Ballyregan Bob: The Greyhound That Changed a Sport: Racing Legend

In the history of racing legends, few four-legged athletes have left as lasting a mark as Racing Legend Ballyregan Bob, the brindle greyhound whose blistering pace and unbreakable spirit lit up tracks across Britain in the 1980s.  

Whelped in May 1983, Ballyregan Bob was purchased for £1250 as a young pup from Ireland by businessman Cliff Kevern. Though his early races gave little hint of what was to come he was defeated in his first four outings, but it soon became clear he was no ordinary racer. The turning point came in October 1984 when he stormed from behind to claim his first victory. From that moment, Bob began to blossom. 

Under the guidance of the legendary trainer George Curtis at Hove, Bob’s transformation was remarkable. With each stride, he grew in confidence and consistency, winning race after race and breaking records along the way. By the end of his career, he had set a new standard for excellence in the sport, cementing himself as a true racing legend. 

In 1985, Ballyregan Bob claimed three major titles - the Olympic at his home track in Brighton, the Test at Walthamstow and the Essex Vase at Romford. He stayed unbeaten while taking these events, moving closer to setting his world record. He also qualified for the final of the prestigious St Leger at Wembley but did not run due to a wrist injury. 

He equalled Westpark Mustard’s UK record of 20 consecutive wins when easily brushing aside Scurlogue Champ in the £12,000 John Power Showdown at Wembley in November 1985. 

Between 1985 and 1986, Ballyregan Bob put together an incredible 32-race winning streak - a world record that captured the imagination of the sporting public. This run reached its peak on December 9, 1986, in front of a roaring crowd of 7,000 at Hove Stadium, where Bob crossed the finish line first in the Racing Post World Challenge. His record-breaking run beat the previous mark set by American greyhound Joe Dump and was broadcast live on national television. 

During this golden period, Bob wasn’t just winning - he was dominating, breaking or equalling 16 different track records and drawing huge crowds wherever he raced. From Hackney to Romford, Walthamstow to Wembley. 

Bob's racing style was as thrilling as his record was outstanding. He handled six-bend distances with the same ease as shorter trips, making him a true all-rounder and for many, the greatest greyhound of all time. 

But it wasn’t just his results that made Bob so popular. His temperament was equally special. Calm, gentle and affectionate away from the track, Bob formed a close bond with his trainer, George Curtis (whose Racing Legend article you can read here ) - a partnership many believe was a key part of his success. 

Bob retired in 1986 with 42 wins from 48 races and began a successful stud career, first in the UK and later in the United States and Germany. His offspring included high-profile winners like Bobs Regan and Shropshire Lass, though none matched their sire’s magic. 

Bob passed away peacefully in 1994 at the age of 10, but his influence lives on. A bronze statue stands in his honour at the Hove track and his preserved figure is displayed at the Natural History Museum in Tring alongside another racing legend, Mick the Miller (who's article you can read here) He remains the only greyhound to have been Guest of Honour at a Royal Navy ship commissioning.  

For those lucky enough to see him race, the memory is unforgettable. Ballyregan Bob wasn’t just the best of his time. He was and remains, a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon and a true racing legend.