SOON-TO-LAUNCH bookmaker BresBet is the new sponsor of one of greyhound racing’s most famous competitions – the East Anglian Greyhound Derby at Yarmouth Stadium.
The 75th running of the event takes place next month and BresBet, a Sheffield-based company launched by greyhound and horse owner Nic Brereton has stepped in to back the competition which will offer a first prize of £15,000 on September 15 – and at least £1,000 for all finalists.
Forming part of the Festival of Racing on the east coast – both horses and greyhounds – Brereton said it was great to be part of the annual racing jamboree and that BresBet would be represented on-course at Yarmouth races and at the dogs.
“If you love your horses and greyhounds Yarmouth in September is very much the place to be and, as huge greyhound fans, to be in a position to sponsor one of the most famous greyhound races in the calendar is superb.
“We have a partnership with Gary Wiltshire and he and the team will be on-course at Yarmouth races by day and at the dogs in the evening.
“The punters at Yarmouth always loved seeing Gary when he was doing the Sky dogs back in the day – so now they can bet with him there!”
The 75th BresBet East Anglian Greyhound Derby will be staged with racegoers in attendance and track director Simon Franklin is looking forward to hosting the coastal venue’s main event of the year, as well as all the usual supporting competitions.
“We all agree it’s been extraordinary time for us all and everyone has played their part in keeping the show on the road, particularly owners and trainers. So to now announce a brand new sponsor for the East Anglian Greyhound Derby is very special.
“This event has a huge history, started by my grandfather Len Franklin in 1947, and we welcome BresBet as sponsors. They understand the great tradition of the race as fans of the sport, but it’s also fantastic they’re part of the horse racing festival, too.”
David Perry, BresBet’s managing director, added: “The East Anglian Greyhound Derby has a special place in the calendar for us all.
“A few of us grew up with Charlie Lister OBE being the Yarmouth Derby king – he won the event no less than 12 times – and the local punters always generated a fantastic atmosphere. They certainly know their greyhounds in that part of the world.
“It’s great for us as bookmakers to be involved in a historic competition which the punters have always enjoyed taking a view on. We’ll be represented at the track itself but will also be offering ante-post prices and other specials.
“Obviously we’re hoping as many people as possible can make it to Yarmouth, for the dogs or the horses – or both! – but we’ll shortly be launching a brand new website and, when that’s up and running, urge customers to sign up and become part of the BresBet family.
“Running alongside all of this will be the BresBet Foundation, which is our new not-for-profit charitable trust which will provide wide-ranging support for several charities including the Injured Jockeys Fund, Racing Welfare and other horse and greyhound charities.”
For Brereton, however, sponsorship of the East Anglian Derby renews his links with the sport given his Geelo-prefixed greyhounds enjoyed great success on the track.
All trained by Carl Perry, Geelo Vegas reached the Derby semi-finals and was named GBGB Sprinter of the Year in 2014, Geelo Sapphire was GBGB Bitch of the Year in 2017 after winning the 3 Steps and Lowther Stakes, while both Geelo Blissful and Geelo Zip landed Angel of the North titles.
*The 75th BresBet East Anglian Greyhound Derby at Yarmouth is for 36 greyhounds and will close to entries at noon on Thursday, August 26.
The first round takes place on Wednesday, September 1; the semi-finals on Wednesday, September 8 and the Grand Final on Wednesday, September 15. The winner takes home £15,000, the runner-up £3,000, third-placed £2,000 and others £1,000.
