2012 William Hill Derby winner will collect £125K

Ralph Topping: 'It is now the  world’s richest greyhound race – we intend to help make it the world’s greatest race again too'

See full story in Saturday's Racing Post

HILLS have stunned the greyhound world by not only ending uncertainty as to their sponsorship of next year’s Derby, but also announcing a dramatic hike in prize-money.  The 2012 williamhill.com Derby winner will pick up a cool £125,000, an increase of £50,000 on this year

It is an extraordinary present to launch Saturday’s  opening night of their Sunderland Festival.

Ralph Topping, speaking exclusively to the Racing Post, explained there has been an internal review of their Derby – and it will go ahead subject to agreement with Wimbledon, even though he had appeared less than delighted with this year’s arrangements in the immediate aftermath of Taylors Sky’s victory.

He then teased a little over the first prize.

“I considered one case to go up to £100k, and despite the difficult economic climate, we were looking atthis. Given the fact 2012 is a showcase Olympic year, we all felt it all the more important to do something special and exciting for greyhound racing – and do our bit to put the race back at the top.

“Never mind £ 75,000, or £100,000, the 2012 first prize for the williamhill.com Derby is to be £125,000 to the winner. It is now the world’s richest greyhound race – we intend to help make it the world’s greatest race again too.”

Rest of story in Saturday's Racing Post