2022 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year was the 97th year of greyhound racing in the United Kingdom[1] and the 96th year of greyhound racing in Ireland.[2]
Summary
Suffolk Downs was granted a Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) licence in January 2022.[3] The first trial session took place on 12 January[4] and the first meeting was held on 8 February 2022, with the primary race distance being 388 metres.[5]
A Westminster Hall debate was held on the 28 March following a petition presented by Welsh Labour MP Christina Rees for the abolition of greyhound racing. Rees stated that the petitioner wished to remain anonymous and raised welfare concerns, including in relation to Valley Greyhound Stadium, which is not affiliated with the GBGB, and Hope Rescue in Wales. The House resolved that it had considered the petition[6] Following the debate, GBGB CEO Mark Bird welcomed what he described as political support for the sport and said the government had no intention of banning greyhound racing.[7]
The major open race circuit saw a significant increment in prize money levels. Premier Greyhound Racing (the collaboration between the Arena Racing Company and Entain increased the winning prize of two original classics, the St Leger and Oaks to £20,000. Additionally, the Golden Jacket, Champion Stakes, Regency and Eclipse also offered a £20,000 first prize. Towcester continued to hold events with a £10,000 winner's prize.[10] The addition of the new category 1 competitions resulted in the GBGB changing the rules in relation to the number of rounds held. The new ruling (from 2023) would see category 1 events, except the classics, held over three rounds instead of four.[11]
The industry was split on the new GBGB rule that stated a greyhound not to run more than once in a four day period (this included trials). This upset many of the leading figures within the industry who argued that trainers were in the best position to establish when a greyhound should race or trial. The rule was seen by some as an appeasement to welfare groups but others argued that it was a way to eliminate any excessive racing demands of a greyhound.[12]
Oxford Stadium reopened after a ten year absence, the track saw a capacity attendance for the meeting held on 2 September. The reopening of one of the sports most popular tracks was another boost for the industry. Just ten days later at the track, during the sales trials on 13 September the British sales record for a greyhound was broken when Drumcrow Mini was sold for £16,300.[13] However, Oxford still remained in the ownership of a property developer and was only operated on a lease.
On 27 September 2022, the RSPCA, Blue Cross and Dogs Trust jointly called for a phased ban on greyhound racing within five years.[14][15] The GBGB criticised the proposal, describing it as based on inaccurate data and influenced by "animal rights extremists".[16]
The St Leger champion Space Jet continued her fine form from 2021, when winning the prestigious Coral TV Trophy at Brighton in April. Coolavanny Aunty claimed a significant double when winning the Essex Vase and Grand Prix, as did Signet Denver who took the Laurels and Produce Stakes.
Ireland
The 2021 Irish Greyhound Derby champion Susie Sapphire impressed again when winning the Easter Cup, she started at odds of 1/3 for the final (the shortest price in the modern era).[17]
