William Hill Classic
The William Hill Classic is a relatively new event in greyhound racing starting in 1995. It was held at Nottingham as a puppy event but switched to Sunderland in 2007.
From 2007 the race was open to all ages and the prize money was drastically increased with a first prize of £25,000 which means that it is considered a major competition in UK greyhound racing.[1]
Past winners
| Year | Winner | Trainer | Winning Time | Starting Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Elliots Gem | Nickie Chambers (Nottingham) | 30.09 sec | 7-1 | |
| 1996 | Buchari | Tony Meek (Hall Green) | 30.29 sec | 14-1 | |
| 1997 | Jaspers Boy | David Pruhs (Peterborough) | 30.17 sec | 11-10f | |
| 1998 | Sarah Dee | Nick Savva (Milton Keynes) | 30.58 sec | 4-5f | |
| 1999 | Kit Kat Kid | Charlie Lister OBE (Private) | 30.56 sec | 10-11f | |
| 2000 | Westmead Woofa | Nick Savva (Milton Keynes) | 29.87 sec | 4-5f | Track Record |
| 2001 | Top Savings | Gary Adam (Peterborough) | 29.67 sec | 2-1 | Track Record |
| 2002 | Jurassic Jack | Tony Meek (Hall Green) | 30.24 sec | 7-4f | |
| 2003 | Droopys Shearer | Ted Soppitt (Private) | 29.47 sec | 2-9f | |
| 2004 | Ballymac Niloc | Carly Philpott (Coventry) | 30.37 sec | 6-4f | |
| 2005 | Ronnies Champion | Mark Wallis (Walthamstow) | 30.01 sec | 9-4 | |
| 2007 | Mahers Boy | Elaine Parker (Sheffield) | 26.77 sec | 9-4jf | |
| 2008 | Lenson Express | Tony Collett (Sittingbourne) | 27.14 sec | 3-1 | |
| 2009 | Jogadusc Ace | Mark Wallis (Harlow) | 27.83 sec | 5-1 | |
| 2010 | Target Classic | Craig Dawson (Newcastle) | 26.94 sec | 7-2 | |
| 2011 | Blonde Snapper | Mark Wallis (Yarmouth) | 26.59 sec | 5-2 | |
| 2012 | Loughteen Blanco | Seamus Cahill (Hove) | 26.95 sec | 5-1 |
- 1995–2005 (Nottingham 500 metres)
- 2007–present (Sunderland 450 metres)