Grand National (English greyhound race) explained

Surface:Sand
Class:Original classic - Category 1
Horse Race:Grand National
Location:Crayford Stadium
Inaugurated:1927
Sponsor:Ladbrokes
Distance:540 metres hurdles
Qualification:hurdlers only
Purse:£10,000 (Winner)

The Grand National is an original classic greyhound racing competition held at Crayford Stadium over the hurdles.[1] It was run at White City Stadium from 1928 until 1984, it moved to Hall Green Stadium in 1985 and then on to Wimbledon Stadium in 1999.[2]

In 2012, the Greyhound Racing Association allowed the race to leave their portfolio and it switched to Central Park Stadium in Sittingbourne.[3] Central Park held the event until 2022 when it was cancelled in May before Ladbrokes stepped in to sponsor the event which was then held at Crayford for the first time.

Sherrys Prince holds the record of winning the event three times from 1970 to 1972, while trainer Ricky Holloway has trained five winners.

Venues & Distances

Sponsors

Past winners

width=50Yearwidth=200Winnerwidth=300Breedingwidth=250Trainerwidth=80Timewidth=50SPwidth=100SP
1927Bonzo Bon Marche - BerthaJack Buck (Belle Vue) 31.42 sec 13-8f
1928Cormorant Stormont - Ballyveney MaidSidney Probert (Wembley) 31.16 sec 4-1
1929Levator Spalding Bishop - LisgreenBob Burls (Wembley) 31.09 sec 2-1
1930Stylish Cutlet Mutton Cutlet - Style KidJock Hutchinson (Wimbledon) 30.94 sec 11-4
1931Rule The Roost Jamie - Road Head RallyJoe Harmon (White City) 31.17 sec 5-2
1932Long Hop Macoma - Bright EmblemIan McCorkindale (Harringay) 31.44 sec 3-1
1933Scapegoat Macoma - Bright EmblemAlbert Jonas (White City) 31.20 sec 6-1
1934Lemonition Golden Splendour - Green GownDan Costello (Wimbledon) 30.84 sec 11-4
1935Quarter Cross Open Steak - For EverSidney Probert (Wembley) 30.76 sec 7-2
1936Kilganny Bridge Red Cloud - KillemallaPatrick Higgins (Clapton) 30.70 sec 3-1
1937Flying Wedge Beginner - Brannock QueenStan Biss (West Ham) 30.61 sec 1-1f
1938Juvenile Classic Beef Cutlet - Lady EleanorJoe Harmon (Wimbledon) 30.35 sec 2-1
1939Valiant Bob Valiant Cutlet - Winged MaidenPaddy Fortune (Wimbledon) 30.50 sec 8-1
1940Juvenile Classic Beef Cutlet - Lady EleanorJoe Harmon (Wimbledon) 30.23 sec 1-1f
1946Barry From Limerick Cherry Grove Cross - Connor MayE.Davidson (Private) 30.61 sec 2-1
1947Baytown Pigeon Manhattan Midnight - Little NettlePaddy McEllistrim (Wimbledon) 30.67 sec 25-1
1948Joves Reason Mooncoin Fiddler - Anxious MateKen Appleton (West Ham) 30.37 sec 2-1
1949Blossom of Annagura Speedy Dancer - Orchard BlossomJack Sherry (Ramsgate) 30.20 sec 8-1
1950Blossom of Annagura Speedy Dancer - Orchard BlossomJack Sherry (Ramsgate) 29.97 sec 5-2
1951XPDNC Bellas Prince - Here Comes ElizaLes Parry (White City) 29.80 sec 11-4jf
1952Whistling Laddie Lone Seal - Whistling RumStan Martin (Wimbledon) 30.13 sec 20-1
1953Denver Berwick Humming Bee - Baytown FirDavid Geggus (Walthamstow) 30.26 sec 10-11f
1954Prince Lawrence Dangerous Prince - Knights RomanceJoe Pickering (New Cross) 30.29 sec 10-1
