# 2023 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year

The 2023 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year was the 98th year of greyhound racing in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

## Summary

Open race competitions increased again, in terms of prize money and frequency, with no less than ten UK events (not including the Derby) offering a first prize of £20,000 or more, including the returning Pall Mall Stakes at Oxford Stadium and a series of events sponsored by Premier Greyhound Racing. It equalled the Irish open race calendar in terms of number of races above £20,000 or €20,000.
A petition titled The Welsh Government should support greyhound racing in Wales was due to be debated by the Senedd because over 10,000 signatures were received in support. The petition was in response to the 2022 petition. A main subject of the debate was the Valley Greyhound Stadium and in August 2023, Valley received a licence from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain. The move from independent racing to GBGB rules meant that only one track Thornton Stadium remained with independent status.
The long running saga over live broadcast rights continued and with Entain and ARC nearing the new 2024 deal, their rival SIS published a schedule. The schedule included Oxford, Towcester, Harlow, Suffolk Downs, Henlow, Doncaster and the Valley in addition to Askern Greyhound Stadium, which would require re-opening and a GBGB licence to be included in the schedule.
Mark Wallis won his 14th Greyhound Trainer of the Year title after recording 1591 points. The year ended with the death of former Northern Sports group manager Mick Wheble MBE.
Following a GBGB inspection of trainer Rebecca Perkins' kennels, they contacted the RSPCA reporting offences contrary to the Animal Welfare Act. Perkins' received a jail sentence and was banned from keeping animals for life after "causing unnecessary suffering to more than 30 dogs".

## Roll of honour

Major Winners :
| Award | Name of Winner |
| 2023 English Greyhound Derby | Gaytime Nemo |
| 2023 Irish Greyhound Derby | The Other Kobe |
| Greyhound Trainer of the Year | Mark Wallis |
| UK Greyhound of the Year | Droopys Clue |
| Irish Greyhound of the Year | The Other Kobe |
Premier Greyhound Racing Trainers Championship, Perry Barr (6 Apr) :
| Pos | Name of Trainer | Points |
| 1st | Patrick Janssens | 46 |
| 2nd | Kevin Hutton | 44 |
| 3rd | Mark Wallis | 40 |
| 4th | John Mullins | 34 |
| 5th | Matt Dartnall | 27 |
| 6th | Richard Rees | 12 |

