As the greyhound racing community eagerly anticipates another thrilling year of high-speed action, excitement is mounting for the upcoming races that promise to captivate audiences across the United Kingdom and Ireland. With a packed calendar of prestigious events showcasing the finest canine athletes and top-notch competition, greyhound enthusiasts are in for a treat in 2024. Here’s a comprehensive preview of the must-watch races set to unfold in the months ahead:
1. English Greyhound Derby
Location: Nottingham Greyhound Stadium, Nottingham, England
Date: June 1-15, 2024
Regarded as the pinnacle of greyhound racing in the UK, the English Greyhound Derby attracts top contenders from far and wide to compete for glory and a substantial prize purse. With its rich history from 1927, this iconic event promises two weeks of thrilling racing action as greyhounds vie for the coveted title.
2. Irish Greyhound Derby
Location: Shelbourne Park, Dublin, Ireland
Date: August 1-22, 2024
Across the Irish Sea, the Irish Greyhound Derby is a highlight of the racing calendar, drawing crowds to Shelbourne Park for a month-long spectacle of speed and skill. Renowned for its fiercely competitive field and electric atmosphere, this prestigious event showcases the best Irish greyhound racing talent.
3. Scottish Greyhound Derby
Location: Shawfield Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland
Date: September 1-15, 2024
In the scenic surroundings of Glasgow, the Scottish Greyhound Derby promises an exhilarating showcase of racing prowess as top contenders battle it out on the track at Shawfield Stadium. This event is a favorite among greyhound racing fans with its unique charm and fiercely contested races.
4. Grand National Greyhound Derby
Location: Wimbledon Stadium, London, England
Date: November 1-29, 2024
Culminating the greyhound racing season with a bang, the Grand National Greyhound Derby at Wimbledon Stadium is a fitting finale to a year of thrilling competition. With its prestigious reputation and substantial prize money, this event attracts the cream of the crop in the greyhound racing world, promising an unforgettable climax to the racing calendar.
5. St. Leger Greyhound Futurity
Location: Perry Barr Stadium, Birmingham, England
Date: April 1-14, 2024
Kicking off the year in style, the St. Leger Greyhound Futurity at Perry Barr Stadium offers a glimpse into the future of greyhound racing, with promising young pups showcasing their potential on the track. As a breeding ground for future champions, this event sets the stage for an exciting year ahead.
6. Corn Cuchulainn
Location: Harold’s Cross Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
Date: May 1-15, 2024
Celebrating the legendary Irish hero Cú Chulainn, the Corn Cuchulainn is a prestigious event held at Harold’s Cross Stadium, showcasing the finest greyhounds in Ireland in thrilling races. This event highlights the Irish racing calendar with its rich cultural significance and fiercely contested competition.
As greyhound racing enthusiasts gear up for another action-packed year, anticipation is high for the exhilarating races and unforgettable moments ahead. From historic classics to exciting newcomers, the 2024 greyhound racing calendar promises to deliver thrills, spills, and plenty of excitement for fans across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
