Record prize on offer at Yarmouth

The 2008 East Anglian Derby will be Yarmouth's most prestigous race ever

The 62nd East Anglian Greyhound Derby begins at Great Yarmouth with record prize money on offer.

The winning trainer will recieve £20,000 this year, an increase of £8,000 after a lucrative sponsorship was agreed with Betfair.

The first round takes place on Wednesday, with half of the 48-strong field going onto round two.

The grand final is at the East Norfolk track on Tuesday, 23 September and will be televised live for the first time.

Trainer Charlie Lister is among those hoping to win the prize money.

It just has an atmosphere all of its own Great Yarmouth manager Stephen Franklin

Lister has won the East Anglian Greyhound Derby title a record eight times and can boast favourite and course record holder Farloe Reason this year.

Stadium managing director Stephen Franklin told BBC Radio Norfolk the race will be the most prestigious ever held there:

"It defines Yarmouth stadium really, it is the biggest event we hold annually. It just has an atmosphere all of its own."

With the prize-money swelling to record levels and live television coverage for the first-time ever, the race provides Great Yarmouth with the chance to increase its profile within the sport.