Three-time Irish Derby winner and prominent greyhound trainer, Graham Holland, believes that creating a Netflix series about greyhound racing in Ireland could rescue the sport from collapsing.
The niche sport draws in big crowds but has nowhere near the same pull as the GAA, golf, motor racing, soccer, or rugby.
All of these sports, apart from the GAA, have been subjects of documentaries on platforms like Amazon and Netflix. The creation of these projects has not only succeeded in educating casual fans about their practices and stars but has also drawn in new fans.
Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' is the best example of this. The popular F1 docu-series delves into races, cars, drivers, and everything in between.
Holland believes that Greyhound racing's version of 'Drive to Survive' can captivate newcomers by unraveling the many stories that unfold behind the scenes in the sport.
“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 programs engage you, tell you interesting behind-the-scenes stories, and draw you in. They grow the fan base," he said.
NOTHING beats being there and being part of the action and excitement of the biggest night in Irish Greyhound Racing- the 2023 @BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Final.
Be here this Saturday! Get your tickets now on https://t.co/DnR4MJQeWj #BoyleSportsIGD #GoGreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/fXc4PHgMOo— Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium (@shelbournepark) August 28, 2023
“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.”
Holland also believes that trainers need to be better compensated for their work in the sport. If this does not happen, he believes that breeders will lose their livelihoods if things don't change for the better.
“Owners, trainers, and breeders need to get a return on their investment - these greyhounds are racing for an industry that 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!," he added.
“Some breeders will go out of business if things don't change at the 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.”
Holland was speaking to Greyhound betting.
The 2023 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Final will take place in Dublin's Shelbourne Park this weekend. It takes place on Saturday September, 2. For more info click here
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