The National Distance Championship is a prestigious Group 1 greyhound racing event in Australia, focusing on long-distance racing.
Conducted annually, it brings together top stayers from various states and territories to compete for national honors. Each region holds qualifying events, with winners advancing to the national final. The location of the final rotates among major greyhound racing venues across the country.
The championship not only highlights the endurance and skill of participating greyhounds but also emphasizes the dedication of trainers and the vibrant community supporting the sport.
The 2025 National Distance field is yet to be released, with these due after the running of the heats in August, 2025.
The National Distance odds are yet to be released.
The National Distance Championship is Australia’s premier staying race for greyhounds, showcasing the country’s best long-distance chasers in a high-stakes Group 1 event. Held annually at a rotating venue, this prestigious race attracts elite stayers competing for national glory.
Most of our recommended online bookmakers will offer fixed odds markets in the lead-up to the heats and final, with odds adjusting once the box draw is confirmed. Some bookies, such as Neds and Bet365, may also provide all-in markets before the heats, allowing punters to secure early value on key contenders.
With a range of betting options, including traditional win/place bets and exotic markets, the National Distance Championship offers great opportunities for both casual punters and seasoned bettors.
As the 2025 edition approaches, keeping an eye on our form guides and free race tips will help you make well-informed betting decisions.
The National Distance Championship has been a premier event in Australian greyhound racing since its inception in 1969, showcasing the nation’s best stayers. Originally contested over 800 yards at Wentworth Park, the race evolved alongside the sport, adopting metric distances and implementing a rotational hosting system that ensures the grand final is staged in a different state each year. This unique structure allows racing fans across Australia to witness their state’s top stayers competing on home soil while also introducing a variety of track conditions that add another layer of complexity to the race.
The championship has long been regarded as the ultimate test of stamina and racing strategy, producing some of the greatest stayers in Australian greyhound racing history. Bold Trease cemented his legendary status with victory in the 1986 edition, adding to his remarkable record as a four-time Sandown Cup winner. Decades later, Miata took the staying ranks by storm in 2012, delivering a series of dominant performances that captivated racing fans nationwide and further elevated the prestige of the event. More recently, Tornado Tears in 2018 and Miss Ezmae in 2021 continued the tradition of elite stayers rising to the occasion on the national stage. In 2023, Palawa King produced a breathtaking finish at The Meadows to claim victory, reaffirming the championship’s reputation for delivering thrilling contests.
The state-based qualifying system has been a defining feature of the event, ensuring that only the most deserving greyhounds earn a place in the National Grand Final. Each year, stayers compete in heats and state finals in their home states, battling for a coveted spot in the national decider. This structure intensifies the competition at a grassroots level while also promoting the staying ranks across different racing jurisdictions, reinforcing the importance of endurance racing in the sport. The format has also ensured that every state has had the opportunity to produce a champion, highlighting the depth of talent across the country.
As it continues to rotate between host states, the National Distance Championship remains a true test of endurance, strategy, and heart. The race consistently delivers high-quality fields, dramatic finishes, and memorable performances, celebrating the very best in Australian greyhound racing. With its long and storied history, it stands as the pinnacle event for stayers and continues to be one of the most sought-after titles in the sport.
The 2024 National Distance Championship took place at Angle Park over 730 meters. Raider’s Guide, representing Tasmania under trainer Graeme Fahey, delivered a strong performance, winning by ½ a length ahead of Ritza Piper in 42.55 seconds.
New South Wales star Palawa King emerged victorious in the 2023 National Distance Championship at The Meadows over 730 meters. Trained by Raymond Smith, Palawa King took control late in the race to finish ahead of Fast Minardi, stopping the clock at 42.70 seconds.
Super Estrella took home the 2022 National Distance Championship crown for New South Wales. Under the training of David Smith, the talented stayer triumphed over Tsar Bell, winning by a head in 41.59 seconds over 720 meters at Wentworth Park.
2022 National Distance Championship Results
Reidy’s Runner, representing Western Australia, secured the 2019 National Distance Championship at Cannington over 720 meters. Trained by Christine Bennett, the determined stayer took charge late to edge out Tornado Tears, winning in 41.76 seconds.
2019 National Distance Championship Results
Victoria’s Tornado Tears claimed the 2018 National Distance Championship in a thrilling battle against fellow Victorian Rippin’ Sam at Sandown Park. Under the training of Robert Britton, Tornado Tears crossed the line in 41.45 seconds, winning by 2.46 lengths.
2018 National Distance Championship Results
Victorian sensation Fanta Bale dominated the 2017 National Distance Championship at Albion Park. The Rob Britton-trained star won by 1 length over Burn One Down, finishing in 41.71 seconds.
2017 National Distance Championship Results
Ring The Bell delivered a remarkable victory in the 2016 National Distance Championship at Angle Park. Trained by Gerard O’Keefe, the powerful stayer surged to the lead, finishing in 43.22 seconds.
