Racing Legends: The Unforgettable Legacy of Patricias Hope
In the second instalment of our Racing Legends series, we spotlight Patricias Hope, the remarkable greyhound who shocked the racing world with back-to-back English Greyhound Derby victories - an elite feat achieved by only three other dogs in history. From his humble beginnings to capturing the coveted Triple Crown and a dramatic Derby comeback, this is the story of a true sporting icon who defied the odds, outshone favourites, and left an enduring legacy on the track. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to greyhound racing, Patricias Hope’s journey is one you won't want to miss.
Patricias Hope was only the second dog in history to win back-to-back English Greyhound Derby’s, an achievement that placed him among the sport’s true legends.
Whelped in July 1970 and bred from Silver Hope out of Patsicia, Patricias Hope began his racing career at just 17 months old under the guidance of Adam Jackson at White City. From the beginning, it was clear he possessed something special. Despite being a relative novice, his early performances showed real promise.
Going into the 1972 English Greyhound Derby, few had Patricias Hope pegged as a serious contender. The spotlight was firmly on Super Rory, a sensation who had broken the White City track record in the semi-final and was sent off as the shortest-priced favourite since Mick the Miller. But under the pressure of Derby night, Super Rory faltered at the traps.
Patricias Hope, the 7/1 joint second favourite, seized the moment. Flying from the boxes, he led from the start and never looked back, winning in 28.55. For Jackson, who had previously trained 1965 Derby winner Chittering Clapton, it was another amazing achievement. A week later, Patricias Hope went unbeaten through the Welsh Derby at Cardiff and followed that up with a thrilling Scottish Derby win at Shawfield where Super Rory led and Patricia’s Hope had to dig deep to get back into the race. He secured the Triple Crown: victories in the English, Scottish, and Welsh Derbies, all in the same year.
He was voted 1972 Greyhound of the Year, Patricias Hope was retired to stud later that year after a tough but triumphant season. Although initially believed to be retired for good, Patricias Hope was brought out of stud duties, having covered over 60 bitches, for another tilt at the English Derby in 1973. Now trained by Irishman John O’Connor, he returned to White City in May and quickly reminded the sport of his class by clocking the fastest qualifying time.
Despite a tougher campaign with tight finishes and strong competition, Patricias Hope once again delivered on the biggest stage. The 1973 Derby Final was a dramatic affair, with the veteran dog holding off challenges from Softly and Say Little in a nail-biting half-length victory, finishing in 28.68. He became only the second greyhound in history to win back-to-back English Derby’s, joining the legendary Mick the Miller.
In 1974, the dream was to secure an unprecedented third Derby title. At four years old, Patricias Hope gave it one last go but was unfortunately, eliminated in the second round.
He spent his final days in the GRA veterinary hospital at Northaw and was buried in the hospital grounds.
