TOWCESTER is readying itself for the start of the world’s greatest greyhound race – the 2023 Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby.

First round heats of the £175,000-to-the-winner Classic take place across three nights at the Northamptonshire venue on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and the excitement is building after a series of trial stakes and trials sessions.

Towcester received the requisite 192 entries for the Derby ahead of the closing date, albeit a number of non-runners and withdrawals were announced before and after Friday’s draw for the 32 heats of the first round which was streamed by sponsor Star Sports.

Nathan Corden, consultant and spokesman for Towcester, said: “We’re pretty much there and everyone at Towcester is looking forward to the next few things.

“Look, it’s a very busy time for us – and the industry itself – but if you can’t get up for the Derby then this isn’t the game for you!

“Everyone has an opinion and that’s what is fantastic about greyhound racing. There are huge reputations which are on the line with some of the fastest dogs on both sides of the Irish Sea doing battle to win the biggest prize of all.

“We have a brilliant sponsor in Star Sports whose boss Ben Keith is passionate about the sport and the Derby especially. He enjoys his visits to Towcester, standing on the pitch, and seeing him back here means the Derby has really started!

“Once again we wish our friends from Ireland all the best. It’s been well-documented that numbers are down this year in terms of Irish entries, but the quality of the visiting entry remains top-notch and, remember, the trophy went back across the water last year.

“Okay, we had an Englishman training the Derby winner in the form of Graham Holland – also an English Derby-winning owner and breeder in Dave Firmager, but 2022’s winner Romeo Magico goes down as an Irish winner – even though he’s British-bred!

“Look, friendly rivalry is what the English Derby is all about and let battle commence on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the first round. Hopefully greyhound fans from all the UK and Ireland have made plans to visit Towcester over the next five weeks or so.

“Bookings for final night have been decent and in terms of the racing itself we have major sponsors lined up to support the competitions and one-offs around the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby Final. It will be another magical night here.”

 

Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby

First round: May 25, May 26, May 27

Second round: June 2, June 3

Third round: June 10

Quarter-finals:  June 17

Semi-finals: June 24

Final: July 1