Hello, welcome and thank you for visiting www.greyhoundpredictor.com.
I have been going greyhound racing in London and the South East for over 50 years and enjoy following the Open Racing dog scene held here in Great Britain & Ireland. I'm a keen collector of greyhound memorabilia, mainly old race programmes! and have in the past attended race meetings in America and Australia.
In this article, I explain how to predict greyhound races by downloading Greyhound Predictor Software v2.0. However, unlike other prediction video games? Greyhound Predictor takes into account the most significant dog racing formlines and statistics and offers you the chance to scientifically predict your own winners!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions?
Greyhound Racing in the 21st Century allows you to place bets online, combine this with Premier Greyhound Racing live race streaming, SIS Racing TV and the ever increasingly popular number of greyhound websites; never before have we experienced such a revolution in greyhound information and technology!
Although, I firstly recommend you acquire a good 'sporting newspaper' like the RACING POST with full in-depth coverage of all today's meetings.
Greyhound Predictor Version 2.0 lets you predict races run over 3 standard middle-distances: 515 metres = (563 yards), 500m = (547 yards) and 480m = (525 yards). After studying the formlines in your newspaper or via the internet, please choose a race you wish to predict!
If you haven't yet downloaded and installed Greyhound Predictor v2.0 onto your computer then please click here to download a free trial.
Please note: The full registered version will not display the dialogue boxes or be limited to only one race per start-up.
Now double click the Crystal Ball icon on your desktop. Click I Agree and Press Spacebar to move through the information screens.
Once the Main Menu has loaded you can select the Predictor, Betting Lounge, Gallery, Information or Option Menu by using the Up / Down cursor keys on your keypad. If you have any difficulties viewing our Greyhound Racing Software, please see support page for further information.
By selecting the Option Menu you can alter the number of runners and change 'distances' into metres or yards or 'weights' into kilos or pounds!
Alternatively, find the Configuration Utility on your computer (Start - Programs - Greyhound Predictor v2.0 Configuration) to preset your own 'race settings' mentioned above as the default mode of your choice. Each time you start-up GP v2.0 a maximum of six or eight dog races will only then be saved for you!
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 always runs in Full Screen Mode! You may therefore require two seperate monitors or a mobile phone when entering form via the internet.
Now are you ready to start predicting races?
Now select Predictor to navigate throughout simply highlight your answers by using the Left / Right / Up / Down Cursor Keys and Press the SPACEBAR to continue. You will then be asked ten racing-form questions for each runner, starting with Trap 1, although, the first three questions only apply to individual race set-ups.
In this section, I mention famous greyhound races held in Great Britain & Ireland and their associated venues. I include information on race speeds, classic winners and affiliated trainers and compare English dog racing grades with Irish, American and Australian grading systems.
Greyhound Predictor Software allows you to simulate four race grades: Open Race, Top Grade, Middle Grade and Low Grade.
In England an 'open race' represents the highest standard of racing grades and consists of two divisions - Major Open Races - Category One (OR1), Two (OR2), Three (OR3) & Minor Opens (OR). In Ireland the best middle-distance races are called AAO's. In America these races are known as RSA's or SA's (Racing Secretaries A Class). In Australia all major competitions are classified as Group Races and generally referred to as FFA's (Free for All).
Out of all the 'classic races' staged annually, the English Greyhound Derby - won 29/06/24 by De Lahdedah trained in Co Kerry Ireland by Liam Dowling - (Towcester) originally staged in 1927 at the White City Stadium, London, still remains today the most important competition. This year's derby sponsored again by Star*Sports & TRC Health & Leisure carried a winner's purse of £175,000 with a further £50,000 bonus for the victor going on to win the Irish Derby held later in the year!
Other 'national derbies' include the Scottish Derby first held at Carntyne, Glasgow in 1928 - last won 04/05/19 by Braveheart Bobby (Pat Buckley IRE) - (Shawfield). Other famous Scottish dog races included the St Mungo Cup and Edinburgh Cup previously staged at the now closed Powderhall Stadium. The Welsh Greyhound Derby first run from 1928 - 1937 at the White City, Cardiff and then from 1945 - 1977 at the old Cardiff Arms Park, will hopefully now be held at the 'Valley' Ystrad Mynach. The Trigo Cup formerly known as the Ulster Derby first held at Celtic Park, Belfast in 1929 was reinaugerated in 2010 as the Northern Irish Derby - (Drumbo Park).
Along with the derby, the English Oaks - won 28/10/23 by Jet Stream Angel trained at Oxford by Kevin Hutton - (Perry Barr) a race confined to bitches first run at White City in 1927 are the oldest classics. This year's event sponsored by Premier Greyhound Racing (PGR) carries a first prize of £20,000.