### Principal UK finals

Premier Greyhound Racing Golden Jacket, Crayford (18 Feb, 714m, £20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Bellmore Sally | 4 | 9/4jf | 44.77 | Jimmy Fenwick |
| 2nd | Roll On Sydney | 1 | 6/1 | 45.01 | Paul Young |
| 3rd | Olga | 5 | 6/1 | 45.31 | Paddy Curtin |
| 4th | Minnie Bullet | 2 | 9/4jf | 45.39 | Mark Wallis |
| 5th | Burgess Hannah | 6 | 11/2 | 45.85 | Tony Gifkins |
| 6th | Coonough Crow | 3 | 8/1 | 45.75 | Mark Wallis |
Ladbrokes TV Trophy, Crayford (15 April, 874m, £15,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Bellmore Sally | 4 | 10/11f | 56.38 | James Fenwick |
| 2nd | Ower Smasher | 3 | 13/8 | 56.66 | June Harvey |
| 3rd | A Mystial Love | 6 | 12/1 | 56.98 | Lee Pearce |
| 4th | Beach Babe | 5 | 28/1 | 57.56 | Tom Levers |
| 5th | Savana Queen | 2 | 14/1 | 57.90 | Diane Henry |
| 6th | Queen Pink | 1 | 9/1 | 57.96 | Liz McNair |
Arena Racing Company Laurels, Perry Barr (29 Apr, 480m, £12,500) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Hawkfield Ozark | 1 | 15/8f | 28.03 | Patrick Janssens |
| 2nd | Goldies Perryman | 3 | 4/1 | 28.05 | Paul Foster |
| 3rd | Hurry Up Jordan | 6 | 3/1 | 28.27 | John Lambe |
| 4th | Arkady | 4 | 11/4 | 28.35 | David Mullins |
| 5th | Ivanexile | 5 | 7/1 | 28.45 | Matt Dartnall |
| N/R | Coolavanny Shado | 2 | | | Patrick Janssens |
Premier Greyhound Racing Regency, Brighton (29 Jul, 695m, £20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Space Jet | 3 | 2/1jf | 41.69 | Matt Dartnall |
| 2nd | Swiper | 1 | 11/1 | 41.85 | Matt Dartnall |
| 3rd | Lively Lauren | 2 | 2/1jf | 41.88 | Matt Dartnall |
| 4th | Jacktavern Magic | 6 | 12/1 | 41.99 | Mark Wallis |
| 5th | Bubbly Scorcher | 5 | 11/2 | 42.01 | Paul Young |
| 6th | Savana Heross | 4 | 4/1 | 42.05 | Diane Henry |
Stadium Bookmakers Pall Mall, Oxford (29 Jul, 450m, £20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Links Maverick | 3 | 8/11f | 26.72 | Tom Heilbron |
| 2nd | Eze | 4 | 8/1 | 26.96 | Angie Kibble |
| 3rd | Hawkfield Ozark | 1 | 7/2 | 27.11 | Patrick Janssens |
| 4th | Ivanexile | 5 | 10/3 | 27.21 | Matt Dartnall |
| 5th | Coppice Tenzin | 5 | 14/1 | 27.24 | Kevin Hutton |
| 6th | Moments of Magic | 2 | 33/1 | 27.28 | Kevin Hutton |
Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger, Perry Barr (23 Sep, 710m, £20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Droopys Clue | 2 | 4/9f | 42.33 (TR) | Seamus Cahill |
| 2nd | Jacktavern Bella | 5 | 5/2 | 42.81 | Graham Holland |
| 3rd | Millridge Tanic | 6 | 8/1 | 43.51 | Paddy Curtin |
| 4th | Lightfoot Clark | 1 | 25/1 | 43.79 | James Fenwick |
| 5th | Coonough Crow | 3 | 16/1 | 43.89 | Mark Wallis |
| N/R | Garfiney Blaze | 4 | | | Graham Holland |
Premier Greyhound Racing Champion Stakes, Romford (21 Oct, 575m, £20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Hollow Man | 4 | 8/13f | 34.96 | Derek Knight |
| 2nd | Ninja Kerry | 6 | 11/2 | 35.19 | Belinda Green |
| 3rd | Whyaye Man | 5 | 10/1 | 35.23 | Mark Wallis |
| 4th | Havana Top Note | 3 | 11/1 | 35.24 | Liz McNair |
| 5th | Droopys Google | 1 | 9/2 | 35.32 | Nathan Hunt |
| 6th | Ballintee Noshow | 2 | 12/1 | 35.60 | Maxine Locke |
Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks, Perry Barr (27 Oct, 480m, £20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | No Rush | 6 | 15/8f | 28.18 | Carol Weatherall |
| 2nd | Jet Stream Angel | 4 | 5/1 | 28.22 | Kevin Hutton |
| 3rd | Droopys Ailsa | 5 | 4/1 | 28.28 | Robert Gleeson |
| 4th | Whats Up Eva | 2 | 4/1 | 28.32 | Richard Rees |
| 5th | Starshinestunner | 1 | 7/2 | 28.42 | Richard Rees |
| 6th | Droopys Request | 3 | 14/1 | 28.84 | Christopher Fereday |

