Classics of Greyhound Racing
The two most important racing classics in greyhound racing are the English Greyhound Derby and the Irish Greyhound Derby. In 2012 the English Greyhound Derby was won by, Blonde Snapper, at its regular venue, Yarmouth. First time in 1927, this race was staged
at Wimbledon at the White City Stadium.
The Irish Greyhound Derby is also one of the most significant occasions on the Greyhound racing calendar, the race was first held in 1934. It is raced at Shelbourne Park, Dublin and bagging the prize money in 2012 was, Skywalker Puma.
The Irish Derby winner is trained by Matt and Frances O’Donnell in County Tipperary.
The Northern Irish Greyhound Derby is also one of the main stream events, and its 2012 edition was won by, Captain Scolari, who could not have achieved the spectacle without the impeccable training of, Gerry Holian. The race actually began in 1928, and is
now raced at Drumbo Park at Northern Ireland.
Barefoot Allstar won the 2012 Scottish Derby at Shawfield, Glasgow, which was raced in 1928 for the first time.
The most prestigious English Greyhound race is the 480 metres Derby sponsored by William Hill. The first hound to win the Derby more than once for the first time was, Mick The Miller. There are just three other dogs who could follow in the steps and won
the Derby more than once.
The future of the only greyhound stadium in the capital, the Wimbledon Stadium, is uncertain as the owners now want the construction of over 800 homes on the site.
Not at par with the English Greyhound Derby, but still one of the most significant races is the Irish Greyhound Derby which is known for switching of the venues. Ever since 1968, the venue for the contest has been Shelbourne Park.
In 2002, Bypass Byway, set the track record by winning the race in 29.42 seconds.
The third classic in line is the Scottish Derby that is no less than a premier, and has been forced to switch venues more than once.
The Derbies bring around some serious betting on the track, and it is important to take some steps for the restoration of the sport rather than cutting down the number of stadiums.
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