The British Greyhound Breeders’ Forum (BGRF) today confirmed that its innovative BGBF Supporting British Breeding Graded Series is to be run again this year.

Proving very popular two years ago, this Series is open to all tracks and will have a variety of options to ensure the maximum inclusion of British bred dogs. Tracks have a choice in the way the competition can be run, so as to suit their particular strengths. They will be asked to choose dates between the beginning of October and the end of the year, to further maximise the opportunities.

Chair of the BGBF Liz Mort said: “We are delighted to be able to run this series again. Post-covid funding didn’t allow for it in 2021, but in 2022 we are able to, thanks to the BGRF for the funding, and the GBGB Racing Committee for enabling the competitions to be planned into the Calendar.

“Our aim has always been to reach as many British breeders, and owners and trainers of British bred dogs, as possible. We are very aware that our open races miss out on a lot of British bred dogs, and the graded series at every track is our way of getting to as many as possible!’

“It is an exciting time – we have the Produce Final on Sunday and we are all looking forward to that. Five from one litter in a final is amazing – Some years I might think that means there are limited good dogs around, but in this case it is not so – there are a lot of very good British breds, but this litter is quite exceptional! One broke the track record in the first round – then he and a litter brother both equalled that new record the following week!’

“Looking forward we have our BGBF Stud Book Trophy at the end of October at Towcester – it will be great to see that revived, it used to be a regular feature in the Calendar! Then we will have our St Leger at Doncaster – and of course the BGBF Derby at Sheffield. So, a lot to look forward to, including this great graded series!”

Scott Harvey, Racing Operations Executive for the GBGB said: “With all eyes on British breeding this weekend with the final of the Produce Stakes, this funding will further help to provide a highlight for our breeders, trainers and owners at each track in the final quarter.”

 

The Details:

Tracks can choose to run an 18 or 12 (if necessary) runner competition (three or two heats and final), or two single race events of different grades, for British bred greyhounds only. The grades and distance of each event will be determined by the track’s Racing Office depending on dog strength to ensure competitive racing.

These events cannot be Opens or Inter Track races and are not open to greyhounds owned by Racecourse Executives, Track Owners or Senior Management. BGBF Graded Series races/events should be run on evening or weekend fixtures, to maximise opportunity for owners to attend.

Each event will feature:

• £500 to the winner, £200 for second, £100 for third and fourth, and £50 for greyhounds finishing fifth or sixth.

• A trophy will be provided for each of the races for the connections of the winning greyhound. There will also be a £50 payment to the winning trainer, and £150 to the winning breeder.