### Principal Irish finals

Bresbet Easter Cup, Shelbourne (8 Apr, 550y, €25,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Swords Rex | 1 | 11/8f | 29.71 | Graham Holland |
| 2nd | Tooklmaker Wilde | 6 | 22/1 | 29.99 | Robert G Gleeson |
| 3rd | Trinity Junior | 2 | 8/1 | 30.02 | Peter Cronin |
| 4th | Romeo Magico | 5 | 4/1 | 30.09 | Graham Holland |
| 5th | Galloping Sydney | 4 | 6/1 | 30.16 | Graham Holland |
| 6th | Bockos Crystal | 3 | 3/1 | 30.23 | Graham Holland |
Con & Annie Kirby Memorial, Limerick (21 Apr, 525y, €80,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Clonbrien Treaty | 1 | 5/2 | 28.05 | Graham Holland |
| 2nd | Bogger Lucky | 6 | 6/1 | 28.64 | Liam Peacock |
| 3rd | Scaglietti | 3 | 6/1 | 28.75 | Patrick Guilfoyle |
| 4th | Gaytime Hugo | 4 | 4/1 | 28.92 | Graham Holland |
| 5th | Ryhope Beach | 5 | 9/4f | 29.13 | Michael J O'Donovan |
| 6th | Hovex Tommy | 2 | 10/1 | 29.31 | Graham Holland |
Sporting Press Oaks, Shelbourne Park (17 Jun, 525y, €25,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Crafty Shivoo | 1 | 3/1 | 28.14 | Peter & Brian Divilly |
| 2nd | Scooby Duchess | 6 | 8/1 | 28.38 | Jennifer O'Donnell |
| 3rd | Glengar Martha | 5 | 10/1 | 28.42 | Pat Buckley |
| 4th | Bobsleigh Dream | 3 | 6/4f | 28.49 | Pat Buckley |
| 5th | Quivers Magic | 2 | 7/2 | 29.47 | Adam Dunford |
| 6th | Droopys Timing | 4 | 5/1 | 00.00 | Paul Conin |
Thatch Bar & Restaurant National Produce, Clonmel (25 Jun, 525y, €20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Burgess Supreme | 5 | 20/1 | 28.52 | Sheila Spillane |
| 2nd | Hukum | 2 | 4/1 | 28.56 | Adam Dunford |
| 3rd | Ower Mystery | 4 | 7/2 | 28.57 | Pat Buckley |
| 4th | Clonbrien Treaty | 6 | 13/8f | 28.74 | Graham Holland |
| 5th | Mendelson | 3 | 20/1 | 28.85 | Thomas O'Donovan |
| 6th | Clona Shadow | 1 | 11/4 | 28.99 | Graham Holland |
Boylesports Champion Stakes, Shelbourne Park (8 Jul, 550y, €20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Trinity Junior | 1 | 5/2f | 29.34 | Peter Cronin |
| 2nd | The Other Kobe | 5 | 4/1 | 29.48 | Jennifer O'Donnell |
| 3rd | Boylesports Gift | 4 | 12/1 | 29.72 | Paul Hennessy |
| 4th | Droopys Nice One | 6 | 11/2 | 29.73 | Murt Leahy |
| 5th | Hawkfield Blue | 3 | 9/2 | 30.64 | Keeley McGee |
| 6th | Scaglietti | 2 | 11/4 | 31.41 | Patrick Guilfoyle |
Time Dundalk International, Dundalk (12 Jul, 550y, €20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Raha Mofo | 5 | 4/1 | 29.98 | Murt Leahy |
| 2nd | Ballinabola Ed | 6 | 4/6f | 29.99 | Pat Buckley |
| 3rd | Brookside Richie | 3 | 7/1 | 30.11 | James Fenwick (UK) |
| 4th | Cochise | 1 | 20/1 | 30.25 | Richard Rees (UK) |
| 5th | Bobsleigh Dream | 4 | 11/2 | 30.37 | Pat Buckley |
| 6th | Ballymac Whispa | 2 | 25/1 | 30.44 | Liam Dowling |
Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup, Dundalk (15 Aug, 400y, €20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Carrick Aldo | 5 | - | 20.80 | David Murray |
| 2nd | Who Have I | 4 | - | 20.99 | Michael J. O'Donovan |
| 3rd | Ballymac Samuel | 1 | - | 21.04 | Liam Dowling |
| 4th | Chelms Skippy | 6 | - | 21.08 | Peter Cronin |
| 5th | Rathdown Molly | 3 | - | 21.22 | Marie Gilbert |
| 6th | Radical Hero | 2 | - | 21.27 | Thomas O'Donovan |
Time Greyhound Nutrition Juvenile Derby, Shelbourne Park (30 Sep, 525y, €25,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Droopys Flytline | 6 | 15/8f | 27.93 | Robert G. Gleeson |
| 2nd | Short Grip | 1 | 7/2 | 28.00 | Patrick Cocoman |
| 3rd | Droopys Zelda | 3 | 12/1 | 28.28 | John A. Linehan |
| 4th | Unmatched | 4 | 16/1 | 28.38 | John A. Linehan |
| 5th | Highview Splash | 5 | 4/1 | 28.63 | Gerry Merriman |
| 6th | Ballinakill Alf | 2 | 5/2 | 28.66 | Graham Holland |
Bar One Racing Irish Laurels, Cork (14 Oct, 525y, €30,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | High Trend | 2 | 8/1 | 28.31 | Graham Holland |
| 2nd | Easy Razzle | 5 | 6/1 | 28.34 | John A. Linehan |
| 3rd | Role Model | 4 | 22/1 | 28.52 | Owen McKenna |
| 4th | Jacktavern Bolt | 1 | 2/1jf | 28.83 | Graham Holland |
| 5th | Carrick Aldo | 6 | 2/1jf | 28.87 | David Murray |
| 6th | Glory Baz | 3 | 4/1 | 28.89 | Graham Holland |
Will We Go Irish St Leger, Limerick (25 Nov, 550y, €30,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Clonbrien Treaty | 6 | 5/4f | 29.51 | Graham Holland |
| 2nd | Swords Rex | 3 | 10/3 | 29.54 | Graham Holland |
| 3rd | Sober Glory | 2 | 4/1 | 29.61 | Karol Ramsbottom |
| 4th | Mr Chelm | 5 | 14/1 | 29.62 | Peter Cronin |
| 5th | Ballinabola Una | 1 | 6/1 | 29.69 | Pat Buckley |
| 6th | Beepers Lariat | 4 | 12/1 | 29.80 | Jack Kennelly |

