Last Friday night, 24th July, marked 100 years on track for British greyhound racing, with guests gathering at the newest track, Dunstall Park in Wolverhampton for a journey back to the Roaring Twenties.

Paying tribute to the sport’s rich heritage, as well as its transformation over the last decade, the Centenary Gala Dinner was a brilliant celebration of some of the best moments, greyhound performances and teams within the industry. Guests included the Greyhound Board of Great Britain’s (GBGB) Chair, Sir Philip Davies, whose speech thanked all those, past and present, that had shared greyhound racing’s joy with those they loved.

Produced for the evening was a special film, voiced by Jonathan Hobbs, honouring some of the greyhound greats over the years – from Mick the Miller and Ballyregan Bob, to Westmead Hawk and Scurlogue Champ.

The evening’s pinnacle was a six-card racing programme mirroring the first ever greyhound meeting in the UK enjoyed at Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium on 24th July 1926. Trainer Paul Young’s greyhound, Droopys Rated, set a track record over the card’s marathon event, whilst Tony Head’s Gav Nificent won the 480m Flat opening race. Each of the winners received £1,926, in honour of the centenary date, alongside their trophy and presentation jacket.

Among the evening’s guests were MP for Wolverhampton West Warinder Juss and Peter Bedford MP, Chair of the Greyhound APPG, who also enjoyed a tour of the kennelling and veterinary facilities to see how the canine athletes are cared for at licensed tracks.

Peter Bedford MP said:

“It was wonderful to be a part of the centennial celebrations of Greyhound Racing in Great Britain. The sport continues to play an important role, both directly and indirectly, in the local economies of so many of our towns across the country.”

Indeed, celebrations were not just limited to Dunstall Park. The sport’s centenary year has already offered plenty of opportunities for licensed tracks up and down the country to proudly promote their place and history within their local community. Central Park shared their punters’ favourite memories, Brighton and Hove Stadium offered a special hamper raffle with unique trap signage branded chocolate, and Towcester put out 100p drink deals to celebrate 100 years.

With the announcement that this year’s National Greyhound Week will take place next month between Monday 24th to Monday 31st August, there will be much more to come as tracks continue to celebrate 100 years of British greyhound racing.

Mark Moisley, Commercial Director at GBGB, said of the Centenary Gala:

“The event combined a fantastic crowd of greyhound lovers with a spectacular night of racing from our canine athletes – exactly what our sport is all about.

“It was important to all of us to mark this significant milestone for our sport and share in the joys and memories of greyhound racing over the past 100 years.

“We are grateful to Dunstall Park as our hosts and to everyone who continues to bring such dedication, passion and commitment to our sport.”

Mark Bird, GBGB Chief Executive, added:

“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome so many friends, supporters and guests from across the greyhound racing community and beyond to our Centenary Gala Dinner at Dunstall Park Stadium.

“It was a brilliant event with some outstanding racing from our canine athletes, as well as an important opportunity to celebrate and share in our memories of all those who have contributed to our thriving, welfare-driven sport over the years.”