1955Barrowside Ballymac Ball - Nifty BellaJack Harvey (Wembley) 29.43 sec 1-3f
1956Blue Sand Sandown Champion - Fast and BeautifulKen Appleton (West Ham) 29.70 sec 15-8f
1957Tanyard Tulip Despot O'Leer - Knockeevan TulipJack Harvey (Wembley) 29.85 sec 2-1
1958Fodda Champion Champion Prince - Wimble LadyJimmy Jowett (Clapton) 30.20 sec 7-4f
1959Prince Poppit Champion Prince - Greenane DarkieDennis Hannafin (Wimbledon) 30.10 sec 3-1
1960Bruff Chariot Cheerful Chariot - Really BoldJimmy Jowett (Clapton) 29.50 sec 1-1f
1961Ballinatona Special Superman - Orange QueenStan Martin (Wimbledon) 29.50 sec 6-4f
1962Corsican Reward Solar Prince - Rose ConfectionGordon Hodson (Private) 30.15 sec 9-4f
1963Indoor Sport Champion Prince - YoblstrapBarney O'Connor (Walthamstow) 29.98 sec 4-5f
1964Two Aces Crazy Parachute - PenicolaJimmy Rimmer (Wembley) 30.42 sec 10-11f
1965Im Crazy Crazy Parachute - MisfortunateRandy Singleton (White City) 29.60 sec 11-4
1966Halfpenny King Crazy Parachute - The Baw WeeJohn Shevlin (New Cross) 30.28 sec 7-2
1967The Grange Santa The Grand Prince - Grange DelienneNora Gleeson (Wimbledon) 29.72 sec 9-4f
1968Ballintore Tiger Prairie Flash - Not LandingNorman Chambers (New Cross) 29.50 sec 1-3f
1969Tonys Friend Prairie Flash - Maggie from CorkRandy Singleton (White City) 30.16 sec 1-1f
Mad Era - NevascaJohn Shevlin (West Ham) 30.02 sec 4-6f
1971Mad Era - NevascaColin West (West Ham) 29.22 sec 1-3f
1972Mad Era - NevascaColin West (West Ham) 29.80 sec 5-4f
1973Killone Flash Forward Flash - Dancing BarrierRandy Singleton (White City) 29.35 sec 5-2
1974Shanneys Darkie Monalee Champion - Shanney's JetColin West (White City) 29.43 sec 10-1
1975Pier Hero Tender Hero - Helenas GirlFrank Melville (Harringay) 30.65 sec 1-1f
1976Weston Pete Monalee Champion - New KashmirColin West (White City) 30.60 sec 4-5f
1977Salerno Clerihan Venture - Fish PondJohn Coleman (Wembley) 30.65 sec 5-4f
1978Topothetide Westpark Mint - Lady In LoveTim Forster (Harringay) 30.23 sec 8-11f
1979Topothetide Westpark Mint - Lady In LoveTom Lanceman (Southend) 31.60 sec 6-4f
1980Gilt Edge Flyer Monalee Expert - Proud SecretaryEric Pateman (Private) 30.22 sec 4-5f
1981Bobcol Westpark Mint - Black KattyNorah McEllistrim (Wimbledon) 30.64 sec 1-2f
1982Face The Mutt [4] Mutts Silver - Mill Road CastNorah McEllistrim (Wimbledon) 30.71 sec 11-10f
1983Sir Winston Myrtown - Kings CometGeorge Curtis (Hove) 31.09 sec 5-1
1984Kilcoe Foxy Hume Highway - Aghadown LizGeorge Curtis (Hove) 30.32 sec 4-5f
1985Seamans Star Hume Highway - Sleepy NellArthur Boyce (Catford) 30.08 sec 14-1
1986Castlelyons Cash Belvedere Bran - Kick On SusieDinky Luckhurst (Private) 29.51 sec 5-4f
1987Cavan Town Sail On II - Leafy GladeMel Cumner (Maidstone) 30.01 sec 4-1
1988Breeks Rocket Noble Brigg - Sandville LadyDinky Luckhurst (Crayford) 30.09 sec 5-1
1989Lemon Chip Sinbad - Lemon LisaPhilip Rees Jr. (Wimbledon) 29.84 sec 1-1f
1990Gizmo Pasha Whisper Wishes - If And WhenLinda Mullins (Romford) 29.62 sec 4-6f
1991Ideal Man Clayderman - Ideal HoneygarJohn McGee Sr. (Peterborough) 29.81 sec 3-1jfdead-heat