The St Leger previously run from 1928 - 1998 at Wembley's 'Empire Stadium' is the oldest 'stayers classic' - won historically again 28/09/24 by "2023 newcomer, GBGB stayer & PGR greyhound of the year" Droopys Clue trained at Brighton & Hove by Seamus Cahill - (Perry Barr) with a winner's prize of £20,000.
Other famous races include: All England Cup - (Newcastle), Ark - (Swindon), Premier Greyhound Racing Golden Jacket, Kent St Leger and Gold Collar - (Crayford), Essex Vase, Golden Sprint, Coronation Cup and Champion Stakes - (Romford), PGR Eclipse - (Nottingham), Brighton Belle, Sussex Cup, Regency & Olympic - (Hove), Kent Derby - (Central Park), Harlow Gold Cup - (Harlow), Pall Mall and Hunt Cup - (Oxford), Monmore Gold Cup and Summer Stayers Classic - (Monmore Green), ARC Laurels and Scurry Gold Cup - (Perry Barr), Steel City Cup and 3 Steps To Victory - (Sheffield), Arena Racing Company Classic and Grand Prix - (Sunderland), KAB Maiden Derby - (Towcester) and 78th East Anglian Derby - (Yarmouth) etc.
Famous long-distance greyhound races include: The Cesarewitch first run in 1928 - won 20/01/24 by Garfiney Blaze trained by Mark Wallis unattached - (Central Park), The Television Trophy first inaugerated by the B.B.C. in 1958 - won 15/04/23 by 23/03/24 by Bubbly Inferno trained at Romford by Paul Young - (Oxford Stadium), Dorando Marathon - won 29/06/24 by Ballymac Taylor trained by Mark Wallis (Unattached) and Mark Siddall Prime Beef Challenge Trophy - (Towcester Racecourse), Boxing Day Marathon - won 26/12/23 by Bubbly Scorcher trained by Paul Young - (Crayford).
Famous Puppy races include: English Puppy Derby and Juvenile Classic - (Towcester), 78th BGBF Produce Stakes - (Swindon), Northern Puppy Derby - (Newcastle), Sussex Puppy Trophy and Hove Puppy Cup - (Brighton & Hove), Puppy Cup - (Romford), Gymcrack Puppy Championship and BGBF British Bred Derby - (Sheffield), British Breeders Stakes and Puppy Classic - (Nottingham), PGR Puppy Derby and Trafalgar Cup - (Monmore Green), Puppy Cup and Cowley Puppy Collar - (Oxford), Future Stars Puppy Trophy and ARC Puppy Cup - (Sunderland), bet365 English Puppy Oaks - (Towcester) etc.
The 2023 English Greyhound Trainers' Title was won for a record 14th time by "champion trainer" Mark Wallis based at the Imperial Kennels, Lakenheath, Suffolk.
Only the top six handlers qualify for the PGR "Judgement Night" Trainers' Championship (TC) staged this year 04/05/24 at Brighton & Hove - won by Liz McNair. Selected race winners included: Sprint 285 metres - Signet Goofy (John Mullins), Puppy 500m - Clona Kody (Richard Rees), 500m Bitches - Queen Joni (Liz McNair), 500m Standard - King Sydney (Liz McNair), 515m - Aayamza Sydney (John Mullins) and Stayers 695m - Garfiney Blaze (Mark Wallis).
Other Invitational races (IV) include the Time Greyhound Nutrition Juvenile and Derby Invitation - (Towcester), The Select Stakes and Select Stayers - (Nottingham), EAD Invitation and YGOTA Invitation Marathon - (Yarmouth) and the odd Showdown - "swan vesta" Match Race (M) sometimes limited to only two dogs.
Famous races include: British Bred St Leger, Kent Plate and Silver Salver - (Central Park), Peter Bussey Memorial, Guys & Dolls and Kent Cesarewitch - (Crayford), Yorkshire Derby and BGBF St Leger - (Doncaster), Winter Derby - (Monmore Green), British Bred Oaks and Challenge Cup - (Oxford), Birmingham Cup - (Perry Barr), Angel Of The North and Northern Flat - (Newcastle), Midlands Sprint - (Nottingham), Doug Tyler Summer Cup, Mitch Milward Marathon and Rosebowl - (Romford), Queen Mother Memorial Cup - (Sheffield), Arena Racing Company Classic - (Sunderland), Blue Riband, Northamptonshire Sprint, Jack Murrell Memorial, Empress Stakes, Champion Bitch Stake and Greyhound Stud Book Trophy - (Towcester Racecourse), Derby Purse, Grand Final and East Anglian Challenge - (Yarmouth) etc.
Minor Opens (OR) include all 'one-offs' with a minimum of £100 to the winner. Maiden Opens are limited to greyhounds yet to win an Open Race over the distance.
