2026 English Greyhound Derby venue announced
Bids from Dunstall Park and Towcester were tendered for the right to host the 2026 English Greyhound Derby, with the GBGB announcing their venue of choice this evening.
The 2026 English Greyhound Derby goes to......
Towcester is to remain home of the English Greyhound Derby in 2026.
A statement from the GBGB says: “The Greyhound Board of Great Britain is pleased to announce that, following consideration from a panel* of greyhound owners, trainers, racecourse promoters and other stakeholders, it has awarded the 2026 English Greyhound Derby contract to Towcester Racecourse.
“Towcester which has hosted the Derby for seven of the past 10 years, recently changed ownership necessitating the bid process for 2026.”
The 2026 Star Sports & Orchestrate English Greyhound Derby Final will take place on Saturday, June 6, and will be worth £125,000 to the winner from the £175,000 connections of Droopys Plunge took home as winner of this year’s Classic.
The new race title reflects the recent change in ownership of the lease with the Hesketh family from Kevin Boothby to Orchestrate Ltd.
Towcester Racecourse has been the home of the English Greyhound Derby since 2021, having previously hosted the event from 2017 to 2019.
Richard Thomas, CEO at Towcester Racecourse said: “We are thrilled the English Greyhound Derby is staying right where it belongs. “We’re the best track in the UK in terms of facilities and are working hard to make thisvenue a home that everyone in greyhound racing can be proud of.”
Mike Davis, chairman of Towcester Racecourse, added: “After taking over the promotion of the Derby and hospitality of the venue just weeks before the start of the competition, we put on a show to remember.
“Now, with time on our side, we can look forward to building on that success and giving our spectators another memorable Derby experience, while ensuring the greyhounds who race here receive the very best care and attention.
“We are delighted that the Greyhound Derby has found its home at Towcester Racecourse and we thank the GBGB for their support,” Davis added.
Ben Keith, owner of Star Sports said: “I’m thrilled that the Derby is returning to Towcester for the sixth consecutive year. “The event has grown year-on-year and I’m immensely proud to once again sponsor the most iconic and prestigious competition in the greyhound racing calendar.
“I know that Mike Davis and his team will ensure it’s even bigger and better in 2026.”
Mark Moisley, commercial director for the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, said: “We are pleased to announce Towcester as the venue for the 2026 English Greyhound Derby today and thank all those involved in the Derby Panel for their time in considering this decision.
“Towcester has been an exciting and successful Derby venue over the years, drawing in the highest standard of racers from across the UK and Ireland as well as hosting excellent crowds and offering a range of events and attractions throughout the competition.
“Next year’s event will start on Thursday, April 30, with the final taking place on Saturday, June 6.
“We are grateful to Dunstall Park for also submitting a strong proposal. Whilst both tracks are worthy venues, given one is under new ownership and the other a new track, the panel felt the correct course of action was to award the contract for one year only with a review planned for June of next year.”
*The Derby panel consisted of: Peter Cadman (Chair, GBGB independent board director), Katie Bennison (Harlow and Valley promoter and GBGB board director), Kim Billingham-Hine (trainer), Tony Brealey (owner and GBGB board director, Duncan Gibson (GBGB senior stipendiary steward), Jonathan Kay (journalist), Mark Moisley (GBGB commercial director), John Mullins (trainer).