1991Ballycarney Dell Track Man - Ballycarney BlueTony Gifkins (Yarmouth) 29.81 sec 14-1dead-heat
1992Kildare Slippy Track Man - Kildare ElmPaddy Hancox (Hall Green) 28.52 sec 1-1fTrack record
1993Arfur Daley [5] Pond Mirage - Blue Mint IIBert Meadows (Private) 28.89 sec 5-4f
1994Randy Savage[6] Randy - Sooty FootKevin Connor (Canterbury) 29.50 sec 8-1
1995Elegant Brandy Murlens Slippy - Elegant DreamErnie Gaskin Sr. (Walthamstow) 29.24 sec 10-1
1996Dynamic Display Aulton Slippy - Liquid AssetBarry O'Sullivan (Crayford) 29.23 sec 7-2
1997Tarn Bay Flash Airmount Grand - Highmoor MistPat McCombe (Belle Vue) 29.07 sec 4-1
1998El Tenor Ratify - Ballygar RoseLinda Mullins (Walthamstow) 29.20 sec 11-10f
1999Hello Buttons Trade Official - Pal SalLinda Mullins (Walthamstow) 28.13 sec 9-4jfdead-heat
1999Pottos Storm Droopys Fintan - Certain WayDavid Mullins (Romford) 28.13 sec 9-4jfdead-heat
Tuttles Minister Alpine Minister - Tuttles SnowieTommy Foster (Wimbledon) 28.36 sec 3-1
Kish Jaguar Deenside Spark - Bansha LoughNorah McEllistrim (Wimbledon) 28.80 sec 10-1
Ballyvorda Class No Road Back - Group ClassTommy Foster (Wimbledon) 28.24 sec 7-4f
Selby Ben Vintage Prince - Farloe CribTommy Foster (Wimbledon) 28.45 sec 12-1
2004Four Handed Frisby Flashing – Tricamarie CrisJim Reynolds (Romford) 28.46 sec 6-4f
2005Lethal Rumble Smooth Rumble – Lake TazMark Wallis (Walthamstow) 28.49 sec 9-4f
2006Suit Man [7] Droopys Kewell – Genuine GingerBernie Doyle (Wimbledon) 28.30 sec 13-8f
2007Jos Cigar [8] Larkhill Jo – Rich CigarSteve Willey (Sittingbourne) 28.07 sec 9-4
2008Kildare Lark [9] Roanokee – Allen JoyJason Foster (Wimbledon) 28.63 sec 7-4f
2009Hotdog Jack [10] Droopys Vieri – Hare StarSeamus Cahill (Wimbledon) 28.49 sec 2-1f
2010Plane Daddy [11] Big Daddy Cool – Lordsbury KnowsGemma Davidson (Crayford) 29.21 sec 8-1
2011Victoria Falls [12] Hades Rocket – Your ViewRichard Rees (Wimbledon) 29.80 sec 25-1
2012Baran Bally Hi [13] Tyrur Ted – Druids JudicialDerek Knight (Hove) 29.53 sec 3-1
2013Mash Mad Snowy [14] Droopys Maldini – Shades Of SnowSeamus Cahill (Hove) 29.31 sec 5-2
2014Cornamaddy Jumbo [15] Ardkill Jamie – Cornamaddy MaidMark Wallis (Yarmouth) 29.48 sec 1-1f
2015Mo's Bullet [16] Ace Hi Rumble – Precious StoryRicky Holloway (Sittingbourne) 29.80 sec 7-1
2016Ballymac Manix [17] Ballymac Vic – Moyar KiteSeamus Cahill (Hove) 29.32 sec 9/4
2017Razldazl Raidio[18] Razldazl Rioga - Razldazl Marilyn Ricky Holloway (Central Park) 29.612/7f
2018Parkers Dynamite[19] Kinloch Brae - Toms Delight Mark Wallis (Towcester) 29.467/4
2019Caislean Fifi[20] Superior Product – Ballyegan Fifi Seamus Cahill (Hove) 29.3010/11f
2020Roxholme Biscuit[21] Kinloch Brae – Roxholme MagicRicky Holloway (Central Park)29.50 5/4f
2021Meenagh Maverick[22] Droopys Roddick – Slippery CindersRicky Holloway (Central Park)29.53 3/1
2022Bobbing Gnavatar[23] Sh Avatar – Muchas GraciasBarry O'Sullivan (Crayford)23.719/2new venue
2023Coppice Fox[24] Droopys Sydney – Sizzling DaisyRicky Holloway (Central Park)34.59 11/2

