Following the launch of the Keep Welfare On Track campaign to protect the long-term future of greyhound welfare, we thought it was time to shine a light on the many interesting parts of the sport and the canine athletes at its heart
Here are 10 brilliant facts about greyhound racing that you might not have known before:
1 – Greyhounds are one of the most ancient breeds of dog
Firm evidence of humans and greyhounds living side by side dates back to the 9th century, after archaeologists discovered remains of a greyhound within the now Czech Republic, and confirmed it as such with genetic testing.
However, it is believed that greyhounds were coveted by nobles and kings throughout history. Although not confirmed, evidence of greyhound-like dogs dates back as far as 4,000 BC!
2 – Greyhound racing has been part of British culture since 1926
The first greyhound race around an oval track took place at the former Belle Vue Stadium in Manchester in July 1926, with a greyhound called Mistley winning over a 440-yard race.
Since then, greyhound racing has been a fixture for many in the UK, with people of all ages enjoying events across the country
3 – Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog
Greyhounds’ flexible spine, powerful legs and lean build enables them to reach top speeds of around 40 mph during races, with speeds of 47mph not unheard of for the fastest dogs!
No other breed of dog can match the greyhound for pure speed. This trait was positively chosen in the breed in its historic role as a sighthound – using its eyesight to spot and quickly chase down prey.
4 – The greyhound racing industry employs more than 7,000 people in the UK
Our sport employs a great number of people, including professional greyhound trainers and their staff vets and breeders, as well as the staff that work at racecourses around the country.
Greyhound racing support many people’s livelihoods and plays a key role in many local economies.
5 – Greyhound racing contributes around £166 million of economic benefits
A recent report showed that when direct and indirect added value from the sport – such as racing profits, employee spend, and tax – were combined, the total contribution of greyhound racing to the economy totalled £166 million!
This impact is spread across the country, with much of the activity being driven by greyhound trainers, racecourses and punters based outside of London.
6 – Vets are trackside for every single event to look after greyhound welfare
A veterinary surgeon is always on hand to care for greyhounds both before and after a race to ensure they are in the best possible shape.
If a vet inspects a greyhound before a race and isn’t satisfied, that greyhound will be rested and will not be allowed to race until a full recovery is made. After a race, all greyhounds are checked by vets to make sure any possible injuries, however minor, are picked up quickly and treated immediately
7 – Greyhounds love to run – and to chill!
Greyhounds instinctively love to chase and run at full speed. As a sighthound, they were bred to spot and chase down prey, a trait which has stayed with the breed.
That’s why racing greyhounds chase the lure as quickly as they do during a race. It functions as a dummy animal that they may have chased for their masters many years ago.
But once their short burst of high speed is over, greyhounds love nothing more than to lie down and relax, often on the lap of their beloved owners!
8 – Racing greyhounds have a relatively short career before retiring to a loving home
Just like human athletes, greyhounds tend to peak in performance during the earlier stage of their lives. By around the ages of four to six, it’s time for them to retire and find a permanent loving home.
The GBGB’s Greyhound Retirement Scheme helps to ensure the costs of looking after a retired greyhound before a home is found are met. The scheme has already helped more than 3,000 dogs stay healthy and looked after before finding a home to retire to.
9 – Greyhound racing forms a big part of bookmakers’ takings
The betting industry receives a significant portion of turnover from punters betting on greyhound racing, with around £1.5bn wagered on races in 2022 alone.
Much like horse racing, bets on greyhound racing can be placed by punters at the track itself, or online through betting companies.
10 – Bookmakers do not have to pay back directly into the sport
Currently, bookmakers can choose to pay a voluntary levy of 0.6 per cent of their turnover back into the industry, which helps fund key welfare initiatives for the dogs.
However, not all choose to do so, and revenue via the voluntary levy has dropped in recent years. GBGB is calling for a statutory levy through its Keep Welfare On Track campaign so that all bookmakers pay their fair share and that the long-term welfare of racing greyhounds is safeguarded.
You can show your support for the Keep Welfare On Track Campaign by signing our petition to force a debate on the issue in Parliament.
