Greyhound racing, a popular spectator sport, can be watched in a multitude of ways including attending live events at a local track, watching it on television, or viewing it via live streaming platforms.
Attending Live Events at a Local Track
Perhaps the most thrilling way to watch Greyhound racing is by attending live events at a local track. Every year, hundreds of Greyhound racing events are hosted across many locations worldwide. Here is a breakdown of how to go about it:
- Locate a Track: Find a local Greyhound track in your area. There are many directories online that can help you locate the nearest facility.
- Attend a Race: Check the timetable for race events at your chosen track. Buy your tickets and head down to the race to savour the electrifying atmosphere.
- Place Bets (Optional): If you fancy a bit of thrill, you may place bets on your preferred dogs. It is advisable, however, to fully understand the betting process and laws before indulging.
Towcester Racecourse is the perfect venue for witnessing the speed and majesty of live greyhound racing. Located in the heart of the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, the racecourse offers a serene yet electrifying atmosphere for spectators to immerse themselves in the action. With state-of-the-art facilities, top-notch hospitality, and easy accessibility from major cities, Towcester Racecourse ensures a memorable experience for family outings, group gatherings, or even a remarkable corporate event. The meticulously maintained track promises an adrenaline-pumping spectacle with greyhounds zooming past in a blur of speed and agility. As the ultimate destination for greyhound enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, Towcester Racecourse delivers a night of breath-taking excitement and unparalleled entertainment. Check out our deals for race days here.
Greyhound Tracks in the UK
The United Kingdom boasts a long and storied history of greyhound racing, enriched by the presence of several renowned and well-regarded tracks. These iconic venues attract not only greyhound enthusiasts but also visitors looking for an exciting, memorable experience. Features include top-notch facilities for spectators, dining options, bars, and much more to enhance the overall atmosphere. The table below provides a comprehensive list of all the greyhound tracks currently operating in the UK.
| Stadium Name | |
|---|---|
| Brighton and Hove Stadium, Brighton and Hove | The Coral Brighton & Hove Greyhound Stadium, with its 2,200 visitor capacity, 400+ seat Skyline Restaurant, exclusive greyhound owners’ area, fast-food outlets, bars, fitness club, and a private event room, is a popular south coast attraction known for hosting Ballyregan Bob’s world-record 32nd consecutive win in 1986. |
| Central Park Stadium, Sittingbourne | Central Park Stadium, known as the home of hurdling, offers over 2,000 seats, several terraces, a panoramic restaurant, a cafeteria, private suites, bars, and is conveniently close to Sittingbourne Rail Station. |
| Crayford Stadium, Kent | Crayford Stadium, hosting Greyhound races since 1937 and home to the Golden Jacket, Gold Collar, and Kent St Leger, offers two bars, a café, and a 230-seat Heathview Restaurant with track views, and is easily accessible from central London and Crayford Railway Station. |
| Doncaster Stadium, Doncaster | Meadow Court’s Doncaster Stadium, home to the Yorkshire St Leger, features a Raceview Restaurant and two bars, formerly run by the renowned Greyhound Derby-winning trainer Barbara Tompkins, located a short drive from Doncaster. |
| Harlow Stadium, Harlow | Harlow Stadium in Essex, with a 1,500 spectator capacity, offers executive suites, a trackside restaurant and bar, conference facilities, and a unique tunnel system for greyhounds to enter the infield without stepping on the running surface. |
| Henlow Stadium, Stondon | Henlow Stadium in Bedfordshire, hosting greyhound races since 1923 with a 1,000 person capacity, features a trackside restaurant, bistro, bar, and an unusual egg-shaped track layout with five bends and three straights. |
| Kinsley Stadium, Kinsley | Kinsley Stadium, near Pontefract, West Yorkshire, has operated since 1939 and gained reputation since its 2000 conversion by hosting the 2010 TV Trophy. The family-friendly venue offers two trackside restaurants, a corporate box, four bars, and food courts. |
| Monmore Green Stadium, Wolverhampton | Monmore Green Stadium in Wolverhampton, home to the Trafalgar Cup, offers a trackside restaurant, bars, and a function room, located just a mile from the city center with local transit accessibility. |
| Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle upon Tyne | Newcastle Greyhound Stadium, boasting over 90 years of greyhound racing history and home to The All England Cup, features two indoor bars, a trackside restaurant, and an outdoor terrace bar and viewing area. |
| Nottingham Stadium, Nottingham | Nottingham Stadium, home to the 2019 Greyhound Derby and just two miles from the city center, offers a trackside restaurant, three bars, a covered viewing platform, and hosts prestigious events like The Eclipse, The Puppy Classic, and The Select Stakes. |
