2 minutes Since its inaugural event in 1927 at White City Stadium in London, the English Greyhound Derby has been the crown jewel of greyhound racing, boasting a prize of £175,000 for the winner and welcoming at least 192 of the most skilled dogs from the UK and Ireland.
This summer, the historic and esteemed greyhound competition will make its way back to Towcester Racecourse.
"The Derby is the pinnacle of greyhound racing worldwide," Kevin Boothby, Towcester Racecourse Managing Director, expressed.
Since its inaugural event in 1927 at White City Stadium in London, the English Greyhound Derby has been the crown jewel of greyhound racing, boasting a prize of £175,000 for the winner and welcoming at least 192 of the most skilled dogs from the UK and Ireland.
This year's event in Northamptonshire, marking its sixth event there, is anticipated to break records in attendance on the final night and see a surge in participant entries from trainers aspiring to secure their place in the annals of the sport.
The competition kicks off on Thursday, May 23, with the first round spanning three consecutive nights, setting the stage for the subsequent rounds and culminating in the Grand Final on Saturday, June 29, where the top six greyhounds will vie for the championship.
Last year's finale saw a vast audience cheering trackside as Gaytime Nemo from Ireland, trained by Graham Holland, clinched the title.
Boothby shared his enthusiasm for hosting another Derby in Northamptonshire, highlighting the event as a source of regional pride.
"To bring a competition engrained into the UK’s sporting landscape is a genuine privilege and we’re counting down the days until our 2024 launch," he stated, anticipating a fiercely competitive Derby with numerous greyhounds crossing the Irish Sea to compete.
He reminisced about the vibrant atmosphere of Derby final nights and his personal memories of large crowds gathering at White City to witness the sport's marquee event.
"As our fourth consecutive year hosting the Derby, we aim to make finals night memorable for both the greyhound community and locals," Boothby added.
This year's final will be enhanced with live Irish music, alongside new attractions like a charity mascot race and a whippet racing showcase, adding to the festivities on the renowned horse racing track.
Betting on the 2024 English Greyhound Derby
Here are some antepost bet options for those who want to get their Greyhound bets in early!
| 2024 English Greyhound Derby Odds | |
|---|---|
| King Memphis | 12/1 |
| De Lahdedah | 16/1 |
| Links Maverick | 16/1 |
| Bens Teddy | 20/1 |
| Romeo Command | 20/1 |
| Ballinabola Ed | 25/1 |
| Coolavanny Hoffa | 25/1 |
| Droopys Mandolin | 25/1 |
| Glenvale Bill | 25/1 |
| Jacktavern Bolt | 25/1 |
| King Combs | 25/1 |
| Newinn Syd | 25/1 |
| Slick Sabo | 25/1 |
| Ballinakil Alf | 33/1 |
| Clonbrien Treaty | 33/1 |
| Droopys Flytline | 33/1 |
| New Destiny | 33/1 |