At the annual awards ceremony held 03/03/24 the Greyhound Board of Great Britain announced that the "2023 GBGB sprinter of the year" was Quateira trained by Mark Wallis and the "2023 ARC standard-distance greyhound of the year" was Links Maverick trained at Newcastle by Tom Heilbron.
As from 31st March 2014 the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has implemented new race grading bands. For 525 yard races all dogs recording a time less then 28.49 seconds will be classed as AAO, 28.50s - 28.69s = AO, 28.70s - 28.89s = A1 up to and including 30.50s - 30.70s = A10.
The BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby - won 02/09/23 by The Other Kobe trained by Jennifer O'Donnell - (Shelbourne Park - SPK) first run in 1932 is the most prestigious event in the racing calendar with a winner's purse of €125,000. Although, originally preceded by the 'National Derby' first held at Harolds Cross in 1928.
Other famous Irish races include: The Gold Cup - won 24/02/24 by Boylesports Coco (Dolores Ruth), Easter Cup first staged in 1928 - won 06/04/24 by Clonbrien Treaty (Graham Holland), Irish Oaks - won 15/06/24 by Fleadh Saraide (Murt Leahy) & A Lucky Julie (Jimmy Melia) and Champion Stakes - won 06/07/24 by Daleroad Duke (Patrick Guilfoyle) - (Shelbourne Park). Limerick Oaks - won 11/05/24 by Short Grip (Patrick Cocoman), Irish St Leger first run at Celtic Park, Belfast in 1932 - won again 17/08/24 by Clonbrien Treaty (G Holland) and Cambridgeshire - won 14/09/24 by Tuono Charlie (Sharon Hunt) - (Limerick - LMK). Cork Oaks won 30/03/24 by Droopys Onestop (John Linehan) and Irish Laurels - won 05/10/24 by Crafty Shivoo (Pat Kiely) - (Curraheen Park - CRK). National Produce Stakes - won 22/06/24 by Unanimouspanther (Pat Buckley) - (Clonmel - CML). Sprint Cup - won 15/08/24 by Broadstrand Syd (John Linehan) - (Dundalk - DLK). Galway Oaks - won 24/11/23 by Droopys Mandolin (R Gleeson) - (Galway - GLY), Future Champion Michael Fortune Memorial - won 08/04/24 by Fiery Mick (Joe Devlin) - (Enniscorthy - ECY). Newbridge Oaks - (Newbridge - NWB). Cesarewitch - won 17/03/24 by Singalong Dolly (P Buckley) and Fair Warrior - won 05/11/23 by Pavilion Fire (Aiden McVeigh) - (Mullingar - MGR). Race Of Champions - won 14/06/24 by Coolavanny Otto (Pat Buckley), Juvenile Derby - won 08/03/24 by Ballymac Patriot (Liam Dowling) and Kingdom Derby - won 22/12/23 by Road Exile (Pat Buckley) - (Tralee - TRL). Munster Oaks won 07/09/24 by Hello Rose (Graham Hollamd) - (Waterford - WFD).
Famous Invitational races include: The TIME Greyhound Nutrition Select Stakes - won 27/04/24 by Droopys Fidget trained in Ireland by Robert Gleeson - (Waterford), 2024 Dundalk International - won 12/07/24 by Droopys Mandolin (Robert Gleeson) - (Dundalk). There are also occasional Irish-Anglo challenges - (Shelbourne Park). Throughout the year 'festivals of racing' take place at Clonmel, Cork, Dublin, Enniscorthy, Galway, Kilkenny, Lifford, Limerick, Tralee etc.
Shelbourne Park hosted their 3rd annual Winter Racing Festival gala meeting 01/12/23 & 02/12/23. Selected winners included: This Runs Deep 350 - Ballinakill Alf (Graham Holland), Welcome To Shelbourne Juvenile 525 - Seven Beach (Jennifer O'Donnell), Winter Racing Festival Championship 525 - High Trend (G Holland), Winter Racing Festival Championship Bitch 525 - Droopys Mandolin (Robert Gleeson), Greyhound Racing Ireland Champion Bitch 550 - Ballinabola Una (Pat Buckley), RCETS 550 - Ballymac Walt (Liam Dowling), WRF Championship 550 - Another Holiday (Michael O'Donovan), Winter Racing Festival Championship 575 - Music Glideaway (Patrick Guilfoyle), Winter Racing Festival Championship 600 - Bens Teddy (Pat Buckley), IGOBF National Puppy - Whyaye Bonnylad (Robert Gleeson), Winter Racing Festival Championship 750 - Garfiney Blaze (Graham Holland), Retired Greyhound Trust Stayers 850 - Highjay Muzzy (Steven Maher)
In Ireland most young puppies will begin their racing careers in Novice grade (N0 - N3) although, some may also compete in open competitions for greyhounds unraced! The most valuable being the Connolly's Red Mills Unraced - (Curraheen Park) with a winner's cheque of €16,000. Although, The Con & Annie Kirby Memorial - won 20/04/24 by Knockeen Dazzler owned and trained by Master Daniel O'Rahilly - (Limerick) with a first prize of €80,000 remains the world's richest puppy race!
