British Greyhounds
The greyhound racing industry in the United States (US) has been declining for the past few years resulting in fewer dogs being bred, raced and eventually available for adoption upon retirement. This decline was hastened by 2018 legislation to end greyhound racing in the state of Florida. This has resulted in even fewer retired racers being available for adoption throughout the U.S. and Canada. Greyhound breeding and racing continues today Internationally. However, there are not enough homes available for retired greyhound racers in Ireland, Australia & Britain, so it is only logical to find them homes in North America
HISTORY OF GREYHOUND RACING IN GREAT BRITAIN
Greyhound racing in Great Britain has a long and fascinating history, dating back centuries to the sport of coursing and, more recently, to organized track racing.
From Coursing to Track Racing
Modern greyhound racing evolved from coursing, a form of hunting in which dogs pursued live game, most commonly hares.
The first official coursing meeting is generally recognized as having taken place in 1776 at Swaffham in Norfolk. The rules of the Swaffham Coursing Society, established by Lord Orford, specified that two greyhounds would course a single live hare.
Coursing became increasingly popular throughout Britain and developed into a major sporting activity. Large numbers of spectators attended coursing events, and hundreds of coursing venues operated throughout the country.
The Introduction of Track Racing
The form of greyhound racing that we recognize today was introduced to Britain in 1926.
American businessman Charles Munn, working with Major Lyne-Dixson, a prominent figure in the coursing world, introduced the oval racing track and the mechanically operated artificial hare to Britain.
The first British greyhound racing meeting using an electrically operated artificial hare was held at Belle Vue Stadium in Manchester in 1926.
Unlike traditional coursing, where greyhounds chased a live hare across open countryside, track racing allowed several greyhounds to compete against one another while pursuing a mechanical lure around an oval track.
The new sport quickly became popular and spread from Manchester to other major cities, including Liverpool and London.
By the mid-1930s, greyhound racing had become Britain’s third-largest commercial leisure activity, attracting enormous crowds.
During the 1940s, Britain had as many as 77 licensed greyhound tracks, in addition to more than 200 independent tracks.
GREYHOUND RACING TODAY
Today, greyhound racing in Great Britain is divided into two main sectors:
1. Registered Racing
Registered greyhound racing is regulated by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB).
The GBGB oversees the licensed racing sector and establishes rules relating to racing, welfare, integrity, kennels, racecourses, trainers, and the retirement of greyhounds.
The registered sector has also been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) since 2010. UKAS is the UK’s national accreditation body and assesses organizations that provide certification, testing, inspection, calibration, validation, and verification services.
All participants within the registered sector are required to comply with the GBGB Rules of Racing and the directions of the Stewards.
The licensed sector includes racecourses, trainers, kennel staff, racecourse officials, and thousands of registered owners. Thousands of greyhounds are registered for racing each year.
2. Independent Racing — “Flapping”
Independent racing, commonly known as “flapping,” operates outside the GBGB-registered racing system.
Independent racing does not have the same centralized registration, licensing, or governing structure as the registered sector. Welfare and operational standards are instead the responsibility of the individual track operators and, where applicable, local authorities.
The Difference Between Licensed Racing and Flapping
The primary difference between the two sectors is regulation and oversight.
Licensed racing operates under the rules and standards established by the GBGB, while independent racing operates outside that centralized governing structure.
This means that responsibility for matters such as track conditions, racing operations, and the welfare and health of the greyhounds at independent tracks rests primarily with the individual organizers and applicable local authorities.
GREYHOUNDS IN GREAT BRITAIN
The Greyhound is a distinctive and easily recognizable breed. Although Greyhounds are well known throughout Britain, they represent only a small percentage of the country’s overall dog population.
Information from the Royal Veterinary College has indicated that Greyhounds make up approximately 0.6% of the UK dog population — roughly one dog in every 200.
Despite their relatively small numbers, Greyhounds have played an important role in Britain’s sporting history for generations.
DID YOU KNOW?
A Large Number of Racing Greyhounds in Britain Come From Ireland
Approximately 80% of Greyhounds residing in the UK were reportedly born and raised in Ireland.
Once they are ready to begin their racing careers, many travel from Ireland to Great Britain to compete.
For these Greyhounds, racing in Britain can become another stage in their lives before they eventually leave the racing industry.
For many, retirement marks the beginning of an entirely different chapter — one that can include a life as a companion dog and, ultimately, a loving forever home.
FROM THE TRACK TO RETIREMENT
Behind every racing Greyhound is an individual dog with its own personality, needs, and future.
When their racing careers come to an end, Greyhounds need safe and supportive pathways into retirement. This is where adoption organizations, foster families, adopters, and volunteers play an important role.
Every Greyhound deserves the opportunity to discover life beyond the track.