2016 National Distance Championship Results
| Year | Winner | Trainer | State | Dist | Track | Time | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Amerigo Lady | Colin Buchannan | VIC | 790y | W/PK | 43 7/16 | Feat |
| 1970 | Sargood | Max Hammond | VIC | 785y | S/PK | 44.00sec | Feat |
| 1971 | Saki Dasher | Ron Pratt | VIC | 737y | HOBT | 40.00sec | Feat |
| 1972 | Bubbles’ Rock | Jack Hull | VIC | 732m | H/PK | 43.40sec | Feat |
| 1973 | He’s Some Boy | Ron Smith | VIC | 704m | GAB | 43.09sec | Feat |
| 1974 | Corcoran | Terry Baldwin | VIC | 731m | A/PK | 44.56sec | Feat |
| 1975 | Dotie Wilson | John Canning | NSW | 704m | GAB | 41.66sec | Feat |
| 1976 | Bolta’s Gift | William Van Polen | VIC | 731m | A/PK | 44.66sec | Feat |
| 1977 | Woolley Wong | Ron Perry | NSW | 732m | H/PK | 43.58sec | Feat |
| 1978 | Dusty Ginny | Peter Carr | NSW | 730m | HOBT | 43.30sec | Feat |
| 1979 | Mary Marella | Tony McDonald | VIC | – | OLP | 44.09sec | Feat |
| 1980 | All Promise | Ron Byron | VIC | – | S/PK | 43.92sec | Feat |
| 1981 | Shamrock Jewel | Greg Ennis | VIC | 722m | LCTN | 44.87sec | Feat |
| 1982 | Bay Road Queen | Mark Pedler | SA | 731m | A/PK | 44.03sec | Feat |
| 1983 | Ten Guitars | Ted Lovelace | VIC | 725m | HOBT | 43.91sec | Feat |
| 1984 | Princess Baden | Barry Carter | SA | 740m | CANN | 44.32sec | Feat |
| 1985 | Melmade Gazza | Colin Wachtel | SA | 722m | LCTN | 44.06sec | Feat |
| 1986 | Kirsty’s First | Greg Cameron | QLD | 704m | GAB | 41.65sec | Feat |
| 1987 | Mystic Hope | Les Ketelaar | VIC | 732m | OLP | 44.29sec | Feat |
| 1988 | High Intensity | John Hilli | VIC | 720m | W/PK | 42.93sec | Feat |
| 1989 | Julep | Brian Arthur | SA | – | A/PK | 43.79sec | Feat |
| 1990 | Clean Machine | Rodney Shiells | VIC | 732m | OLP | 44.00sec | Feat |
| 1991 | Just A Charm | Doug Palmer | QLD | 704m | GAB | 41.45sec | Feat |
| 1992 | Pace Galore | Charlie Mallia | VIC | 720m | W/PK | 42.57sec | Feat |
| 1993 | Billy’s Blondie | Greg Wynn | QLD | 740m | CANN | 44.89sec | Feat |
| 1994 | Miss Cruise | Andrew Pringle | NSW | 720m | W/PK | 43.59sec | Feat |
| 1995 | Boronia Blossom | Ron Ball | QLD | 732m | OLP | 43.72sec | Feat |
| 1996 | Boronia Blossom | Ron Ball | QLD | 710m | BGC | 42.23sec | Grp 2 |
| 1997 | Ibrox Park | Wayne Dance | NSW | 731m | A/PK | 43.17sec | Grp 2 |
| 1998 | Paradise Street | Linda Britton | WA | 700m | CANN | 41.75sec | Grp 2 |
| 1999 | Kobble Creek | Howard Ivers | QLD | 720m | W/PK | 42.55sec | Grp 2 |
| 2000 | Osti’s Joker | Steven Barker | VIC | 743m | LCTN | 45.05sec | Grp 2 |
| 2001 | Tip Top Tears | Peter Giles | VIC | 715m | S/PK | 42.46sec | Grp 1 |
| 2002 | Boomeroo | Mark Edwards | VIC | 710m | BGC | 41.61sec | Grp 1 |
| 2003 | Arvo’s Junior | George Arvanitis | VIC | 731m | A/PK | 42.66sec | Grp 1 |
| 2004 | Classy Customer | Jason Mackay | NSW | 715m | CANN | 42.31sec | Grp 1 |
| 2005 | Texas Gold | Jason Mackay | NSW | 720m | W/PK | 42.07sec | Grp 1 |
| 2006 | Bothing | Bob Stamenkovic | SA | 720m | LCTN | 42.49sec | Grp 1 |
| 2007 | Flashing Floods | Gerald Cunnold | VIC | 725m | MEA | 42.95sec | Grp 1 |
| 2008 | Mantra Lad | Graeme Jose | VIC | 720m | W/PK | 42.30sec | Grp 1 |
| 2009 | Jarvis Bale | Graeme Bate | VIC | 715m | CANN | 41.93sec | Grp 1 |
| 2010 | Blue Lorian | Peter Whye | NSW | 731m | A/PK | 43.01sec | Grp 1 |
| 2011 | Dashing Corsair | Dwyer Lennon | QLD | 710m | BGC | 41.93sec | Grp 1 |
| 2012 | Miata | Paul Stuart | WA | 709m | HOBT | 41.24sec | Grp 1 |
| 2013 | Smart Valentino | Mark Swift | NSW | 725m | MEA | 42.83sec | Grp 1 |
| 2014 | Sweet It Is | Darren McDonald | VIC | 715m | CANN | 41.39sec | Grp 1 |
| 2015 | Lady Toy | Brooke Ennis | VIC | 720m | W/PK | 41.52sec | Grp 1 |
| 2016 | Ring The Bell | Gerry O’Keeffe | VIC | 731m | A/PK | 43.22sec | Grp 1 |
| 2017 | Fanta Bale | Robert Britton | VIC | 710m | BGC | 41.71sec | Grp 1 |
| 2018 | Tornado Tears | Robert Britton | VIC | 715m | S/PK | 41.45sec | Grp 1 |
| 2019 | Reidy’s Runner | Christine Bennett | WA | 720m | CANN | 41.76sec | Grp 1 |
| 2020 | Race Cancelled | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2021 | Race Cancelled | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2022 | Super Estrella | David Smith | NSW | 720m | W/PK | 41.59sec | Grp 1 |
| 2023 | Palawa King | Raymond Smith | NSW | 730m | MEA | 42.70sec | Grp 1 |
| 2024 | Raider’s Guide | Greg Fahey | TAS | 730m | A/PK | 42.55sec | Grp 1 |