The world's fastest greyhounds average speeds around a circuit approaching 40 mph / 64.37 kph! Although, these very 'top speeds' may only be achievable on first class 'galloping tracks' with big circumferences, long racing straights and wide sweeping cambered bends!
The quickest time run over 515 metres is 28.88 seconds set 25/01/01 by Australian "wonder dog" Brett Lee trained by Darren McDonald from Peacedale, Victoria in the Adelaide Cup held at Angle Park, South Australia (circumference 457 metres) and represents an average speed of 39.89 mph / 64.20 kph!
Interestingly, the fastest time recorded in the United Kingdom for 515 metres is 29.20 secs set 31/07/07 by "brilliant Barney" Barnfield On Air trained by Sam Poots (retired) in the Sussex Cup run at Brighton & Hove greyhound stadium (circumference 455 metres) and represents an average cruising speed of 39.45 mph / 63.49 kph. The best time achieved by a greyhound bitch is 29.54 secs set by Bridge Ruth trained by Mark Wallis (38.99 mph / 62.76 kph) when winning the 2013 Brighton Belle. Although, this time was equalled 31/08/17 by "2018 bitch of the year" Donation trained by Heather Dimmock in a heat of the 500 Ladies.
The Towcester Racecourse 500 metres record (circumference 442 metres) was recently broken 20/10/24 by Barntick Bear trained locally by Patrick Janssens when setting new figures for the Derby-trip of 28.44 secs (39.33 mph / 63.29 kph) in a Towcester Standard Div 1 Open Race.
The 2024 English Greyhound Derby 500m record was sensationally equalled by "derby champion" De Lahdedah trained by Liam Dowling based at Ballymacelligott, Co Kerry, Ireland when recording 28.58 secs (39.13 mph / 62.98 kph) in StarSports & TRC Derby Final held 29/06/24 matching the record set 24/05/24 by King Memphis trained by Liz & Rab McNair in Derby 1st round and by "2023 & 2024 St Leger winner" Droopys Clue trained by Seamus Cahill in a Derby Trial Stake held 14/04/24.
The 2019 English Derby held 25/05/19 at Nottingham (circumference 437m) over 500 metres was set alight by Skywalker Logan trained in Ireland by Patrick Guilfoyle when breaking Sawpit Sensation's previous long held record by eleven spots when recording 29.05 secs (38.50 mph / 61.96 kph) in 1st round derby heat. The fastest time by a bitch was 29.27 secs (38.21 mph / 61.50 kph) set in 1st round won by recently crowned "2023 British Bred Dam of the Year" Queen Beyonce trained by Liz McNair. Although, Ballymac Tas trained by Liam Dowling (IRE) became the first bitch since Dilemmas Flight in 2007 to reach the final, finishing runner-up!
The old Derby record for 500 metres was 28.72 secs set 09/06/17 by Tyrur Shay trained in Ireland by P J Fahy in 2nd round heat held at the old Towcester track (circumference 426 metres) and represents an average racing speed of 38.89 mph / 62.59 kph.
The old Derby record for 480 metres - Wimbledon (circumference 414 metres) was broken 30/05/15 by the "2015 British bred greyhound of the year" Eden The Kid trained by Liz McNair when posting 27.95 secs (38.42 mph / 61.83 kph) in 1st round heat.
The English National 480 metres distance record was broken 15/09/20 by Roxholme Kristof trained by Hayley Keightley when posting 27.27 secs in the Gain Greyhound Nutrition Three Steps To Victory 1st round heat held at Owlerton Stadium, Sheffield (circumference 425 metres) averaging 39.38mph / 63.37 kph.
The Scottish Derby 480 metres record was lowered again by Droopys Buick trained at Newcastle by Jimmy Wright & Angela Harrison when recording 28.55 secs in semi-final held 29/04/17 at the now closed Shawfield Stadium (circumference 432m). Although, surprisingly the average speed was only 37.61 mph / 60.52 kph!
The Irish Derby record for 550 yards (503 metres) - Shelbourne Park (circumference 425 yards) was broken 22/08/20 by Pestana trained by Owen McKenna (IRE) when posting 28.99 secs in the 2020 BoyleSports Irish Derby 2nd round (38.81 mph / 62.46 kph) not only breaking the former track record of 29.10 secs held by Tyrur Van Gaal trained by PJ Fahy but also beating the Irish National 550 yard distance record of 29.07 secs set previously at Curraheen Park by Killmacdonagh trained by Kieran Lynch and thus became the first greyhound in history to dip under 29.00 secs for the derby trip! The fastest time by a bitch is 29.12s set 21/07/19 by Ballymac Arminta trained by Liam Dowling in semi-final of the BoyleSports Champion Stakes.
