Racing Legends: The Renowned Rapid Ranger

Rapid Ranger didn’t just win the prestigious English Greyhound Derby once - he won it twice, a feat accomplished by only a handful of dogs in the sport's long history, such as Mick the Miller, Patricias Hope and Westmead Hawk. Yet, what makes the brindle dog’s tale extraordinary isn’t just his victories, but the unlikely journey he took to get there. 

Bred in January 1998 by Martin Broughan in County Kildare, Ireland, Rapid Ranger started life as part of a modest litter. Along with two sisters and a brother, he was sold for a combined £1,000 to Mike and Kath Pomfret, a greyhound-loving couple. The pups were raised in their garden and nearby fields, with regular outings to gallop on Southport Beach.  

From early on, Ranger stood out - not just for his ability, but for his personality. Dominant and a bit of a loner, he had to be fed separately and didn’t get along well with other dogs. Ironically, his best friend was the family cat, with whom he’d often share the sofa. 

His debut at Stainforth in May 1999 was unremarkable - finishing second in a B6. However, he bounced back quickly, winning his next race by ten lengths. Still, his early open racing form was erratic, and after a few stumbles, he went winless in six consecutive races. 

Despite the setbacks, glimpses of his potential began to shine. He showed flashes of brilliance in events like the Coldseal Puppy Classic and the Manchester Puppy Cup, even if he didn’t always get the results. It was enough to catch the eye of prominent owner Ray White, who secured the young greyhound for a reported £14,000 in a deal brokered by legendary trainer Charlie Lister. 

Under Lister’s guidance, Rapid Ranger transformed. A blistering 27.48 trial at Belle Vue signalled what was to come, and he rattled off four consecutive wins. A throat and tonsil infection briefly derailed his progress in early 2000, but following treatment, he returned stronger than ever. His 28.98 heat win at the Scottish Derby - fastest at Shawfield in two years - was a bold statement. Though he finished third in the final, the fire was back. 

In the 2000 English Derby, punters took notice, Ranger didn’t disappoint. After a strong campaign featuring three wins and two narrow losses, he exploded in the final, storming home three and a half lengths clear in 28.71. 

He then took a shot at the 2000 Irish Derby, he won his semi-final before being beat in the final by the fast, Judicial Pride.  

While many expected retirement, connections opted for one more campaign. That decision paid off handsomely. In 2001, Rapid Ranger returned to Wimbledon as the defending champion. Despite a hiccup in the quarterfinals, he won his semi-final and repeated his final time of 28.71, securing back-to-back English Derby titles - becoming the first to do so at Wimbledon and only the third in history to win the race twice. 

Ranger’s bid for an unprecedented third Derby title in 2002 fell short. Though he won a second-round heat, he was eliminated on what became known as ‘Bloody Saturday,’ a brutal night where all eight favourites were defeated. Still, he left the track to a standing ovation, a hero in the eyes of racing fans. 

He spent his retirement years with kennel hand Lorraine Patient, regularly visited by Ray White and his family. Rapid Ranger passed away in October 2012, aged 12, after suffering a stroke. 

From humble runs at Stainforth to the thunderous applause of Wimbledon, Rapid Ranger’s legacy isn’t just in his wins - it’s in the unlikely, unforgettable path he took to greatness.