# 2022 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year

The 2022 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year was the 97th year of greyhound racing in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

## Summary

The year started well for the industry when Kevin Boothby's Suffolk Downs was granted a Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) licence. The first trial session took place on 12 January and the first meeting was held on 8 February 2022, with the primary race distance being 388 metres.
A parliamentary debate took place on the 28 March discussing a petition presented by Welsh Labour MP Christina Rees to abolish greyhound racing in Wales. The anonymous petitioner referred largely to the Valley Greyhound Stadium (not affiliated to the GBGB) and a stray and abandoned dogs centre called Hope Rescue (both in Wales). Parliament voted for no further action.
Mark Wallis won his fourth Trainers Championship (marketed as Judgement Night), which was held at Monmore Green. He would go on to win the Greyhound Trainer of the Year for a 13th time.
The major open race circuit saw a significant increment in prize money levels. Premier Greyhound Racing (the collaboration between the Arena Racing Company and Entain increased the winning prize of two original classics, the St Leger and Oaks to £20,000. Additionally, the Golden Jacket, Champion Stakes, Regency and Eclipse also offered a £20,000 first prize. Towcester continued to hold events with a £10,000 winner's prize. The addition of the new category 1 competitions resulted in the GBGB changing the rules in relation to the number of rounds held. The new ruling (from 2023) would see category 1 events, except the classics, held over three rounds instead of four.
The industry was split on the new GBGB rule that stated a greyhound not to run more than once in a four day period (this included trials). This upset many of the leading figures within the industry who argued that trainers were in the best position to establish when a greyhound should race or trial. The rule was seen by some as an appeasement to welfare groups but others argued that it was a way to eliminate any excessive racing demands of a greyhound.
Oxford Stadium reopened after a ten year absence, the track saw a capacity attendance for the meeting held on 2 September. The reopening of one of the sports most popular tracks was another boost for the industry. Just ten days later at the track, during the sales trials on 13 September the British sales record for a greyhound was broken when Drumcrow Mini was sold for £16,300. However, Oxford still remained in the ownership of a property developer and was only operated on a lease.
On 27 September 2022, the RSPCA, Blue Cross and the Dogs Trust jointly called for a ban to racing as soon as possible, proposing phasing out the activity over a period of five years. In response the GBGB CEO Mark Bird, stated that "It is ludicrous that the agenda of animal rights extremists are being given credence within these charities" and "quoting data that is inaccurate and making claims that do not stand up to challenge" and that animal rights extremists were being given credence within charities.

## Roll of honour

Major Winners :
| Award | Name of Winner |
| 2022 English Greyhound Derby | Romeo Magico |
| 2022 Irish Greyhound Derby | Born Warrior |
| Greyhound Trainer of the Year | Mark Wallis |
| UK Greyhound of the Year | Coolavanny Aunty |
| Irish Greyhound of the Year | Born Warrior |
Premier Greyhound Racing Trainers Championship, Monmore (30 Apr) :
| Pos | Name of Trainer | Points |
| 1st | Mark Wallis | 52 |
| 2nd | Patrick Janssens | 45 |
| 3rd | Kevin Hutton | 42 |
| 4th | Angela Harrison | 35 |
| 5th | David Mullins | 26 |
| 6th | Ricky Holloway | 11 |

## Competitions
### United Kingdom

The St Leger champion Space Jet continued her fine form from 2021, when winning the prestigious Coral TV Trophy at Brighton in April. Coolavanny Aunty claimed a significant double when winning the Essex Vase and Grand Prix, as did Signet Denver who took the Laurels and Produce Stakes.

### Ireland

The 2021 Irish Greyhound Derby champion Susie Sapphire impressed again when winning the Easter Cup, she started at odds of 1/3 for the final (the shortest price in the modern era).

