English Greyhound Derby

The English Greyhound Derby is arguably the most prestigious competition on the greyhound racing calendar. First run in 1927 at White City, the English Greyhound Derby has continued to produce some of the greatest moments in the sport year on year.

The inaugural running of the English Greyhound Derby was won by the 1/4 favourite Entry Badge from trap 5. He was victorious by a distance of six lengths in a time of 29.01 from trap 1’s Ever Bright. The race was run over a trip of 500 yards.

There were no runnings of the English Greyhound Derby from 1941 to 1944 due to the 2nd World War. The race resumed in 1945 with victory for even money favourite Ballyhennesy Seal in a time of 29.56. He won by five lengths from 20/1 reserve Rhynn Castle.

The English Greyhound Derby trip has changed slightly over the years. In 1927 it was run over 457 metres. From 1928 to 1974 it was run over 480 metres. From 1975 to 1984 the trip was increased to 500 metres. Finally, from 1985 to the current day, the Derby has been run over 480 metres.

Two venues have been used for the English Derby. White City was the race’s home from 1927 right up until 1984 but the venue was then changed following the closure of White City Stadium. Wimbledon took over as host of the English Greyhound Derby from 1985 and is still its home today.

William Hill were sponsors of the race for a number of years but Blue Square took over that role in 2007 and the event is now known as The Blue Square Greyhound Derby.

Not many greyhounds win the Derby more than once, but four have managed the feat; Mick The Miller in 1929 and 1930, Patricias Hope in 1972 and 1973, Rapid Ranger in 2000 and 2001 and finally Westmead Hawk in 2005 and 2006.

The fastest winner of the English Greyhound Derby since the race has been held at Wimbledon was the Charlie Lister trained Taylors Sky in 2011 who scored in a time of 28.17.

Previous English Grehound Derby Winners