Fans of horse racing are spoilt for choice when it comes to live televised action, thanks to the excellent efforts of Sky, Racing TV, and ITV. But what about those who enjoy the sight of man’s best friend straining every sinew in pursuit of victory? Is there a channel dedicated to the popular spectator and betting sport of Greyhound Racing?
It turns out that indeed there is, and it goes by the name of RPGTV – which stands for Racing Post Greyhound TV. Making its debut on 9th December 2011, the channel launched with three programmes per week, but 12 years on, it now beams live greyhound action into your homes seven days a week, including a mix of Graded action and a healthy helping of top-class Open Race fare, from both Britain and Ireland.
How to Watch
Backed by the leading industry newspaper, Racing Post TV is completely free to watch and available on the following channels:
- Sky – 427
- Freesat – 250
- Freeview – 271
Alternatively, fans can watch online at SportyStuff.TV, which also streams live South African horse racing, snooker, darts and more.
When to Watch
Thanks to RPGTV’s expanded programming, viewers can settle in for an evening of dog-racing action seven evenings a week, in addition to a Saturday morning slot and bumper Sunday schedule. The full weekly schedule runs as follows:
- Monday – 6pm to 10pm
- Tuesday – 6pm to 10pm
- Wednesday 6pm to 10pm
- Thursday – 6pm to 10pm
- Friday – 6pm to 10pm
- Saturday – 10am to 2pm & 6pm to 10pm
- Sunday – 10:30am to 9:00pm
Whenever you tune in, expect a fast and furious show, with a race run every seven minutes on average. All of the action is extensively covered by the majority of top online bookmakers, many of whom run regular promotions on the RPGTV races, including Trap Challenge Specials, Odds Boosts, and more.
Meet The Presenters
Given the rapid-fire stream of live races, there’s barely time to draw breath between one contest and the next. Nevertheless, RPGTV has recruited an entertaining and knowledgeable team to guide you through the morning, afternoon, or evening action. Whenever you tune in, expect to be greeted by some combination of the following:
- Danny Archer – A familiar face to viewers of horse racing on Racing TV, Archer brings his youthful enthusiasm and betting experience to the greyhound coverage.
- Jason Barrasford – Prides himself on being able to say something, whether relevant or not, the popular Barrasford brings vast experience from his time with Gobarkingmad and William Hill TV.
- Errol Blyth – One of the biggest names in Greyhound broadcasting, Blyth has presented for SIS, Sky Sports and the BBC. Those of a post-punk persuasion may recognise him from his previous life as a member of the band Ritual.
- Tony Bullen – Your 2021 Naps Champion, began writing for the Sporting Life in 1995 before switching to the Racing Post in 1998. In addition to his RPGTV presenting duties, Bullen also covers all Open Races in the Racing Post newspaper.
- Dave Clark – A member of the RPGTV team since 2013, the ever-enthusiastic Clark previously provided regular contributions to both the Racing Post and Racing and Football Outlook weekly.
- Julie Collier – A staunch supporter of Greyhound Charities, the likeable Collier first stepped into the presenting limelight with Sky Sports in 2007, and can now be spotted on RPGTV – when not jumping out of a plane to raise money for charity.
- Donna Coney – As the head kennelhand at Orchard Kennels, lifelong greyhound lover Coney brings an infectious passion for the sport and always informative inside insight.
- Joe Conneely – Joining the team in 2021, Conneely’s love for Greyhound Racing was strengthened by his father’s position as general manager at Coventry. When not in front of the camera, Joe goes about his day job as kennelhand to trainer Carol Weatherhall.
- Phil Donaldson – Instantly recognisable to readers of the Racing Post Greyhound section, Donaldson has covered just about all bases in his time, having plied his trade as a track manager, bookmaker, owner, journalist, and of course, presenter.
- Rose Draper – Sheffield lass Draper injects a healthy dose of youthful energy whenever she takes to the screen, combining plenty of charm with a deep knowledge of the sport through her family ties and role as a kennelhand.
- Richard Harkness – As a former trading manager at Ladbrokes, Harkness is tough to beat for betting insight into the sport. Richard also serves as a backup commentator and part-time assistant racing manager at Romford.
- Jonthan Hobbs – If you don’t know Hobbs from the Greyhounds, you will most likely recognise him from the horse racing, courtesy of his stints with Sky Sports and Attheraces. Vastly experienced, Jonathan is the founder and editor of the Greyhound Annual.
- Kaan Hughes – A lifelong fan, brought into the game by greyhound-owning, training, and bookmaking relatives. Primarily appears as an excellent race analyst.
- Jonathan Kay – The analyst on the opening show back in 2011, Kay is still going strong in 2023. With over 30 years of experience as a greyhound journalist with the Racing Post, he remains one of the most popular and recognisable names in the sport.
- Ian Meek – First appearing in front of the camera as a representative for Coral, Meek progressed to become an analyst and, latterly, a regular presenter. Meek has a particular affinity with Romford, where he serves as Raceday commentator and Steward.
- Tanya Stevenson – A key member of the Channel 4 Racing team, Stevenson may be most associated with the equine action, but is the daughter of a Greyhound bookmaker and owner, and has previously acted as an on-course bookmaker herself.
- Aneliese Thompson – Dubbed by some as “Britain’s Sexiest Greyhound Trainer”, Thompson enjoyed a successful 10-year career readying dogs for racing but has now settled into her second career as a presenter and analyst.
- Darrell Williams – 2017 and 2021 RPGTV Naps Champion, Williams has over 30 years of experience as a presenter, commentator, and writer, and will be a familiar face to fans of both Greyhound and Horse Racing.