### Principal UK finals

Premier Greyhound Racing Golden Jacket, Crayford (19 Feb, 714m, £20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Bellmore Sally | 4 | 5/4f | 44.81 | James Fenwick |
| 2nd | Droopys Senorita | 5 | 18/1 | 45.23 | Claude Gardiner |
| 3rd | Warzone Tom | 3 | 15/8 | 45.61 | Liz McNair |
| 4th | Piercestown Dove | 2 | 6/1 | 45.67 | Derek Knight |
| 5th | Burgess Hannah | 6 | 25/1 | 45.68 | Anthony Gifkins |
| 6th | Antigua Lava | 1 | 6/1 | 45.74 | Mark Wallis |
Coral TV Trophy, Brighton (9 April, 955m, £15,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Space Jet | 4 | 4/9f | 58.86 | Matt Dartnall |
| 2nd | Blueberry Bullet | 1 | 11/4 | 59.17 | Mark Wallis |
| 3rd | Droopys Senorita | 6 | 40/1 | 59.79 | Claude Gardiner |
| 4th | Bockos Brandy | 2 | 14/1 | 59.89 | Patrick Janssens |
| 5th | Aayamza Royale | 5 | 14/1 | 59.98 | Mark Wallis |
| 6th | Antigua Lava | 3 | | N/R | Mark Wallis |
Arena Racing Company Laurels, Perry Barr (28 Apr, 480m, £10,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Signet Denver | 1 | 11/4 | 28.14 | Kevin Hutton |
| 2nd | Chelms Yes | 3 | 14/1 | 28.28 | John Mullins |
| 3rd | Lautaro | 5 | 9/4f | 28.30 | Patrick Janssens |
| 4th | Headford Flash | 6 | 9/1 | 28.64 | Kevin Hutton |
| 5th | Aussie Captain | 2 | 9/2 | 28.65 | Patrick Janssens |
| 6th | Trionas Travel | 4 | 5/2 | 28.95 | Ernest Skeech |
Premier Greyhound Racing Regency, Brighton (30 Jul, 695m, £20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Troy Suzieeq | 5 | 28/1 | 42.14 | David Mullins |
| 2nd | Bombardier | 2 | 2/1jf | 42.19 | Mark Wallis |
| 3rd | Callmesteve | 6 | 2/1jf | 42.24 | John Mullins |
| 4th | Chelms Club | 4 | 7/2 | 42.50 | Jason Heath |
| 5th | Baggios Champ | 1 | 3/1 | 42.52 | Frank Bryce |
| 6th | Russian Sammy | 3 | 50/1 | 42.88 | David Elcock |
Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger, Perry Barr (29 Sep, 710m, £20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Havana Lover | 5 | 11/10f | 43.10 | Liz McNair |
| 2nd | Savana Volcano | 6 | 4/1 | 43.18 | Diane Henry |
| 3rd | Savana Ruinart | 3 | 3/1 | 43.20 | Diane Henry |
| 4th | Chelms Cub | 1 | 18/1 | 43.36 | Jason Heath |
| 5th | Droopys Jungle | 4 | 11/1 | 43.62 | Matt Dartnall |
| 6th | Cochise | 2 | 6/1 | 43.72 | Richard Rees |
Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks, Perry Barr (27 Oct, 480m, £20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Slick Sakina | 5 | 11/8f | 27.85 (TR) | Patrick Janssens |
| 2nd | Bonjour Bullet | 4 | 20/1 | 28.21 | Belinda Green |
| 3rd | Distant Emma | 6 | 10/3 | 28.23 | Barrie Draper |
| 4th | Westwell Emer | 1 | 9/1 | 28.59 | Kevin Hutton |
| 5th | Global Prima | 3 | 9/1 | 28.79 | Patrick Janssens |
| 6th | Fabulous Azurra | 2 | 9/4 | 28.87 | Patrick Janssens |
Ladbrokes Cesarewitch, Crayford (26 Nov, 874m, £10,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Savana Volcano | 5 | 2/1f | 56.04 | Diane Henry |
| 2nd | Beach Babe | 6 | 14/1 | 56.44 | Tom Levers |
| 3rd | Blueberry Bullet | 2 | 5/2 | 56.72 | Mark Wallis |
| 4th | Savana Regera | 4 | 14/1 | 56.78 | Diane Henry |
| 5th | Antiqua Lava | 1 | 5/2 | 56.84 | Mark Wallis |
| 6th | Kilshannig Marie | 3 | 6/1 | 56.96 | Julie Luckhurst |

