Greyhound Races

There are a number of different grades of greyhound race in Britain and the prize money can differ dramatically depending on the class of the race.

Here are all the differnt types of greyhound races that currently take place in the UK.

Open Races
Greyhound Derby
Derby competitions must carry a minimum of £50,000 in added prize money. There are 3 Derby’s in the UK and Ireland; The English Greyhound Derby at Wimbledon, The Irish Greyhound Derby at Shelbourne Park and The Scottish Greyhound Derby which is held at Shawfield.

Category One Race
Category One greyhound races carry a minimum of £50,000 in prize money. They can be run between one and four rounds but must be completed within a 15 consecutive day period unless the distance of the race is more than 600 metres where a third calendar week may be used. In any event the competition must be completed within 18 days. This limit can be extended in certain circumstances by permission of the Open Race Planning Committee. Any dog winning a heat has to receive at least £100 prize money and all runners must get at least £10.

Category Two Race
Category Two greyhound races carry a minimum of £5000 in added prize money. They are permitted to be run over between one and three rounds and must be completed within a 15 consecutive day period and must not include more than two Saturdays. Any dog winning a heat has to receive at least £100 prize money and all runners must get at least £10.

Category Three Race
Category Three greyhound races carry a minimum of £1000 in added prize money. They are permitted to be run over one or two rounds but must be completed within a nine day period.

Match Race
A greyhound match race is a contest that is between two greyhounds. These races must have a minimum of £500 in prize money.

Invitation Race
An Invitation greyhound race is a special type of open race that must be proposed to the Open Race Calendar Planning Committee by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain or the promoter of the event. The added prize money must be at least £750 with £500 going to the winner and all runners must receive £50 in appearance money.

Minor Open Race
A minor open greyhound race is any other open race apart from those detailed above. The added prize money must be £150 with £100 to the winner and £10 to the rest of the field. This type of greyhound race has to be run on one day.

Graded Races
Graded greyhound races are any other type of race run at a greyhound track. The prize money varies where graded racing is concerned. Races are graded from A1 down to A11. Graded races are also known as BAGS (Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service) and BEGS (Bookmakers Evening Greyhound Service).