Greyhound Derby

The Greyhound Derby is the most prestigious race in British Greyhound racing. It currently takes place at Wimbledon Stadium but it was held at White City Stadium, also in London, for large parts of its history.

In order to win the prize, greyhounds from the UK and Ireland go through a series of heats to qualify for the final, where the winning connections currently receive £200,000.

The race was inaugurated in 1927 and was won by Entry Badge. It was held on that occasion at White City over 457 metres. Joe Harmon trained the dog as he clocked a time of 29.01 in the final and returned a well-backed favourite at 1/4.

The following year the trip increased to 480 metres. Scottish trainer Tommy Johnson Snr was successful with Boher Ash. The clock was 30.48 and he started at 5/1 in the betting.
Mick The Miller scored in the 1929 Greyhound Derby and then returned to White City 12 months later to retain his crown, something only a handful of dogs have done in the history of the competition. He was odds-on on both occasions.

Since launching in 1927, the only years the Derby hasn't taken place were between 1941 and 1944 due to the Second World War.

When it returned after its break in 1945, Ballyhennesy Seal was successful for Wimbledon trainer Stan Martin and for favourite backers as he went off at even money on the night.

In 1975 the distance increased again to 500 metres. Tartan Khan was the first winner at that trip. He caused an upset as he was 25/1 to prevail in the final.

The event moved to its current home in 1985 and the distance was dropped back down to 480m. Pagan Swallow gave local trainer Phil Rees his first success in the Classic.

Rapid Ranger was one of the most talented greyhounds in the early 2000s and he went on to prevail twice at Wimbledon in the Derby. Trainer Charlie Lister, who has since won this contest seven times, prepared him for success in 2000 and 2001.

Westmead Hawk is also a double winner for Nick Sava. His first win was in 2005, while he returned for the 2006 renewal to continue his dominance. They greyhound was renowned for his late pace in a race.

Taylor's Sky broke the track record with his victory in 2011 with a time of 28.17.

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