RacingBetter News
	Tuesday 29th March 2022

Everything You Need To Know About Greyhound Racing

Greyhound racing is popular in Australia

Greyhound racing remains a popular sport today, despite very few tracks remaining open now. The sport was super popular after the second world war when people came from different countries to watch the action and bet on their favourite dogs.

Greyhound racing is not as popular as it used to be since there is more focus on animal rights as well as the health and well-being of the dogs now than there was before. However, people all over the country still enjoy the sport and even like to place wagers on their favourite little boys.

When Did Greyhound Racing Begin?

Greyhound racing began in California in 1919. It started with the invention of the mechanical lure, featured in the Emeryville Track built by Owen Patrick Smith. Mechanical lures were introduced as a much more humane alternative to live lures.

Do Greyhounds Enjoy Racing?

Greyhounds love to run, which is why they are also naturally talented at racing. If humane measures are allowed on greyhound racing, they genuinely love the sport.

How Important Is The Draw?

Six greyhounds are drawn at a time for each race, and each of these hounds has a preference for a racing line, either straights or bends. Some hounds also have different preferences, such as railers who prefer to race along the rail running towards the inside, the middles who like the middle sections of the track, and the wides who like the wide section of the track. These dogs are known as unseeded dogs.

The draw matters so much because the ideal race would have two railers, two middles, and two wides so that each dog can be on its preferred track. However, this happens very rarely, and tracks are usually getting a random selection of dogs, and an element of luck is introduced into whichever dog wins the race. 

How Are The Races Graded?

The greyhound racing grades are determined according to their calibre. There are six classes of greyhounds available on the track, A, B, C, D, J, and M. The M class is for the maiden greyhounds. Maiden greyhounds are those that have never officially won a race. They advance to either grade J or D, depending on the track of your choice.

These classes ensure that each greyhound gets to only race with dogs of the same calibre to prevent over-competitiveness.

The greyhounds do go up the grading ladders as they win, though. The winner of grade M will advance to J, the winner of grade J will advance to C till they get to A. These rules apply to most racing tracks. However, some tracks have slightly different rules as well. For example, some tracks have a grade above A, known as AA, which is the final grade each dog can advance to.

Greyhounds can also be demoted in grades. Usually, if a dog finishes fourth or lower in three consecutive races, they are lowered in grade. 

How Fast Do Greyhounds Run?

The fastest speed of greyhounds that have been recorded is 72 km/h.

How To Stay On Top Of Greyhound Racing?

Greyhound racing is still popular and grips its fans tightly, even if it isn't as widespread as it used to be. It is a bit more niche than other racing sports like horse racing, but they still frequently have meetings and events, which is why staying on top of the sport is not very easy.

To keep up with the races, you should try to go to the weekly meetings as often as possible, but you should try to stay limited to a single location or a track. Focusing on tracks near you will help you pick up on biases and any out-of-form trainers and dogs, so you would have a better idea of who is winning. This can also help you place bets easily. In fact, you can also view live odds on today's racing to get a better idea of what is currently happening in greyhound racing.

Keep an eye out for whichever dog is the front runner. The fastest dogs have the highest chance of winning races, and every other factor is secondary to it. Sure, some people have an eye for picking the best out of the underdogs, but it is lucky guesses more than anything else.

The draw is of utmost importance, especially for placing bets. This is because seeded dogs have a high chance of winning since they are familiar with their starting position and enjoy running in that position. Seeded dogs also matter the most on smaller circuits since the extent of the course is limited, and they can cover the route cleanly.

Lastly, keep an eye out for whichever dog fancies you the most, even if they aren't bet on very highly. Especially if you are new to the greyhound racing situation, you can offer a fresh perspective and pick up on dogs coming up instead of focusing on those who have all eyes on them. Your own vision can sometimes help predict which dog will come out on top as well.

What Happens Once A Greyhound Can No Longer Race?

Greyhound races are looked down upon because of dogs' unfair treatment, especially once they can no longer race like they used to. However, in present times dogs that can no longer race are adopted by people and treated lovingly like any other pet. Many celebrities and noteworthy figures have adopted former racing greyhounds as well and given them a loving home.

How To Take Care Of A Greyhound Once It Retires?

You should take care of a retired greyhound just like you would of any other dog: Give them lots of love! Remember that greyhounds love to run, so even if they are not racing anymore, you must let them out once in a while so they can awe you with their speed and feel happy.

Feed, bathe, and nurture the greyhound since it is also a very loving animal and give it all its love.

Disclaimer: Gamble responsibly. Contact the Gambling Helpline for free and confidential support, information, and counselling on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.