Celebrating 100 Years of Greyhound Racing in Great Britain
In 2026, greyhound racing in Great Britain reaches an extraordinary milestone: its 100th anniversary. Since the very first race on 24 July 1926 at Belle Vue Stadium in Manchester, the sport has grown into a defining part of Britain’s sporting culture—deeply rooted in working‑class communities and cherished by generations of supporters.
A Century of Heritage and Evolution
From the moment the mechanical hare set off at that inaugural race, greyhound racing captured the public imagination. Within just ten years, tracks were opening across the country, drawing huge crowds and rivaling football in national popularity.
Across the past century, the sport has adapted to changing times—meeting rising expectations around leisure, entertainment, and animal welfare. Despite evolving challenges, its defining story has been one of resilience, community, and continual improvement.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Celebration
The centenary year offers a chance not just to reflect on the past, but to look confidently to the future. Throughout 2026, the sport will honour legends such as Mick The Miller, Ballyregan Bob, Scurlogue Champ and Westmead Hawk, while highlighting why greyhound racing continues to thrive in the 21st century.
Centenary Gala at Dunstall Park
A major highlight will be a special commemorative dinner at Dunstall Park on the exact anniversary of the first race. The event will include a six‑race card replicating the original Belle Vue meeting, complete with a 1920s theme to mark the early days of the sport.
Held at our newest and most modern venue, the gala will also spotlight the sport’s future—showcasing state‑of‑the‑art spectator facilities, exceptional kennel and veterinary areas, and advanced track‑maintenance standards.
Further event details will be released soon, and we hope to welcome as many members of the greyhound community as possible.
Sharing Our Story
To help mark the centenary, GBGB will also host an online exhibition of historic greyhound memorabilia, along with a video celebrating 100 years of racing. Our December social media campaign has already highlighted key moments and memories from across our tracks, and we look forward to sharing much more throughout 2026.
Recognising Excellence: A New Track of the Year Award
At the 2026 GBGB Awards in March—where we will reflect on the achievements of 2025—we will introduce a brand‑new Track of the Year Award. One of the key judging criteria will be spectator experience, recognising the increasing expectations of modern audiences.
A Community Built on Passion
Greyhound racing has always brought families and communities together, and its strength today is thanks to the dedication of our trainers, owners, volunteers and supporters. As we enter our second century, we look forward to celebrating with as many people as possible.
For those who love the roar of the crowd and the thrill of watching greyhounds do what they do best, 2026 promises to be a year to savour.
