winner
In the early 20th century, greyhound racing was just beginning to emerge, with coursing enjoying considerable popularity among greyhound owners. The Waterloo Cup stood as the sport's most prestigious event. Edwin Baxter, a prominent greyhound owner and president of the Thanet Coursing Club, had a unique naming convention for his dogs, each featuring his initials, EB, in their names.
In June 1927, Bidded Nora, a breeding bitch that he had acquired for 40 guineas, whelped a litter of puppies. While two of the pups, Edna Best and Enamel Box, showed promise for coursing, the third, Entry Badge, did not meet the criteria for running live hares. Nevertheless, Baxter needed to find a place for the young dog, so he entered him into a preliminary race at London's White City Racecourse. On June 20, 1927, Entry Badge participated in the inaugural race, though he did not come out as the victor.
By October, the first English Greyhound Derby was announced, featuring two semi-finals on October 8—one held at Belle Vue in Manchester and the other at White City. After winning the Southern semi-final, Entry Badge was established as the favourite for the inaugural Derby final, scheduled for Tuesday, October 25, 1927. He won the race, with winning odds set at ¼. Remarkably, in the final, he outpaced two of Baxter's other dogs, Ever Bright and Elder Brother, by six lengths. For his victory, Baxter received a purse of £1,000 (approximately £50,000 today) along with the Gold Cup, presented by Margaret Finch-Hatton, Countess of Winchilsea, an American heiress married to an English aristocrat.
Later in 1927, the Greyhound Racing Association (GRA) initiated the publication of a greyhound register. The first volume featured listings for 904 dogs, starting with Entry Badge, a striking brindle who had become a notable racer, winning 11 out of his 12 races.
Mick Miller and others
Four dogs have achieved the remarkable feat of winning the English Greyhound Derby twice: Mick Miller in 1929 and 1930, Patricia Hope in 1972 and 1973, Rapid Ranger in 1991 and 2002, and Westmead Hawk in 2005 and 2006.
Mick Miller, the iconic Irish greyhound, actually secured a third victory in 1931, but that win was ultimately stripped from him. Although Mick did not win the first semi-final, he advanced to the final of his third Derby, which took place on June 27, 1931. It was a thrilling race that saw the crowd rooting for Mick, even as he faced formidable challengers. One of those competitors, Ryland R, a hefty dog at 36 kg, had previously defeated Mick in the semi-final.
The anticipation was palpable, with 70,000 spectators eagerly awaiting the showdown between the two favourites. The race began with Ryland R taking an early lead, while Mick found himself at the back of the pack at the first turn. As they approached the last turn, Seldom Lad closed in on Ryland R, and for a brief period, they raced neck and neck. Then, in a stunning move, Mick Miller surged ahead along the inside track, drawing cheers from the crowd as he crossed the finish line first. However, the race steward ruled that Ryland R had interfered with Seldom Lad, leading to the race being declared void and a re-run necessary.
The announcement sent the crowd into a frenzy. Initially hesitant, Mick's owner was eventually persuaded by the stewards to allow his dog to run again. That evening, a fatigued Mick finished in fourth place, while Seldom Lad, trained by Wally Green, claimed victory. This incident bore a striking resemblance to Mick Miller's first Derby win in 1929. In that final, he was initially bested by Palatinus, but like the 1931 race, it was declared a no-contest due to a collision, and in the re-run, Mick emerged victorious with Palatinus coming in second.
Despite the disappointment of 1931, Mick Miller became a national legend and a beloved figure among fans following his loss in 1932.
Coaching victories
Jack Harvey holds the title of champion greyhound trainer, having produced 24 Derby finalists and two winners: Davesland in 1937 and Mile Bush Pride in 1959. Leslie Reynolds, renowned as the great trainer at Wembley, achieved 16 Derby finalists and six victories, a record that stood unchallenged for 57 years and was deemed nearly insurmountable.
However, the seemingly impossible has been achieved. Charlie Lister has secured victory in the English Greyhound Derby seven times, beginning with Some Picture in 1997 and concluding with Sidaz Jack in 2013.
Female trainers have also made significant contributions to the Derby's legacy. Marjorie Yate clinched her win in 1936 with Fine Jubilee, while Barbara Tomkins saw her dogs triumph in the final twice: John Silver in 1970 and Aim Slippy in 1983.
The Greyhound Derby is rich with stories, intertwining the fates of both famous and lesser-known individuals and dogs, winners and underdogs alike. The event has witnessed races filled with intense emotions, a blend of tears and celebration, and countless remarkable narratives. Year after year, spectators eagerly anticipate this thrilling sporting event, and the legacy continues.