"We need to keep supporting this fantastic sport" - Basher Watts Interview

Basher Watts looking forward to more greyhound action in 2026

Basher Watts is looking forward to continuing his newfound interest and involvement in greyhound racing - especially with Bish Bosh Bashy back on the card at Yarmouth, and a return visit to Towcester for the 2026 Star Sports & Orchestrate English Derby planned.

A leading social media influencer in racing, his Basher Watts Racing syndicate had a successful year - across both codes - with winners aplenty!

Of his time spent greyhound racing, Basher said: “2025 was a fantastic year which saw me really dive into the world of greyhound racing ownership for the first time.

“I absolutely love the sport but my interest had been from a betting point of view only, so to learn more about the sport and see behind the scenes has been so insightful and a great experience. 

“Having two lovely dogs run under the Basher Watts Racing syndicate has been so much fun.

“Bish Bosh Bashy is a firm fan favourite and had a rollercoaster of a year, from struggling to get his head in front in graded races at Yarmouth, to then taking us all to two open-race finals, with the stayers final on East Anglian Derby final night being the highlight.

“Yarmouth is my local track and that evening is always fantastic - cockney accents lumping on the ‘jolly’ and the instant Oi Oi’s as soon as the market leader pings the boxes just creates such a great atmosphere.

“To have a runner on that card was just incredible!

“Bish finished the year off with a win at Yarmouth and regardless of the grade - or the weather - if I’m free, I’m there to cheer home the Bish!

“Let’s hope 2026 sees him return victorious a few more times.

“Last year was the first time ever attending the Greyhound Derby at Towcester and, to be honest, I never really knew how much of a big deal it was - until I went there!

“We were very fortunate to have a 50 per cent share in Mark Wallis’s Table Toppers and was lucky enough to be invited to the draw at Towcester and that in itself was a fun experience.

“The anticipation of what box you’ll be drawn in and who you’ll face makes the competition even more exciting. Table Toppers, whose kennel name is Matt, had his fair share of setbacks in 2025 but still made the Derby and took us to another final at Hove. We’ve been spoilt really!

“The Derby final was fantastic. Packed stands and a huge buzz for every race showed why we need to keep supporting this fantastic sport - and I can’t wait to be back in 2026!

“Horse racing-wise 2025 saw some huge highs for me. Shes Perfect completing the fairytale story of winning the French 1000 Guineas after being unsold in the ring the year prior, only to have the French stewards strip that away from her.

“That was very harsh and we hope she can right some wrongs in 2026.

“We now have 12 beautiful horses running for the syndicate with limited shares remaining in our new purchase called Perfect Love, a beautiful Palace Pier filly in training with Mick Appleby.

“For more information please email me [email protected] or head over to https://t.co/kPNY8JXo7V

“Thank-you to everyone who’s followed and interacted with my content so far. Here is to a successful 2026 for all of us.”