The "2023 BoyleSports derby winner & 2023 supreme greyhound of the year" The Other Kobe trained by Jennifer O'Donnell produced the fastest Derby clocking to the third bend of 16.85 secs and recorded 29.11 secs for the 550 yard trip and is the quickest run in a 'modern-day' final beating Susie Saphire's previous best of 29.18 secs.
The "2021 BoyleSports Irish derby winner" Susie Sapphire trained by Owen McKenna for owner breeder Peter Comerford became the first bitch to win the Derby since Spring Time in 1999 and completed the 'classic double' by winning both the Irish Derby & Oaks in the same year!
The fastest run in Ireland over 525 yards was achieved by Paradise Madison trained in County Meath by Oliver Bray when stopping the clock at 27.67 secs in semi-final of the Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake held 08/12/12 at Shelbourne Park (38.81 mph / 62.46 kph). The fastest ever time by a bitch is 27.70 secs set 25/05/19 by Ballymac Arminta trained by Liam Dowling (38.77 mph / 62.39 kph) in the 2019 Sporting Press Online Edition Irish Oaks! The quickest sectional time to the 3rd bend is 16.66 secs recorded 17/09/22 by Hawkfield Ozark trained in Ireland by Jamie McGee.
The 525 yards record was once held by Catunda Harry trained by Owen McKenna, who became the first greyhound to break 28 seconds on an Irish track, when recording 27.99 secs in a heat of the Ballygodoon Stud Puppy Stakes run 17/06/07 at the old 'Market Fields' track at Limerick.
The Northern Irish 525 record is 27.88s (38.52 mph / 61.99 kph) set 23/10/10 by Leeveiw Jet (Graham Holland) in the Tennants Gold Cup - (Drumbo Park - DBP).
In Australia at Capalaba in Brisbane, Queensland, Upper Class Lad trained by John Catton (Mount Cotton) running in the Michael Miller Memorial Cup held (03/10/15) over a straight grass track recorded a time of 19.28 secs for 366 metres / 400 yards - averaging 42.46 mph / 68.34 kph and is claimed to be a WORLD RECORD SPEED! Although, speed tests conducted by Towcester Racecourse using a hi-tech transponder system taken from dogs competing in the 2017 StarSports English Derby, interestingly revealed split-second acceleration speeds approaching 50 mph / 80.47 kph!
Other standard prefixes that indicate the type of race grading include: (H) = Hurdle and (CH) = Chase - two extra hurdles are added.
The first hurdle race in England took place at Belle Vue, Manchester at its opening meeting held 24th July 1926 - won by Melksham Autocrat.
The most famous race is the Grand National - won 26/8/23 by Coppice Fox trained by Ricky Holloway - (Crayford) first run at White City in 1928.
United Kingdom Category 1 hurdle races include: Springbok - won 29/07/23 by Droopys Chaser trained at Romford by Paul Young - (Brighton & Hove) and Ladbrokes Champion Hurdle - won 21/07/24 by Nunhead Shiv trained at Central Park by Barry O'Sullivan - (Crayford) is the oldest 'hurdles classic' first held at White City in 1927. Please Note: The 2024 Grand National will this year be run at Brighton & Hove.
Cornamaddy Jumbo trained by Mark Wallis then attached to Yarmouth was voted "2014 hurdler & greyhound of the year" when becoming the first dog to complete the 'English triple crown' by winning all three Category One Hurdle Events - The Springbok, Grand National and Champion Hurdle in the same year!
Category 2 & 3 hurdle events include: The Chief Ramsbottom Hurdle, Golden Jacket Hurdle, Stayers Hurdle, Dual Distance Hurdle, Champion Hurdle Marathon, Kent National Hurdle, Kent Champion Hurdle, Kent St Leger Hurdle, Spring, Summer, Autumn Hurdle - (Crayford), Merit Hurdle & Jimmy Jupp Hurdle - (Brighton & Hove), Roger Kent Barton Triumph Hurdle - (Romford) and Supreme Hurdle - (Towcester) etc.
Occasionally a dog will be given a 'hurdle handslip' and released not from the traps, but 'hand slipped' along the straights in order to gradually introduce them to hurdling. Please note: any runner having competed in a hurdle race or schooling trial and was subsequently switched back to race on the flat, is always considered a good sign, as the hurdles tend to concentrate a dog's mind on its racing and therefore sharpens them up!
In Ireland, the Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) decided 16/11/21 due to their concerns over certain welfare issues, that they would discontinue all hurdle races forthwith. The Irish Grand National - won 12/12/20 by Razldazl Annie trained by Neilius O'Connell - (Curraheen Park) was sadly the last classic hurdle race run.
