Following a meeting of the Derby panel, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain is delighted to announce that not only will Towcester Racecourse host the Greyhound Derby in 2022, they will also host it for the next five years – up to and including 2026.

Having reviewed Towcester’s detailed bid, the panel were unanimous in supporting the track’s 2022 bid and also recommended to the main GBGB Board that it should, subject to contract, be awarded the hosting of the event until 2026. This recommendation was subsequently agreed by the GBGB Board.

Mark Bird, Managing Director of GBGB, said:

“We are pleased that the Greyhound Derby now has a more permanent home and we look forward to seeing it grow and evolve during its time at Towcester.  Our thanks to Towcester for submitting their bid and for their continued enthusiasm for hosting our sport’s premier race. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure the 2022 Derby and those that follow are a real success.”

Kevin Boothby, Promoter at Towcester Racecourse, said:

“We are absolutely delighted that Towcester will be the home of the Greyhound Derby for the next five years. We put on a good show last year under difficult circumstances and we look forward to putting on an even bigger and better one next year.

“We are so lucky to have the grounds and space here at Towcester and, with more time to plan, we will seek to give our spectators a fantastic experience whilst ensuing the stars of our sport receive the very best care and attention whilst at the track. In terms of prize money, we are committing to a minimum of £175,000 a year for the winners of the Derby and – if we are able – we will look to increase this.

“We are so pleased and thank the GBGB Board and the Derby panel for their support.”