### Calendar

| Date | Competition | Venue | 1st prize | Winner |
| 15 Jan | Cesarewitch | Central Park | £12,500 | Cochise |
| 20 Jan | Diamond Stakes | Oxford | £10,000 | Mohican Tara |
| 27 Jan | Coral Essex Vase | Romford | £10,000 | Aayamza Magic |
| 27 Jan | BGBF Puppy Cup | Oxford | £10,000 | Watchhall Sid |
| 29 Jan | Stadium Bookmakers Blue Riband | Towcester | £10,000 | Hopes Paddington |
| 16 Feb | Northern Puppy Derby | Newcastle | £12,500 | Links Maverick |
| 18 Feb | Golden Jacket | Crayford | £20,000 | Bellmore Sally |
| 25 Feb | Shelbourne Gold Cup | Shelbourne | €16,000 | Bogger Hunter |
| 4 Mar | Ladbrokes Winter Derby | Monmore | £10,000 | Coolavanny Shado |
| 11 Mar | Greyhound & Petworld Juvenile Classic | Tralee | €11,000 | Ballymac Marino |
| 17 Mar | Coral Golden Sprint | Romford | £10,000 | Droopys Good |
| 17 Mar | Coral Coronation Cup | Romford | £10,000 | Antigua Sugar |
| 18 Mar | Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby | Monmore | £20,000 | Bradys Bullet |
| 20 Mar | BGBF British Breeders Stakes | Nottingham | £12,500 | Romeo Command |
| 24 Mar | Frightful Flash Kennels McCalmont Cup | Kilkenny | €5,000 | Lynchy Boy |
| 26 Mar | RPGTV Irish Cesarewitch | Mullingar | €6,000 | Bobsleigh Dream |
| 29 Mar | Arena Racing Company Kent Plate | Central Park | £12,500 | Fromposttopillar |
| 30 Mar | Arena Racing Company Northern Flat | Newcastle | £12,500 | Brookside Richie |
| 2 Apr | RPGTV Juvenile | Towcester | £5,000 | Arkady |
| 8 Apr | Bresbet Easter Cup | Shelbourne | €25,000 | Swords Rex |
| 15 Apr | Steel City Puppy Derby | Sheffield | £15,000 | Droopys Fidget |
| 15 Apr | Ladbrokes TV Trophy | Crayford | £15,000 | Bellmore Sally |
| 15 Apr | Champion Hurdle | Crayford | £10,000 | Lenson Doolin |
| 21 Apr | Arena Racing Company Grand Prix | Sunderland | £12,500 | Coonough Crew |
| 21 Apr | Con & Annie Kirby Memorial | Limerick | €80,000 | Clonbrien Treaty |
| 22 Apr | bet365 Hunt Cup | Oxford | £10,000 | Havana Lover |
| 23 Apr | KAB Maiden Derby | Towcester | £10,000 | Drive On Lad |
| 29 Apr | Coral Brighton Belle | Hove | £10,000 | Betsys Bullet |
| 29 Apr | TIME Greyhound Nutrition Waterford Select Stakes | Waterford | €10,000 | Clona Duke |
| 29 Apr | Arena Racing Company Laurels | Perry Barr | £12,500 | Hawkfield Ozark |
| 6 May | RPGTV Open | Shelbourne | €15,000 | Ballinabola Ed |
| 7 May | BresBet Gymcrack | Kinsley | £9,000 | Stormy News |
| 27 May | Ladbrokes Kent Vase | Crayford | £1,000 | Beebee Bianco |
| 27 May | Jay & Kay Coach Tours Kent St Leger | Crayford | £10,000 | Low Pressure |
| 30 May | Three Steps to Victory | Sheffield | £10,000 | Distant Emma |
| 11 June | ARC Kent Silver Salver | Central Park | £12,500 | Flashing Willow |
| 16 Jun | Callaway Ramber at Stud Race of Champions | Tralee | €15,000 | Ballinabola Ed |
| 17 Jun | Sporting Press Oaks | Shelbourne | €25,000 | Crafty Shivoo |
| 25 Jun | Thatch Bar & Restaurant National Produce | Clonmel | €20,000 | Burgess Supreme |
| 1 Jul | Star Sports & TRC Events & Leisure English Greyhound Derby | Towcester | £235,000 | Gaytime Nemo |
| 8 Jul | Boylesports Champion Stakes | Shelbourne | €20,000 | Trinity Junior |
| 12 Jul | Time Dundalk International | Dundalk | €20,000 | Raha Mofo |
| 15 Jul | RPGTV Corn Cuchulainn | Shelbourne | €10,500 | Kinturk Road |
| 16 Jul | Centenary Agri Tipperary Cup | Thurles | €7,500 | Pape Di Oro |