The vast majority of dog races run around the world are known as 'Graded Races' (GR's). Middle-Distance Grades include:
U.K. - Top Grade - (A1 - A3) equivalent to American greyhound grades (A, B) and Australian racing grades (1, 2). Some of the best 'top graders' may also compete in Category One major open events and generally average speeds around a track between 38-39 mph.
U.K. - Middle Grade - (A4 - A6) equivalent to American racing grades (C, D) and Australian grades (3, 3/4, 4). Occasionally, graded runners competing at the very best 'city tracks' maybe the equal of A1 dogs running at lesser not so good 'country tracks' and can average speeds between 37-38 mph.
U.K. - Low Grade - (A7 - A11) equivalent to American grades (E, F and Maidens) and Aussie grades (4/5, 5 and Maidens). Most greyhounds will either start or finish their racing careers in these lower grades and generally record average speeds around a circuit between 35-37 mph.
U.K. - B Grade (B1 - B6) This grade prefix indicates to a slightly shorter or longer standard distance.
Knowing the grade of a dog race is very important, as it's an approximation to the expected level of performance and therefore indicates to the overall race standard. Generally, I consider a greyhound's grade should reflect past performances and be relative to previously recorded times!
When fully fit 'Graders' tend to run more frequently than 'Open Racers' and usually compete in a race once a week, although twice was not uncommon. However, any dogs thought 'over raced' will generally see a decline in racing form and may need a rest to freshen them up! In 2018 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) launched their new Greyhound Commitment strategy dedicated to improving the safety, welfare and lives of greyhounds: Rule 147 now states that a dog will only be allowed to race once over a 4-day period with a maximum of 6 races or trials in any 28-day period.
The GBGB announced 27/02/24 that Feora Lottie trained by Bob Pattinson at Central Park Sittingbourne, for owner Jon Carter and his late wife Marilyn, had been voted "2023 ARC graded greyhound of the year" after winning ten graded races and two Opens from 26 starts with three consecutive wins in March including two Open Races over 642 metres and back to back A1's in June. In second place, after winning 18 races was Bramble Nickeen trained by Steve Anderson at Newcastle for owner and "2023 kennelhand of the year" Chloe Hardy. Joint third went to Barnfield Barra Kim Billingham at Monmore Green & Second Captain Katie O'Flaherty at Romford.
Puppy and Veteran / Senior races are represented by a standard prefix: (P) = Puppy and (V) = Veteran.
Other types of racing grades that may take place during a meeting include: (KC) = Kennel Championships, (KS) = Kennel Sweepstakes, (IT) = Intertrack Racing, (Hcp) = Handicap Racing and the previously held but now outlawed (QS) = Quickstakes - 2 or 3 semi-finals take place with the final being run at the same meeting.
All 'Punters' when studying graded greyhound form will always face the dilemma of not knowing whether to back a good dog 'lowered in class' running badly or a not so good dog 'raised in class' running well? "If only I had a crystal ball" I hear you say!
Successfully predicting Graded Races (GR's) will invariably be more challenging than forecasting Open Races (OR), as the 'grader' generally grades the races very closely with only minute differences in time to choose between the runners.
To obtain the best results from the 'Predictor' I therefore suggest choosing UK OR's, Irish AAO's, American SA's or Australian FFA's, as the runners in these top greyhound grades are not only more consistent, but also allow "canine superstars" to compete with much greater differences in racing ability. This can be most noticeable during the early rounds of major competitions and theoretically makes the 'open grade' more predictable than a graded race. Although, these differences in the dog's standards will always no doubt be reflected in the individual prices quoted as the odds of a greyhound race!
For 'Greyhound Predictors' wishing to simulate dogs 'raised or lowered' in grade, then one of the best ways to represent a change in grade would be to alter a dog's time! For example, if you consider a greyhound to be 'upped in class' then you should perhaps add-on between 0.10 - 0.20 seconds to their fastest time, as up-graded dogs theoretically, are less likely to obtain a trouble free run in-order to produce their very quickest times. Although, often to the contrary, certain strong 'improving greyhounds' may actually appreciate a quicker overall travelling speed throughout a race and be towed along in the 'faster slipstreams' of other initially speedier dogs and despite being 'raised in class' will continue to improve on their best times. For further information please see Racetimes.
Alternatively, if you wanted to simulate down-graded dogs then you should perhaps deduct between 0.10 - 0.20 seconds from their fastest time, as all dogs 'lowered in class' theoretically, have a better chance of being afforded more 'racing room' in a lower graded race to improve their quickest times, and indeed yes, you may deduct an appropriate amount of time that best simulates greyhounds dropped in grade.
I should also like to mention in the interests of 'The Science of Greyhound Race Prediction' that since the dogs themselves remain completely unaware of the racing grade their running in or have previously competed at, then you may wish to leave a dog's fastest time as it is, the choice is always yours!
Now check the formlines, the stat grade of race is found at the top of each race heading.
