What is greyhound racing?

Greyhound racing is fun and exciting. 

Racegoers convene at bars and restaurants at the tracks and watch the thrill of the chase and the sheer beauty of six greyhounds doing what comes naturally. 

Greyhounds love to run and are largely jealous creatures when it comes to racing. They want to be first; they want to lead the pack. 

Providing a wonderful and graceful vision for those who are watching, greyhound racing is also instant gratification for the betting industry. The average race lasts less than 30 seconds. 

From its origins on the coursing field, greyhound racing around a track has been part of the sporting scene in the UK and Ireland - and the wider world - since the 1920s. 

Greyhound racing can be a lucrative sport for the best in the business, with some of the best greyhounds exchanging hands for up to £100,000 - and in some instances worth even more. 

Last year’s English Greyhound Derby was worth £175,000 to the winner and over the years since its first running in 1927, champions have matched their prowess on the track in the paddocks. 

Stud values and breeding worth can sometimes dwarf prize money won during careers. This is very rare, however, because of course, only one dog can win the Derby each year. Most owners don’t even break even, they do it for the love of seeing the dogs enjoy themselves. 

But not every greyhound is a Mick the Miller, Ballyregan Bob or Westmead Hawk, and every race has its own storyline - especially for owners and trainers. 

Greyhounds are generally graded to race against runners of similar ability. 

Most races staged every day are of the ‘graded’ variety, with the faster greyhounds coming together in ‘open’ races - open to all, as the name suggests. 

Whether owning a graded dog or an open-class runner, owners, trainers and kennel hands adore and cherish the greyhounds in their care. 

Greyhounds are natural athletes, given the best nutrition and pre- and post-race care, to ensure their well-being - and to compete. 

The average greyhound’s career spans three or four years after which time they are homed and cared for as a pet but give them a chance to run in open space and they will again show you what comes so naturally. 

Greyhound Racing UK and Greyhound Homing UK are intrinsically linked and stand side by side to provide a secure, sustainable and successful future for greyhound racing, greyhound homing and the greyhound itself. 

If horse racing is the sport of kings, then greyhound racing is the sport of princes. Thrilling us for thousands of years with their speed and grace, greyhounds are incredible creatures. 

Reaching speeds of 35mph in a matter of strides, a greyhound in full flight is a sight to behold, and if yours is first past the post, then even better!