For decades greyhound racing has provided fast-paced action to spectators and gamblers. If this is your first time attending a race or even placing some bets on the dogs, then there are some important facts you need to understand so that you can enjoy every moment. This greyhound racing for beginners will help you learn the essentials of what to expect at a race and from the dogs themselves—as well as how to bet on them.
How Greyhound Racing Works
Greyhound racing is a simple speed and agility sport. Here is a partial explanation of how it functions:
The Track: Greyhound races take place on one of the available oval tracks that can vary from somewhere between 250 and 900 meters long. Usually, between 400 and 500 meters, but distance can vary by race.
Greyhounds: These dogs are trained to run at breakneck speed, and they can only do that because they’ve been bred for physical stamina. The hounds chase a mechanical lure across dirt tracks. Typically, the lure mimics a rabbit or other small animal and causes the greyhounds to chase due to their instinct.
The Race: A standard greyhound race includes six to eight dogs. After the lure of dead fish moves, the doors to the trap open, and off they go. Expect these races to be quick, between 25 to 30 seconds top-to-bottom, so if you blink, you’ll probably miss the action!
To Win: The first greyhound to reach the finish line wins. The result depends on the speed of the dogs, their place on the course, and how they approach corners.
What You Should Know About a Greyhound Race
The first time you go to a greyhound race is special. There’s energy in the air, the sound of cheering crowds, fast-paced races, and winning placed bets. Here’s what you can expect:
Race Programs: Upon arriving at the track, you will be handed a race program that details all the races of the day. You can find details on the greyhounds, there past performance, and their racing form (this is vital for punters). Look at the program to identify the dogs in competition.
Race Length and Timing: Greyhound races are run in rapid succession, each having short breaks between. Prepare yourself for a high-speed experience where we do it quickly. Races are normally every 15-20 minutes so you will always have the time (between races) to place your next bets.
Seating and Viewing: Seating and Viewing When it comes to amenities, there is typically a mixture of general admission tickets for seating at the racing venue itself as well as more premium options such as the grandstand. Other tracks have dining spots overlooking the track where you can have lunch while watching the races, too.
Excitement of the Chase: The thrill of greyhounds chasing the lure. The mechanical “rabbit” zooms past the dogs, leading them in circles. Squeezed together and ruffled in wet tussles of fur; racing towards the end and then passing or not – full sprints and deafening cheers to support their pre-raced greyhound picks.
How to Bet on Greyhound Races
The experience can be greatly amplified by placing bets on greyhounds. This is a really simple way on how to bet and what kind of bets you can make:
Types of Bets:
What is the simplest bet: Win Bet: A simple bet. You bet on the dog that you think will get into first place. You collect the bet if your selected greyhound runs home in front.
Place Bet: A more modest bet is a “place” bet, which means you are betting on a greyhound to come in either first or second. While this gives you a much better chance of winning, the payout is usually lower than that of a win bet.
Each-way: An “each-way” bet is comprised of a win, and a place bet placed on the same greyhound. If your dog wins, you cash both sides of the wager. If it comes in second, you collect the place bet but lose the win part.
Forecast (Exacta): If you’re looking for something slightly more difficult, you can bet a “forecast”, ie which two dogs will finish 1st and 2nd in that exact order. It is a more difficult bet to win, but provides larger payouts.
Tricast (Trifecta): A “tricast” is when you have to predict the first three greyhounds to finish in the correct order. Again, this is a tough bet just like the forecast, but if it comes in for you then the rewards can be significant.
Placing Your Bet:
Betting Window: Most tracks have betting windows with a teller to take your bet. You may have to mention the race number, dog number, betting type, etc. For instance, your bet would be “Race 5 dog 3 win.”
Betting Terminals: Most tracks also have self-service terminals for electronic betting. They are machines that will prompt you through the process where you can choose your bets on a screen.
Online Wagering: Some tracks have online or mobile betting services, so you can bet from the comfort of your seat. Internet-based sites tend to offer supplemental services, like the chance to replay and analyze races, which are nice for beginners.
How to Watch Greyhound Racing for Newbies
Despite being a little bit strange for first-timers, with a couple of pointers you can gain more enjoyment out of the occasion and you can also place quality bets:
Bet Small:
As someone who is starting to bet, you want to first bet on smaller amounts. You can try placing different types of bets after slowly familiarising yourself with the race format and betting options. Bet small and treat betting as a fun thing to do, not something that will make you money.
Familiarize Yourself with Peruses over the Race Sleeves:
Your most prominent ally at the races is your race program or form guide. It lists all recent races for each greyhound, previous results, and running preferences over various distances. It is worth reading through it and following dogs with solid form.
Look for Dogs with Strong Finishes:
Some greyhounds are known for strong finishes, meaning they tend to speed up in the final stretch of the race. This can be a good factor to consider when placing a greyhound bet, especially in longer races.
Soak Up the Atmosphere:
There is more to greyhound racing than placing a bet (although we appreciate that that is probably going to be your priority!). Enjoy the crowd’s excitement, see a greyhound race and embrace the experience of an actual race. Although greyhound racing is a fast and thrilling sport on its own, it’s even more amusing with the social element involved.
Greyhound racing, on the other hand, is an attractive sport that provides entertainment alongside betting excitement. The speedy races, electric atmosphere, and plentiful betting opportunities mean that greyhound races are loved by so many. Whether your interests lie in the genuine love for the sport or just placing a couple of bets, knowing how dog racing operates and what you can expect from it will help you max out everything such an atmosphere offers.