| Oxford Stadium, Oxford | First launched in 1939 and reopened in 2022, Oxford Stadium merges greyhound racing with speedway and features trackside executive suites, a modern bar and restaurant, located just three miles from Oxford City Centre. |
| Owlerton Stadium, Sheffield | Set in Sheffield, Owlerton Stadium, the home of the Steel City Cup, boasts state-of-the-art facilities including a 300-seat glass-fronted restaurant and bar with racetrack views, hospitality amenities, two additional fully-licensed bars, and is currently undergoing a £5.5 million renovation. |
| Pelaw Grange, Chester-le-Street | Pelaw Grange, a family-operated stadium in Chester-Le-Street since 1965 and one of three premier tracks in the north east, features a trackside Parorama Restaurant, bar, and private hire function rooms. |
| Perry Barr Stadium, Birmingham | Perry Barr Stadium in Birmingham, established in 1929 and home to the St Leger race, offers a glass-fronted restaurant, executive suites for events, an outdoor viewing facility, trackside bars, and a fast-food area. |
| Romford Stadium, London | The Coral Romford Greyhound Stadium, a 15-minute distance from the M25 and easily reachable via rail from London Liverpool Street and Stratford stations, hosts the Essex Vase, Champion Stakes, and Golden Sprint, and features restaurants, bars, an outdoor terrace, along with a recent major redevelopment including a complete renovation of its Millennium Stand. |
| Suffolk Downs, Mildenhall, Suffolk | Located between Cambridge and Norwich in Mildenhall, Suffolk, Mildenhall Stadium—also known as Suffolk Downs for greyhound races—is a multi-purpose venue for speedway, stock car racing, and Greyhound Board of Great Britain regulated racing, featuring amenities like the Race View Restaurant, a fish and chip shop, the Fen Men bar, an additional licensed bar under the home straight grandstand, with speedway events held from April to October. |
| Sunderland Stadium, Sunderland | Sunderland Greyhound Stadium, the venue for the Arena Racing Company Classic and Grand Prix, includes amenities like a gallery restaurant with a track view, three bars, and a range of executive boxes. |
| Swindon Stadium, Swindon | Swindon Stadium, aka The Abbey, located just 15 minutes from the town centre, houses one of the UK’s largest greyhound tracks. |
| Towcester Stadium, Towcester | Towcester Racecourse, a luxury multi-purpose venue surrounded by hundreds of acres of Northamptonshire countryside, once again hosts greyhound racing under the stewardship of Kevin Boothby, following a brief pause. Renowned as one of the UK’s most scenic racecourses, Towcester also accommodates weddings and corporate events, showcasing several bars, restaurants, and private hire areas beyond its stunning vista. |
| Valley Stadium, Ystrad Mynach, Wales | Awarded a GBGB racecourse licence in 2023, Valley Stadium marked the return of regulated greyhound racing to Wales after over 40 years, featuring new investments and renovations, such as upgraded veterinary and kennelling facilities and extended bar and viewing area, contributing greatly to local community through new employment opportunities. |
| Yarmouth Stadium, Great Yarmouth | Yarmouth Stadium, a popular Norfolk attraction since the 1940s run by three generations of the Franklin family, features the award-winning Raceview Restaurant, executive boxes, and Raceview Bars. Len Franklin initiated the prestigious East Anglian Greyhound Derby in 1947, which remains a must-win race in the greyhound calendar. |
Watching Greyhound Racing on Television
For those who prefer viewing the races from the comfort of their homes, many television networks broadcast live and pre-recorded Greyhound racing events. Before tuning in, consider the following:
- Identify the Right Channel: Find the appropriate channel on your TV or cable network that broadcasts Greyhound races.
- Check the Schedule: Once you’ve identified the channel, check their schedule to know when the races are being broadcasted.
- Record the Race (Optional): If you can’t watch the race live, you may choose to record and watch it later.
Some of the TV channels known for broadcasting Greyhound races include Sky Sports (UK), Racing Network (Australia), and TVG Network (USA).
Streaming Greyhound Racing Online
If you don’t have access to local tracks or TV broadcasts, streaming Greyhound racing online is a viable option. Today, many websites and apps offer live streaming services for Greyhound races. Here’s what you should do to get started:
- Identify a Website/App: Find a service that streams live Greyhound races. Betfair, Unibet, and SportNation are a few of many that regularly stream races.
- Sign Up: Sign up for an account if required. Some platforms may offer free streams, while others may necessitate paid subscriptions.
- Check the Schedule and Stream: After signing up, check the schedule for upcoming races. When the time comes, click on the race and enjoy watching.
Note: Due to gambling regulations, some platforms may require you to place a bet or have a funded account to access live streams.
