The Lack of Variety in Open Racing in 2025

A lack of open race distance distribution 

When it comes to variety of racing, punters regularly scream about the lack of variety. 

Is that fair, or are there imbalances? 

This study looks at the 2,743 open races staged so far this year. 

If we look at the figures in one context, it could be argued that since the start of the year, Britain’s tracks have staged races over 72 different distances. 

We have split them into the various categories which we might label as ‘sprint’, ‘standard’, ‘stayers’ and ‘marathoners’ though as anybody who has ever voted on Greyhound of the Year will be aware, the categories tend to blur into each other at their edges. 

A quick glance at the graphic would suggest that there were 17 sprint distances, 22 over the standard, 23 stayers events and 10 marathons. 

Though there are various riders. 

Firstly, three of the distances have already disappeared with the closure of Crayford and an apparent end to hurdle racing. 

The real issue though is not variety, but disproportionate numbers. 

As this graph clearly shows, middle distance races (380-515m – all four bend races) constitute 61% of the total with only 2% of all races being staged in excess of 750 metres. 

We can though take this a step further because not all standard distances races are equal. With 36% of all opens staged between 480-515m. 

Why does this matter? 

Well even if you decide to buy a middle distance open racer, unless you hit the sweet spots in terms of preferred distances, your chances are sure to be limited.