### Principal Irish finals

Bresbet Easter Cup, Shelbourne (19 Mar, 550y, €25,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Susie Sapphire | 1 | 1/3f | 29.48 | Owen McKenna |
| 2nd | Beach Avenue | 6 | 14/1 | 29.79 | Paul Hennessy |
| 3rd | Priceless Jet | 5 | 16/1 | 30.00 | Paul Hennessy |
| 4th | Darbys Delight | 4 | 33/1 | 30.21 | Neilus O'Connell |
| 5th | Knight Tornado | 2 | 9/1 | 30.27 | Graham Holland |
| 6th | Romeo Magico | 3 | 9/2 | 30.41 | Graham Holland |
Con & Annie Kirby Memorial, Limerick (22 Apr, 525y, €80,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Swords Rex | 1 | 9/4f | 28.27 | Graham Holland |
| 2nd | Magical Kuba | 6 | 11/2 | 28.58 | Patrick Guilfoyle |
| 3rd | Kildare | 4 | 7/2 | 28.69 | Peter Cronin |
| 4th | Ballinabola Ed | 5 | 5/2 | 28.72 | Pat Buckley |
| 5th | Droopys Edison | 3 | 6/1 | 28.73 | Robert G. Gleeson |
| 6th | Scooby Prince | 2 | 14/1 | 28.87 | Jennifer O'Donnell |
Larry O'Rourke National Produce, Clonmel (5 Jun, 525y, €17,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Gaston Pecas | 1 | 6/1 | 28.36 | Pat Buckley |
| 2nd | Serene Tiger | 5 | 10/1 | 28.39 | Michael J O'Donovan |
| 3rd | Newinn Homer | 2 | 4/1 | 28.78 | Graham Holland |
| 4th | Sunshine Dream | 4 | 10/1 | 28.88 | Brendan Maunsell |
| 5th | Swords Rex | 3 | 2/5f | 29.23 | Graham Holland |
| 6th | Radical Hero | 6 | 8/1 | 29.72 | Thomas O'Donovan |
Sporting Press Oaks, Shelbourne Park (18 Jun, 525y, €25,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Raha Mofo | 3 | 3/1 | 28.14 | Martin 'Murt' Leahy |
| 2nd | Scooby Duchess | 1 | 11/10f | 28.17 | Jennifer O'Donnell |
| 3rd | Droopys Nextone | 5 | 3/1 | 28.28 | John A.Linehan |
| 4th | Ballymac Art | 2 | 8/1 | 28.56 | Liam Dowling |
| 5th | Ballymac Miranda | 4 | 20/1 | 28.58 | Kieran Lynch |
| 6th | Tullovin Vita | 6 | 20/1 | 28.86 | James Wade |
Dundalk International, Dundalk (12 Jul, 550y, €20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Explosive Boy | 2 | - | 29.68 | Patrick Guilfoyle |
| 2nd | Singalong Sally | 4 | - | 29.77 | Pat Buckley |
| 3rd | Good Cody | 1 | - | 29.94 | Patrick Guilfoyle |
| 4th | Raha Mofo | 6 | - | 30.05 | Martin 'Murt' Leahy |
| 5th | Gaston Pecas | 3 | - | 30.17 | Pat Buckley |
| 6th | Ballymac Fairone | 5 | - | 30.40 | Liam Dowling |