| 27 Jul | ARC Angel of the North | Newcastle | £6,000 | Magical Camilla |
| 29 Jul | Pall Mall Stakes | Oxford | £20,000 | Links Maverick |
| 29 Jul | Premier Greyhound Racing Regency | Hove | £20,000 | Space Jet |
| 29 Jul | Coral Springbok | Hove | £5,000 | Droopys Chaser |
| 29 Jul | Coral Sussex Cup | Hove | £10,000 | Candolim Monsson |
| 30 Jul | Juvenile Classic | Towcester | £10,000 | Droopys Clue |
| 15 Aug | Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup | Dundalk | €20,000 | Carrick Aldo |
| 26 Aug | Ladbrokes Guys and Dolls | Crayford | £5,000 | Swift Daisy |
| 26 Aug | Ladbrokes Grand National | Crayford | £10,000 | Coppice Fox |
| 26 Aug | Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic | Monmore | £10,000 | Fromposttopillar |
| 26 Aug | Ladbrokes Gold Cup | Monmore | £10,000 | Links Maverick |
| 28 Aug | JenningsBet Puppy Classic | Nottingham | £12,500 | Glenvale Bill |
| 28 Aug | JenningsBet Select Stakes | Nottingham | £10,000 | Clona Duke |
| 2 Sep | Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby | Shelbourne | €125,000 | The Other Kobe |
| 20 Sep | Click Competitions East Anglian Derby | Yarmouth | £15,000 | Watch The Limo |
| 21 Sep | 77th Produce Stakes | Swindon | £13,000 | Queen Joni |
| 23 Sep | M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup | Perry Barr | £12,500 | Brookside Richie |
| 23 Sep | Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger | Perry Barr | £20,000 | Droopys Clue |
| 24 Sep | Empress Stakes | Towcester | £10,000 | Crafty Shivoo |
| 29 Sep | Coral Romford Puppy Cup | Romford | £10,000 | Romeo Crusade |
| 30 Sep | Time Greyhound Nutrition Juvenile Derby | Shelbourne | €25,000 | Droopys Flytline |
| 14 Oct | Bar One Racing Irish Laurels | Cork | €30,000 | High Trend |
| 17 Oct | BresBet Steel City Cup | Sheffield | £8,000 | Swift Iconic |
| 20 Oct | Premier Greyhound Racing Champion Stakes | Romford | £20,000 | Hollow Man |
| 27 Oct | Cowley Puppy Collar | Oxford | £10,000 | Long Fellow |
| 28 Oct | ARC Scurry Gold Cup | Perry Barr | £6,000 | Quarteira |
| 28 Oct | Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks | Perry Barr | £20,000 | No Rush |
| 29 Oct | Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby | Central Park | £20,000 | Churchfield Syd |
| 17 Nov | ARC Classic | Sunderland | £12,500 | Jonny Whiskers |
| 25 Nov | Ladbrokes Gold Collar | Crayford | £10,000 | Laughil Jess |
| 25 Nov | Kent Rosebowl | Crayford | £1,000 | Oh Cosmopolitan |
| 25 Nov | Yorkshire St Leger | Doncaster | £3,000 | Fabulous Dyna |
| 25 Nov | Willwego Irish St Leger | Limerick | €30,000 | Clonbrien Treaty |
| 26 Nov | RPGTV Puppy Derby | Towcester | £10,000 | King Memphis |
| 27 Nov | Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse | Nottingham | £20,000 | Newinn Syd |
| 17 Dec | bet365 Puppy Oaks | Towcester | £10,000 | Queen Dusty |
| 19 Dec | British Bred Breeders Forum Derby | Sheffield | £10,000 | Queen Joni |
| 22 Dec | bet365 Challenge Cup | Oxford | £10,000 | Havana Top Note |
| 23 Dec | George Curtis/Ballyregan Bob Memorial | Hove | £10,000 | Droopys Clue |
| 23 Dec | Coral Olympic | Hove | £10,000 | King Memphis |
| 26 Dec | ARC National Sprint | Nottingham | £6,000 | Bombout Bullet |
| 28 Dec | Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup | Newcastle | £20,000 | Swift Silly |