The Greyhound Derby is the most prestigious and lucrative event in the sport of greyhound racing. It is considered an English Classic, and it is a race that everybody in the sport dreams of winning.

Here is a look at what makes the contest so prestigious and how you can enjoy it upscale on finals night.

The Best Greyhounds from the UK and Ireland

The Greyhound Derby features the best dogs in the UK and Ireland. It is usually the only time during the year when greyhounds from either side of the Irish Sea compete against each other, and there is a strong healthy competition between trainers from each nation.

In next year’s greyhound racing betting for the Derby, Bockos Diamond and March On Freddie top the market at 14/1. Those two greyhounds will both be competing for the home team. If successful, they will end Ireland’s grip on the trophy, as an Irish dog has been victorious in each of the last three renewals.

The sports betting suggests Ireland’s best chance of another success could come through last year’s winner De Lahdedah. He is 25/1 for a repeat triumph, which has not been achieved since Westmead Hawk in 2006.

Hospitality On Finals Night

Towcester Racecourse offers racegoers the chance to book a hospitality package on Greyhound Derby finals night. This allows them to enjoy a meal in the racecourse’s Empress Restaurant which includes the best view of the track. Towcester describes it as a luxury dining experience, with menus changing every year.

For those looking for a more private hospitality experience, VIP boxes can be booked on finals night. These include a private viewing balcony, 50 square meters of indoor space, and food and drink throughout the evening.

Another opportunity to make the experience unforgettable is to sponsor one of the races on the card. Race sponsors have their names on the racecard and get the opportunity to present the trophy to the winner of their race on what is the biggest night of the year in the sport.

History

As with any prestigious sporting event, they often have a rich history to them, and the Greyhound Derby is no different. The race dates back to 1927 when Entry Badge won the first running of the race at White City in London.

The 1929 and 1930 winner Mick The Miller was the first big start of the sport. He appeared in films, and television chat shows and was a star attraction whenever he went on the road to different racecourses across the UK.


Arguably the best dog to win the Greyhound Derby was Westmead Hawk. He became one of four runners to prevail in the race twice when he defended his crown in 2006. Nick Savva’s dog was hugely popular with greyhound fans due to his running style. He would often give his rivals a lot of ground in the early stages of his races before powering home just in time.

The latest chapter in the Greyhound Derby history book will be logged on the 28th of June, 2025 when the next final of the race takes place at Towcester Racecourse.

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