Boylesports Champion Stakes, Shelbourne Park (30 Jul, 550y, €20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | One Time Only | 1 | 3/1 | 29.67 | Thomas O'Donovan |
| 2nd | Twoinarow | 2 | 9/2 | 29.77 | Pat Kiely |
| 3rd | Sentimental Lad | 6 | 9/4f | 29.83 | Eimear Heeney |
| 4th | Droopys Nice One | 4 | 8/1 | 29.97 | Martin 'Murt' Leahy |
| 5th | Beach Avenue | 3 | 12/1 | 30.04 | Paul Hennessy |
| 6th | Bockos Budsit | 5 | 3/1 | 30.25 | Graham Holland |
Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup, Dundalk (15 Aug, 400y, €20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Hawkfield Ozark | 3 | - | 20.89 | Keeley McGee |
| 2nd | Serene Ace | 2 | - | 21.05 | Michael J O'Donovan |
| 3rd | Flashing Willow | 6 | - | 21.10 | Pat Buckley |
| 4th | Runninta Shay | 1 | - | 21.22 | John A Linehan |
| 5th | Westside Frank | 4 | - | 21.47 | Martin Lanney |
| 6th | Manuone | 5 | - | 21.54 | Tony Maxwell |
SIS Juvenile Derby, Shelbourne Park (22 Oct, 525y, €20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Clona Duke | 4 | 20/1 | 28.23 | Graham Holland |
| 2nd | Droopys Got It | 2 | 11/10f | 28.58 | Ian Reilly |
| 3rd | Three Canons | 3 | 14/1 | 28.75 | Patrick Norris |
| 4th | Bogger Hunter | 1 | 5/1 | 29.00 | Liam Peacock |
| 5th | Trinity Junior | 5 | 9/2 | 29.07 | Peter Cronin |
| 6th | Another Holiday | 6 | 7/2 | 29.14 | Michael J O'Donovan |
Irish Laurels, Cork (5 Nov, 525y, €30,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Good Cody | 2 | 5/1 | 28.20 | Patrick Guilfoyle |
| 2nd | Ballymac Whispa | 1 | 5/2 | 28.25 | Liam Dowling |
| 3rd | Swords Rex | 6 | 9/4f | 28.26 | Graham Holland |
| 4th | Serene Ace | 3 | 7/2 | 28.37 | Michael J O'Donovan |
| 5th | Droopys Edison | 4 | 7/1 | 28.47 | Robert Gleeson |
| 6th | Galloping Sydney | 5 | 16/1 | 28.93 | Graham Holland |
Matchbook Irish St Leger, Limerick (18 Dec, 550y, €30,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trap | SP | Time | Trainer |
| 1st | Bobsleigh Dream | 1 | 11/8f | 29.84 | Pat Buckley |
| 2nd | Mustang Jet | 6 | 6/1 | 29.89 | Dolores Ruth |
| 3rd | Romeo Magico | 4 | 11/4 | 30.42 | Graham Holland |
| 4th | Wi Can Dream | 2 | 6/1 | 30.47 | Patrick Guilfoyle |
| 5th | Trinity Junior | 3 | 11/1 | 30.48 | Peter Cronin |
| 6th | Annagh Bailey | 5 | 8/1 | 30.58 | Rachel Wheeler |

