Major re-jig of English Greyhound Derby prize money

In a commendable move which should benefit more owners and trainers, the winner’s prize for next year’s William Hill English Greyhound Derby will be down 40% on 2015. That was the decision announced this week, as the organisers restructured the breakdown of the prize-money to ‘spread the cash’ around more.

There will be a total fund of £300,000 in 2016 but the winner will receive £150,000, as opposed to the £250,000 which Rio Quattro earned connections for his success in June. Surprisingly, the runner-up will also receive less in 2016 than this year (£20,000, down from £25,000) but the other finalists all see an increase, receiving £15,000, £12,500, £11,000 and £10,000 respectively.

There’s also a significant spread down through the ranks, with first-round heat winners getting £250 (from £100), second round £400, third round £550, quarter-final winners £1,000 and semi-finals winners £3,000. Each placed and unplaced dog in every heat will also receive prize-money.