Notes and References

  1. Book: Genders, Roy. The Encyclopedia of Greyhound Racing. 1981. Pelham Books Ltd. 07207-1106-1.
  2. Book: Hobbs, Jonathan. Greyhound Annual 2008, pages 132-133. 2007. Raceform. 978-1-905153-53-4.
  3. Web site: Special Feature: Greyhounds getting back on track. Kent News.
  4. Web site: Greyhound Star (Remember When - April). 7 April 2019. Greyhound Star.
  5. Web site: Remember When series (March 2020). Greyhound Star. March 2020.
  6. Book: Fry, Paul. The Official NGRC Greyhound Racing Yearbook. 1995. 19. Ringpress Books. 186054-010-4.
  7. Web site: 2006 Grand National Result. Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
  8. Web site: 2007 Grand National Result. Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
  9. Web site: 2008 Grand National Result. Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
  10. Web site: 2009 Grand National Result. Greyhound Board of Great Britain. 14 November 2018. 4 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180104073030/http://www.gbgb.org.uk/resultsRace.aspx?id=694784. dead.
  11. Web site: 2010 William Hill Grand National Result. Greyhound Board of Great Britain. 14 November 2018. 4 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180104073030/http://www.gbgb.org.uk/resultsRace.aspx?id=694784. dead.
  12. Web site: 2011 Primus Saver Grand National Result. Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
  13. https://archive.today/20130201143754/http://www.racingpost.com/news/greyhounds/baran-bally-hi-runs-away-with-grand-national/1098872/top/ Racing Post
  14. Web site: 2013 Result. Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
  15. Web site: 2014 Result. Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
  16. Web site: 2015 Result. Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
  17. Web site: 2016 Result. Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
  18. Web site: THE JOHN SMITHS GREYHOUND GRAND NATIONAL FINAL. Greyhound Board of Great Britain. 10 May 2021.
  19. Web site: 2018 Grand National Meeting. Greyhound Board of Great Britain . 10 May 2021.
  20. Web site: 2019 Cearnsport Grand National. Greyhound Board of Great Britain . 10 May 2021.
  21. Web site: Colossus Bets Grand National Final . Greyhound Board of Great Britain . 12 November 2020.
  22. Web site: RPGTV Grand National Final. Greyhound Board of Great Britain . 10 May 2021.
  23. Web site: Bobbing Gnavatar game as ever for Barry O’Sullivan in £10,000 Ladbrokes Grand National Final, Crayford . Greyhound Board of Great Britain . 16 December 2022.
  24. Web site: Ladbrokes meeting . Greyhound Board of Great Britain . 29 August 2023.