### UK Category 1 & 2 competitions

| Competition | Date | Venue | Winning Greyhound |
| Coral Essex Vase | 28 Jan | Romford | Coolavanny Aunty |
| Premarket Pets Blue Riband | 30 Jan | Towcester | Ivy Hill Skyhigh |
| ARC Northern Puppy Derby | 15 Feb | Newcastle | Freedom Alibi |
| Ladbrokes Winter Derby | 26 Feb | Monmore | Burnchurch Mick |
| Northamptonshire Sprint | 27 Feb | Towcester | Crossfield Dusty |
| Coral Golden Sprint | 18 Mar | Romford | Rail Mccoy |
| Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby | 19 Mar | Monmore | Deelish Frankie |
| BGBF British Breeders Stakes | 21 Mar | Nottingham | Signet Otis |
| George Ing St Leger | 26 Mar | Yarmouth | Blueberry Bullet |
| Arena Racing Company Northern Flat | 29 Mar | Newcastle | Jaguar Macie |
| RPGTV Juvenile | 3 Apr | Towcester | Bubbly Apache |
| Arena Racing Company Springbok | 4 Apr | Central Park | Lenson Doolin |
| ARC Silver Salver | 4 Apr | Central Park | Tintreach Jet |
| Coral Brighton Belle | 9 Apr | Hove | Whats Up Eva |
| Arena Racing Company Grand Prix | 21 Apr | Sunderland | Coolavanny Aunty |
| Matchbook Betting Maiden Derby | 1 May | Towcester | Hellofakerfuffle |
| Jay & Kay Kent St Leger | 21 May | Crayford | Rising Coco |
| Ladbrokes Guys and Dolls | 21 May | Crayford | Icaals Rocco |
| Ladbrokes Kent Vase | 21 May | Crayford | Bandicoot Sammy |
| BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby | 31 May | Newcastle | Witton Razl |
| Coral Coronation Cup | 10 June | Romford | Baby Bullet |
| RPGTV Derby Plate | 25 June | Towcester | Chelms Switch |
| ARC Puppy Cup | 30 Jun | Sunderland | Biscuit Billy |
| ARC Angel of the North | 26 Jul | Newcastle | Crystal Alice |
| Coral Sussex Cup | 30 Jul | Hove | Ninja Kerry |
| Stadium Bookmakers Juvenile Classic | 7 Aug | Towcester | Antigua Sugar |
| Ladbrokes Gold Cup | 27 Aug | Monmore | Move Over Cha |
| Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic | 27 Aug | Monmore | Warzone Tom |
| JenningsBet Puppy Classic | 29 Aug | Nottingham | Distant Podge |
| JenningsBet Select Stakes | 29 Aug | Nottingham | Brookside Richie |
| BresBet East Anglian Derby | 14 Sep | Yarmouth | Hopes Paddington |
| 76th Produce Stakes | 25 Sep | Swindon | Signet Denver |
| Bet365 Empress Stakes | 25 Sep | Towcester | Fabulous Azurra |
| ARC Champion Hurdle | 25 Sep | Central Park | Borna Rhythm |
| M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup | 29 Sep | Perry Barr | Ivanexile |
| Coral Romford Puppy Cup | 30 Sep | Romford | Romeo Hotshot |
| BresBet Steel City Cup | 15 Oct | Sheffield | Signet Goofy |
| Premier Greyhound Racing Champion Stakes | 21 Oct | Romford | Warzone Tom |
| Stadium Bookmakers Hunt Cup | 23 Oct | Towcester | Chelms Cub |
| ARC Scurry Gold Cup | 27 Oct | Perry Barr | Gougane Jet |
| RPGTV Cowley Puppy Collar | 28 Oct | Oxford | Fromposttopillar |
| Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby | 30 Oct | Central Park | Arkady |
| Gain Nutrition 3 Steps to Victory | 1 Nov | Sheffield | Coolavanny Aunty |
| ARC Classic | 17 Nov | Sunderland | Move Over Cha |
| Gain Nutrition Sovereign Stakes | 20 Nov | Towcester | Ballymac Slapup |
| Gain Nutrition Maiden Vase | 25 Nov | Oxford | Outdoor Ice |
| Gain Nutrition Oxfordshire Gold Cup | 25 Nov | Oxford | Swift Iconic |
| Ladbrokes Gold Collar | 26 Nov | Crayford | Savana Ruinart |
| Ladbrokes Kent Rosebowl | 26 Nov | Crayford | Adeles Duke |
| Ladbrokes Grand National | 26 Nov | Crayford | Bobbing Gnavatar |
| Bet365 Puppy Oaks | 27 Nov | Towcester | Minnie Bullet |
| Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse | 5 Dec | Nottingham | Slick Sakina |
| Coral Olympic | 17 Dec | Hove | Fromposttopillar |
| George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial | 17 Dec | Hove | Clongeel Ozzie |
| ARC National Sprint | 19 Dec | Nottingham | Gougane Jet |
| British Bred Derby | 20 Dec | Sheffield | Fabulous Azurra |
| Bet365 Challenge Cup | 23 Dec | Oxford | Chelms Cub |
| ARC All England Cup | 27 Dec | Newcastle | Mickys Barrett |
| RPGTV Puppy Derby | 2 Jan+ | Towcester | n/a |
+ delayed and then cancelled

### Irish feature competitions

| Competition | Date | Venue | Winning Greyhound |
| RCETS Gold Cup | 5 Feb | Shelbourne Park | Skywalker Barry |
| Greyhound & Petworld Juvenile Classic | 11 Mar | Tralee | Wi Can Dream |
| Ballymac Anton at Stud McCalmont Cup | 25 Mar | Kilkenny | Zoom |
| Waterford Select Stakes | 3 Apr | Waterford | Explosive Boy |
| Shelbourne 600 | 9 Apr | Shelbourne Park | Fast Fit Paddy |
| RPGTV Irish Cesarewitch | 15 May | Mullingar | Magical Mary |
| Callaway Ramber at Stud Race of Champions | 17 Jun | Tralee | Bockos Budsit |
| Champion 550 | 9 Jul | Shelbourne Park | Vincenzo |
| Corn Cuchulainn | 16 Jul | Shelbourne Park | Crafty Kokoro |
| Centenary Agri Tipperary Cup | 6 Aug | Thurles | Bobsleigh Dream |