Now select the correct grade category and Press Spacebar to enter.
In this section, I explain how different track conditions affect the performances of dogs with various running styles and why this may alter your future race predictions. Please see: English Track Circumferences, Hare Types and Surfaces. Greyhound Predictor v2.0 Track Dimensions are also provided.
An understanding how the weather affects the surface of a greyhound track is the key to answering this question, the ability to predict accurately in advance the correct going conditions? or state of the track? is indeed a vital element that should always be considered when predicting dog races.
The vast majority of greyhound races worldwide are run on sand tracks, although originally many of todays' prestigious racing events were first held on grass tracks. Other surfaces used include the 'loam tracks' seen in Australia and not to forget the old 'cinder tracks' of greyhound racing's historical past.
All greyhound establishments will try to maintain a fair and safe circuit for racing by regularly rolling flat and watering the sand. However, this can often be a difficult task to achieve as 'track-surfaces' are constantly affected by adverse weather conditions. Therefore, any dogs fortunate to race on a faster surface then their competitors, theoretically can produce quicker times! This 'advantage' or alternatively considered 'disadvantage' in the bias of the track is very significant as it not only affects results but also influences any betting in a race!
I suggest the 1st thing all "Predictors" should do while attending a greyhound meeting is to check the condition of the track. This is a major advantage in selecting winners given to all race-goers! Although, there are still three possible ways for 'off track punters' to calculate the correct going conditions. Firstly, by paying attention to local weather forecasts for any 'climatic changes' due to affect the race surface. Secondly, you may notice a repetitive pattern to 'previous trends' of winning trap numbers reflected in past results. Or thirdly, by studying the 'win times', 'racing lines' and 'running styles' of all the winners from earlier races, then decide if it's the inside, middle or outside traps if any, that has the advantage on those particular surface conditions.
Greyhound Predictor Software allows you to simulate four race conditions:
Fast Track - [+0.40 secs = GP state of going adjustment] - All greyhounds racing in hot sunny atmospheric temperatures can produce very quick times, as these race conditions generally favour the 'inside runners'. It is usually on 'faster ground' in the summer months that track records maybe broken, although a hard frozen track in mid-winter may also be considered to be running fast and overall benefits the 'quick away runners'!
Normal Track - [0.00 secs] - Dogs racing on a normal surface should produce normal race and sectional times. This type of going should always be considered fair to all racing lines and running styles of greyhounds.
Slow Track - [-0.40 secs] - Winter racing in very cold temperatures on wet, windy, sloppy tracks will often produce slower racetimes and overall favours the 'finishers'. The races being slower run than normal inevitably gives the 'stayers' more time to get into a virtual dog race!
Wet Track - [+0.20 secs] - A recent shower of rain generally makes a track run a little faster than normal, although persistent heavy rainfall invariably slows speeds down and overall favours the 'middle to outside runners'. The inside surface often becomes waterlogged due to the natural contours of a track, therefore dogs coursing a middle, wide and even sometimes an extremely wide raceline, frequently have the advantage of running on a faster surface!
One type of weather condition besides perhaps heavy snow or frozen ice that may occasionally lead to a meeting being abandoned is that of thick fog, as it will be deemed too dangerous to race, once the 'hare controller' has lost sight of the lure and its distance to the leading dog.
As all 'Punters' will know, race conditions affect results and therefore play a vital role in understanding 'The Science of Greyhound Race Prediction!'
Now enter the track condition - Fast, Normal, Slow or Wet
In this section, I mention the dog racing distances used here in the United Kingdom & Ireland and explain how different prefixes identify each standard race distance. Please see British & Irish Greyhound Track Race Lengths
Greyhound Predictor Software v2.0 lets you predict 3 race lengths: 515 metres = 563 yards, 500 metres = 547 yards and 480 metres = 525 yards. When studying form, please select a race run close to any of these three distances to obtain the best predictions!
All race lengths can be displayed in metres or yards by choosing Options from the Main Menu. Alternatively, you can pre-set your own distance measurements by finding the Configuration Utility on your computer: (Start - Programs - Greyhound Predictor v2.0 - Configuration) as the default mode of your choice, each time you start up Greyhound Predictor only then will these race settings be saved for you!
In the United Kingdom there are basically four types of distances. A form prefix (abbreviated letter) is always shown before the 'grade' to represent the distance of race: D = sprint races (2 bend racing), A = middle-distance races (4 bends), S = stayers races (6 bends) and E = marathon or extended races (8 bends or more). Please note: In Ireland distance prefixes are slightly different ie: S = Sprint, A = Middle-Distance and D = Long Distance. Although, these 'prefixes' can vary from track to track!
