Racing Legends: Geoffrey de Mulder
Born into greyhound racing royalty, Geoffrey De Mulder carved his own legendary path with flair, brilliance and unmatched success. Twice an English Derby winner and mentor to future champions, his legacy lives on as one of the sport’s most iconic and beloved figures.
Geoffrey De Mulder, born in Yorkshire in 1930, was destined for greatness in the world of greyhound racing. Raised in a household steeped in the sport - his father, Joe De Mulder, was a prominent trainer during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1967, Geoff officially stepped into the professional spotlight by taking over the National Greyhound Racing Club licence. That same year, he reached the Gold Collar final.
In 1970, he made his first major impact when Little County finished runner-up in the English Greyhound Derby. Operating from his Meriden kennels in the West Midlands, De Mulder quickly became known for his consistent brilliance and unique style. Nicknamed “The Wizard of Meriden” and sometimes “The Meriden Magician,” he was not only respected for his results but revered for the energy and eccentricity he brought to the sport.
His greatest achievements came in the form of two English Greyhound Derby titles. In 1974, Jimsun delivered De Mulder’s first Derby victory. Five years later, in a remarkable twist of fate and breeding, Sarahs Bunny - sired by Jimsun - secured his second title.
De Mulder’s dominance wasn’t confined to the Derby. He also captured the Scottish Greyhound Derby in 1978 and triumphed in the Grand Prix in 1976. His trophy haul included five Trafalgar Cups, four Consolation Derby wins, and four Select Stakes victories, including a rare hat-trick of three in succession. His ability to consistently deliver top-tier performers was unparalleled, with an astonishing 14 greyhounds reaching the English Derby final under his guidance.
He was also the mastermind behind a celebrated line of greyhounds carrying the ‘Fearless’ prefix, among them Fearless Ace and Fearless Lord. While attached to several Midlands tracks - Oxford, Nottingham, Coventry, Hall Green and Norton Canes - his reputation stretched far beyond regional circuits. At Oxford, he claimed the Oxfordshire Stakes and the Oxfordshire Gold Cup, adding further prestige to an already glittering résumé.
His peers recognised his brilliance with two Greyhound Trainer of the Year awards in 1978 and 1979 and he lifted the Trainers Championship in both 1977 and 1987.Beyond his own accolades, De Mulder’s legacy includes those he mentored. His protégé, Tony Meek, went on to claim two English Derby victories of his own, a testament to the knowledge and inspiration passed down. The wider greyhound community admired him not just as a trainer but as a figure of warmth and generosity. Fellow trainer and long-time friend Charlie Lister OBE once remarked that De Mulder was not only one of the best trainers the sport had seen but also a very dear friend.
After battling a long illness, Geoffrey De Mulder passed away on December 11, 2009, at the age of 79. He left behind his wife, two children and a legacy that will forever be etched into the sport’s rich history.
