English Greyhound Derby
| Location | Towcester |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1927 |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 500 metres (1,600 ft) |
| Surface | Sand |
The English Greyhound Derby is the most prestigious race on the British greyhound racing calendar, with a history stretching back to 1927. It was first held at White City Stadium, but moved to Wimbledon Stadium in 1985 and from 2017 at Towcester. The first dog to win the Derby was Entry Badge, and the event went on to see Mick the Miller become the first dog to win on more than one occasion, with a record that has only been equalled by three other dogs in the Derby's history. In 2017 the winner at Towcester will receive £175,000 and total prize-money exceeds £350,000, making it the richest greyhound race in the world.
The first venue of the English Greyhound Derby was at White City Stadium, which had been built for the 1908 London Olympics. Greyhound racing had only recently started to take place there, with the first greyhound race only taking place a couple of weeks prior to the first Derby being run. Entry Badge won the first race to be held, winning a £1000 prize for the dog's trainer, Joe Harmon. Two years later, racing greyhound Mick the Miller became the first dog to win multiple Derbys. The 1940 final was held at Harringay stadium due to the outbreak of war.
In 1973, Spillers dog food sponsored the race for the first time, the same year that Patricia's Hope became the second dog to win the Derby on more than one occasion, and would ultimately be one of only two dogs to achieve that at White City Stadium. Spillers continued to sponsor the race, increasing the prize money to £35,000 by 1980. The Daily Mirror took over sponsorship of the race in 1983, and in 1984 the race was held at White City for the last time before it closed, with Whisper Wishes becoming the final dog to win the Derby at its original location.
The Derby was moved to Wimbledon Stadium for the 1985, and has remained there ever since.The Daily Mirror continued to be the sole sponsor the race until 1990, when Sporting Life became co-sponsor. In 1998, bookmakers William Hill became the sole sponsor, and in 2006 bookmakers Blue Square took over. William Hill renewed their involvement with greyhounds and the Wimbledon Stadium with a partnership lasting until 2016.
...
Wikipedia