Derby Winners Who Became Derby Sires

With the 2025 Star Sports/TRC Greyhound Derby fast approaching, now is the perfect time to celebrate not only the Derby winners of the past, but also highlight the rare few that have passed on their brilliance to a new generation of champions.

Dorotas Wildcat is one such legend, and his legacy continues to grow stronger with each passing year. Back at the 2018 English Greyhound Derby final at Towcester, Dorotas Wildcat, trained by Kevin Hutton, dazzled the crowd with a winning time of 28.85. This victory was just one of many during a career-defining year that also saw him crowned the GBGB Greyhound of the Year. The 2018 final was particularly memorable, with Wildcat’s littermate, Dorotas Vic, finishing in a respectable third place.

But his success did not end there. Wildcat went on to win the Eclipse Stakes at Nottingham later that year, redeeming himself after a second-place finish in the same competition the previous year. After reaching the semi-finals of the 2019 English Derby, he entered a well-deserved retirement and quickly became one of the most sought-after sires in the sport. It didn’t take long for Wildcat’s influence to be felt through his son, Thorn Falcon, in 2021. Trained by Patrick Janssens, Falcon claimed the English Derby title and secured his victory in a time of 29.06.

Producing a Derby winner is an exceptional achievement, and historically, very few have accomplished this feat. However, Dorotas Wildcat isn’t alone. Westmead Hawk (above) became one of the greatest names in greyhound racing when he claimed back-to-back English Derby titles at Wimbledon in 2005 and 2006. Renowned for his explosive finishing kick, Hawk captivated the public's attention and earned the title of the ‘People’s Champion.’

In terms of legacy, Hawk sired not one, but two English Derby winners. Taylors Sky triumphed in 2011 after shattering the Wimbledon track record with an astonishing final time of 28.17 seconds. Two years later, Sidaz Jack claimed victory from trap 1, finishing with a remarkable time of 28.37. Hawk remains the only English Derby winner in the modern era to sire multiple Derby champions—a testament to his enduring influence on the breed. 

Turning back the clock, Priceless Border —winner of the 1948 English Derby—also made a significant impact on the racing world. With the help of Narrogar Ann, a Derby-winning bitch in 1949, Priceless Border produced Endless Gossip (above) who went on to win the Derby in 1952. Endless Gossip's victory was historic; he broke the 16-second sectional barrier with a time of 15.94 seconds and recorded a then-record final time of 28.50 seconds. This lineage demonstrates the power of both the sire and dam in shaping a successful racer. 

The 2025 Star Sports/TRC Greyhound Derby

For the upcoming 2025 Star Sports/TRC Greyhound Derby, previous 2022 Derby winner Romeo Magico is looking to cement his legacy as a stud with son Romeo Empire. The Janssens-trained Empire’s odds are currently sitting at 50/1. Magico’s Derby win was in 28.95, with Empire's recent trial stakes success in 29.07 showing a similar blend of speed and track craft.

There is a strong likelihood that Dorotos Wildcat could also produce another Derby winner this year with Bockos Diamond as the ante-post favourite. If Diamond can continue his recent strong performances as seen during his success in the 2024 Irish Greyhound Derby, it will secure Graham Holland’s third English Derby title. Other notable mentions sired by Wildcat are March On Freddie, Romeo Tomcat, Brindle Bully, Romeo Command, Jacktavern Racer, Optic Pharaoh, Gary The Arb, and Vhagar—all names that have made their mark on the open race scene.

Siring a Derby winner is a rare and special achievement. In the near-century history of the English Greyhound Derby, only a handful of champions have managed to pass their greatness onto the next generation. With Dorotas Wildcat, Westmead Hawk, Priceless Border, and now possibly Romeo Magico helping to shape future champions, the legacy of the Derby burns brighter than ever.