Three-time Irish Derby winner calls for Netflix series to rescue greyhound racing in face of “sad” opposition

Three-times Irish Derby winner Graham Holland wants a Netflix-style series to help save Greyhound racing.

Netflix have delved into various sports and have produced series such as F1's 'Drive to Survive', golf show 'Full Swing' and Tennis series 'Break Point'. The 'Netflix effect' has attracted huge new audiences for the sports they've featured.

Holland is hoping the streaming giant can come in and save the industry at a time when Greyhound racing is struggling financially.

Holland was speaking to BoyleSports aboutGreyhound bettingand said, "You can see what they’ve done with motor racing and golf with those Netflix-type series. You might not be a fan of those sports, but those programmes engage you, tell you interesting behind-the-scenes stories, and draw you in. They grow the fan base.

“Maybe there’s something in this sport for those guys. Greyhound racing is fast and thrilling and the action on the track, in particular, could come across really well - and there’s always stories to tell in greyhound racing. It is full of characters.”

The three-times Irish derby winner believes the dogs are treated better than the humans

"My animals are looked after in the best possible conditions, fed the best food and cared for better than humans! They want for nothing, have full run of the paddocks for much of the day and any veterinary issues they have are treated straight away - there’s no waiting list for an appointment like at your local GP!

“Unfortunately, you’ll never convince some people or change their opinions.

I think [anti-Greyhound racing] people are very sad - and are paid to be there anyway!”

“But whatever their feelings and opinions, I’m inviting them to the kennels to see what we do.

“Be sure these are the same people who’ll go after horse racing, show jumping, even fishing down the line. They’ll never understand the passion and absolute love we have for the breed - they are fantastic animals and a joy to be around every day.”

Graham Holland is dismayed at the financial side of the sport and the disparaty between the money the sport makes, and what trainers and breeders see in return.

He said, "Owners, trainers and breeders need to get a return on their investment - these greyhounds are racing for an industry which generates millions of euros and pounds, and giving them more means they can employ more staff to look after the greyhounds - that’s a welfare positive in itself!

“Some breeders will go out of business if things don’t change at grassroots level. You cannot breed and rear litters of pups for 12 to 15 months then see them change hands for next to nothing. I believe there should be a minimum to what any greyhound can be sold for, whatever the level he competes. Otherwise that breeder is finished. Simple.”

“I really do feel boosting prize-money is essential. Welfare gets most of the funding and remains hugely important, of course it does, but we’ve reached a level there. Standards are higher than they’ve ever been and now it’s about pushing on - and more prize money will also have a positive knock-on effect for welfare, too.”

Holland is hoping his Bockos Crystal can make it through Saturday’s semi-finals of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby - keeping alive hopes of landing a fourth victory in the famous race.

"Look, it’s all about qualifying at this stage,” he says. “There’s no margin for error in semi-finals and it’s always a case of being so close, yet so far perhaps. We’ve been lucky enough to win Irish and English Greyhound Derbys so know how good success feels, but we’ve also suffered disappointments along the way. Never count your chickens.

“Bockos Crystal has always been top class. She won the Shelbourne 600 last year, reached the Easter Cup final this year, and has beaten the likes of Ballinabola Ed and Bobsleigh Dream, both brilliant greyhounds, so Saturday’s challenge will not faze her.

“She’s taking on De Lahdedah and Coolavanny Hoffa, two greyhounds who have pretty much dominated the betting on the Irish Derby from the off - I’ve been especially impressed by De Lahdedah - but Bockos Crystal has mixed with the best throughout her career.

“She starts and stays well and, if anything, has come back after a break showing a lot more early pace. That’s serving her well and we’re drawn the right side of The Other Kobe who definitely prefers the rails - if she breaks well she’ll be fine.”