The Gymcrack is a category 1 greyhound competition held at Owlerton Stadium.
History Initially run at Hackney Wick Stadium in 1994 the race was discontinued in the mid 1996, despite winners such as Moral Standards, Night Trooper and Staplers Jo. It was re-introduced in 2000 at Hall Green Stadium but switched to Kinsley in 2011.
The competition has grown in stature since 2000 and is competed for by puppies (greyhounds over 15 months old but under two years of age). In 2017, the race was won by an Irish entry for the first time but the 2019 event was in danger of being cancelled following problems over securing a sponsor.
In 2018, Brinkleys Poet broke the Kinsley track record winning the final.
In 2024, the event switched Owlerton Stadium and regained category 1 status, with a first prize of £17,500.
Venues & Distances 1994–1994 (Hackney, 484m) 1995–1995 (Hackney, 442m) 1996–1996 (Hackney, 480m) 2000–2010 (Hall Green, 480m) 2011–2023 (Kinsley, 462m) 2024–2025 (Sheffield, 500m)
Sponsors 1994–1995 (John Power) 2005–2009 (Skybet) 2010–2010 (Newton Abbot Racecourse) 2011–2018 (Betfred) 2023–2025 (BresBet)
Past winners YearWinnerBreedingTrainerTime (sec)SPNotes/Ref1994 Moral Standards Flag Star - No Way Jose Tony Meek (Hall Green) 7/4f1995 Staplers Jo Dempsey Duke – Perfect Rhythm Nick Savva (Walthamstow) 26.59 1/8f1996Night Trooper Portrun Flier – Suir Orla Nikki Adams (Rye House) 29.48 5/12000 Droopys Woods Top Honcho – Droopys Fergie Paul Young (Romford) 28.00 2/1jf2001 Reactabond Ace El Premier – Droopys Kylie Paul Young (Romford) 28.22 1/1f2002 Louis Saha Toms The Best – Any Chewing Gum Barrie Draper (Sheffield) 28.26 3/12003 Moynies Cash Joannestown Cash – Glanamoon Charlie Lister OBE (Private) 28.45 13/22004 Roman Road Droopys Vieri – Madam Alright Andrew O'Flaherty (Stainforth) 28.69 7/42005 Go Commando Soviet Ferrari – Lady Devika Mark Wallis (Walthamstow) 28.11 11/42006 Fear Haribo Larkhill Jo – Yamila Diaz Carly Philpott (Private) 28.56 5/4f2007 Farloe Hurricane Larkhill Jo – Farloe Oyster Barrie Draper (Sheffield) 28.41 5/6f2008 Mottos Star Bucks Honcho – Mottos Friend Charlie Lister (Private) 28.48 3/12009 Droopys Bogart Droopys Scolari – Droopys Gucci Liz McNair (Private) 28.09 2/1jf2010 Blue Artisan Droopys Maldini – Poolie Pride Harry Williams (Sunderland) 28.18 5/4f2011 Taranis Rex Droopys Vieri – Blackstone Kate Nick Colton (Oxford)/(Swindon) 27.21 1/1fTrack record2012 Droopys Hope Ace Hi Rumble – Droopys Darjina George Oswald (Private) 27.21 5/12013 Young Golden Premier Fantasy – Final Golden Paul Young (Romford) 27.45 33/12014 Mill Jolson Slip The Lark – Sniper Betty Kelly Macari (Sunderland) 27.88 4/12015 Stay Loose Kinloch Brae – Cornamaddy Tiny Elaine Parker (Sheffield) 27.50 5/12016 Droopys Trapeze Tullymurry Act – Droopys Blossom Jimmy Wright (Newcastle) 27.23 2/12017 Cometwopass Ballymac Eske – Zero TwoPeter Cronin (Ireland) 27.18 11/10f2018 Brinkleys Poet Scolari Me Daddy – Kilara LizzieMatt Dartnall (Towcester)26.95 4/7fTrack Record Not held from 2019 to 20222023 Stormy NewsGood News – Bonito FoxMichael Hurst (Private) 27.7511/10f2024 Wicky NedDroopys Sydney – Ballycowen LucyJames Fenwick (Newcastle) 28.514/9f2025 ElusivenomoreBallymac Best – Ballymac Ariel James Fenwick (Newcastle)29.36 12/1
References