The English Greyhound Derby: A Spectacle of Speed & Excitement

Join us at Towcester Racecourse to experience the thrill, witness the incredible greyhounds in action, and enjoy an unforgettable time.

The Derby Festival is the crown jewel of British greyhound racing and promises top-class racing, an unbeatable atmosphere, and a premium customer experience.

With live music after every meeting, the entertainment continues well into the night.

Two flagship hospitality venues are available at Towcester Racecourse which offer superb views of the race track and surrounding countryside from the terrace; Empress Restaurant and Hospitality Box

The English Greyhound Derby dates back to 1927, originally held at White City Stadium in London, it found a new home at Towcester Racecourse in 2021.

The Derby Festival spans nine dates over five weeks in May and June, culminating in the grand final on June 14, 2025, where the champion will be crowned. A total of 192 greyhounds from across the UK and Ireland will gather at Towcester, creating an unparalleled spectacle of racing. This event is a unique social and sporting occasion, celebrating some of the world’s finest canine athletes.

Greyhound Derby Festival Events

There are several special themed meetings, including a Ladies Day, Student Day, and Charity Fundraising Day. Check out the festival events calendar to plan your visit:

Thurs 8th, Fri 9th and Sat 10th May: Round 1: A feast of top quality racing from the best greyhounds from both sides of the Irish Sea. 192 greyhounds in 32 races over three nights.

Fri 16th and Sat 17th May: Round 2: 96 greyhounds taking part in 16 races over two nights. This is where the dream starts for many as the field is halved once again.

Sat 24th May: Round 3 - Ladies Day: The place to be seen and show off your finest outfits! The first night that all 48 greyhounds left in the competition race on the same card and is regarded as one of the finest nights’ racing in the greyhound calendar.

Sat 31st May: Quarter Finals: The final 24 greyhounds race across four quarter finals with the canine stars battling it out in an evening packed full of supporting competitions over a variety of distances including sprints and marathon races.

Sat 7th June: Semi-Finals: With only 12 greyhounds remaining, expect a night of high emotion when the drama unfolds to see who gets through to the final and who fails at the final hurdle.

Sat 14th June: Family Fun Day and Final: A fitting finale as The StarSports English Greyhound Derby Final takes centre stage, the most prestigious, valuable and competitive race in the world. With unrivalled entertainment for all the family, concert performances by some big stars, this is an unmissable event for all the family.

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Exclusive Discount

Matt Chapman – the voice of ITV Racing, Sky Sports Racing, and Dancing on Ice – is calling all greyhound racing fans to experience the magic of the 2025 Greyhound Derby at Towcester! With legendary names like Rapid Ranger and Westmead Hawk in his heart, Matt wants you to be part of this year’s thrilling journey.

🎟️ Use code CHAPPERS20 at Greyhound Racing UK to get 20% off tickets!
🔥 First 192 entries go into a prize draw – win big if your dog wins the final!

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Family Fun Day and Final - Saturday 14 June

10:00am Gates Open with free goodie bags for the first 200 families, a live DJ playing kid-friendly tunes, roaming entertainers: stilt walkers, balloon artists

10:30am - 2.30pm Noon Fun Zone: Face Painting & Glitter Tattoos, Bouncy Castle Village (All ages welcome!), Greyhound Meet & Greet, Mini Carousel & Funfair Rides, Arts & Crafts Tent, Kids' Obstacle Course

12:30pm Greyhound Pup Parade (Main Lawn)

1:00pm Lunch & Chill - Family Picnic Area with shaded seating, Street Food

1:30pm Storytime with a Trainer (Kids Tent)

3:00pm Junior Races (Mini Track) Kids 4–10 can try sprinting like greyhounds

4:00pm Derby Grand Final Countdown Activities, Face flags & derby hat decorating

5:00pm English Greyhound Derby Grand Final (Main Viewing Area)

9:30pm Closing Celebrations, raffle draw and last chance rides and photos