Greyhound Derby to remain at Towcester Racecourse

A racecourse has been given the contract to host the annual English Greyhound Derby for the next five years.

Towcester Racecourse, in Northamptonshire, added it was "the home of the sport's biggest fixture" which next year celebrates its centenary.

Last month, it was confirmed horse racing would return to the track, after it closed for the sport in 2019 when Towcester Racecourse Company Limited entered into administration with debts of more than £1.3m.

Greyhound racing is due to be banned in Scotland and Wales. Campaign group Animal Rising has protested against the racing of dogs at Towcester arguing that it was "dangerous", but the sports national board said it was a "welfare-driven" sport.

James Chalkley, head of racing at the course, said the "flagship event gives us the opportunity to build on what has already been established at Towcester and make plans for the future of the competition".

Garry Nash, from Premier Greyhound Racing, said: "The Derby is a showcase event for greyhound racing, and we are excited to continue working with the racecourse to bring the competition to our worldwide audiences."

The date of the 2027 fixture has yet to be announced.

Animal Rising protested at the track in 2023 and its spokesman Nathan McGovern said granting a new contract until 2031 was an "optimistic move".

"If Wales and Scotland are any sign, then greyhound racing may have ended in England altogether before then," he said.

"The only people celebrating this move are worlds away from the general public sentiment on using dogs for dangerous racing.

"Greyhounds love to run, not to race."

A spokesperson for the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), the regulator for licensed greyhound racing, said: "British licensed greyhound racing is a popular, welfare-driven sport governed by over 200 Rules of Racing to promote and protect the greyhounds at its heart.

"The English Greyhound Derby is the jewel in the racing calendar, attracting thousands of spectators each year and boosting the local economy."

They said it was "pleased" it was remaining at Towcester.

"Animal Rising's wish to see greyhound racing disappear does not give it a mandate to speak for the general public," they said.

"Indeed, the group's misguided and unsuccessful attempt to protest [against] the Derby several years ago achieved nothing except to risk greyhound welfare and burden the local police force."

Chalkley added: "The welfare of our greyhounds is our first priority. All racing at Towcester Racecourse is licensed and regulated by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, with a vet on site at every meeting.

"The English Greyhound Derby means a great deal to the many people who love this sport, and we're proud it will stay at Towcester until 2031, including its centenary year in 2027."

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