The most common and standard distance used for dog racing in England & Ireland is 480 metres or 525 yards: Monmore Gold Cup and Puppy Derby - (Monmore Green), All England Cup, Angel Of The North and Northern Puppy Derby - (Newcastle), Kent Derby - (Central Park), English Oaks - (Perry Barr), Produce Stakes - (Clonmel), Irish Oaks and Gold Cup - (Shelbourne Park), Con & Annie Kirby Memorial - (Limerick), Irish Greyhound Laurels - (Curraheen Park).
Towcester Racecourse in Northamptonshire was chosen in 2021 to host the English Derby run over the new modern-day derby distance of 500 metres / 547 yards.
Brighton & Hove introduced new 500 metre races in 2020 for all middle-distance competitions except the Sussex Cup, Olympic & Brighton Belle run over 515 metres.
One of the oldest 'sprint classics' is the Scurry Gold Cup, first run at Clapton in 1928 over 400 yards until its closure in 1973. In 1974 it switched to Slough over 434 metres / 475 yards and later in 1987 to Catford over 385 metres / 420 yards. In 2003/2004 the race was not run until reinstated in 2005 at Perry Barr over 275 metres. Then in 2009 it moved to 'sister track' Belle Vue over 260 metres until its closure and is now back at Perry Barr over 275m.
The Cesarewitch is yet another of the original classics, first staged in 1928 at West Ham over 600 yards. Following that tracks closure the event transferred in 1972 to Belle Vue over 880 yards and was the first time a classic had ever been staged in the North of England. In 1995 the GRA switched the venue to Catford over 718 metres. In 2001 it was moved to Oxford over 645m until its closure in 2012. In 2019 Ladbrokes/Coral stepped in to save this famous event and ran it at Crayford over 874 metres. In 2020 it moved to Romford over 925m. In 2021/22 returned to Crayford. In 2023 the race switched to Central Park and is now run over the new distance of 731 metres.
The Greyhound St Leger first run at Wembley was transferred in 2017 from it's former home of Wimbledon to Perry Barr and is now run over 710 metres. The longest marathon race in England is the Ladbrokes 1048 held at Crayford over 1048 metres / 1146 yards!
In Ireland the 'premier sprint' is the Irish Sprint Cup run over 400 yards at Dundalk, which succeeded the National Sprint originally run over 325 yards at Newbridge.
The Irish Derby held at Shelbourne Park, Dublin since 1932 has been run over the same distance of 550 yards / 503 metres since 1986. Interestingly, the Irish St Leger first held at Celtic Park, Belfast in 1932 is today staged over the same distance at Limerick!
Famous Irish 'staying races' include the Cambridgeshire - (Limerick), Corn Cuchulainn run over 750 yards, Winter Racing Festival Marathon run over 850 yards and Shelbourne Marathon run over 1025 yards - (Shelbourne Park) and not to forget the historic "Ted Hegarty" Track Bookmakers Open Marathon previously staged at HX. Although, perhaps the longest race in Ireland is the TBO Marathon held at Thurles Park over 1035 yards!
In the United States most American greyhound parks display distances as fractions of a mile: 990 feet = 3/16th mile, 1320 feet = Quarter mile, 1485 feet = Futurity course, 1650 feet = 5/16th mile, 1980 feet = 3/8th mile, 2310 feet = 7/16th mile, 2640 feet = half mile, 2970 feet = 9/16th mile, etc.
In Australia only two categories are used: SPRINT = all races up to and including 564 metres, and DISTANCE = all races over 565 metres or further.
The positioning of the starting traps is very important as regular dog races take place over distances where the runners are only afforded a 'short run' to the first corner. These contests frequently result in 1st bend trouble due to the distinct lack of 'racing room' and therefore will always be a little more difficult to predict!
The greyhound form statistic length of race? is found at the top of each race heading.
Now select and enter one of the three distances supplied.
You have now completed all the RACE-SET-UP questions and will be asked to answer a further set of seven questions by once again studying the raceform for each runner starting with trap one. Please select as before by highlighting any of the multiple choice answers and PRESS SPACEBAR to enter. Please note: race lengths, ages, weights and racetimes will require you to enter numerical answers by using the number digits situated on your keypad.
In this section, I discuss the maximum number of runners allowed in a dog race and importance of the trap draw when predicting dog races around the world. Also mentioned are the jacket colours used in the GREYHOUNDPREDICTOR v2.0 Software Program.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 allows you to simulate races that include vacant traps!
This feature lets you take out any 'non-runners' and create your own greyhound trial sessions - grade T = trial, T2 = 2 dog trial etc, solo trial = 'solo'. American Raceform = (st). Australian form 'pt' = private trial or 'qt' = qualifying trial. All combinations of a maximum 8 dogs are available.
In England and Ireland greyhound races are currently limited to six dogs. Although, in the past both five and eight dog races were once a regular feature. In America, Australia and New Zealand the maximum number of runners is eight, although previously both nine and ten dog races have taken place.
In English graded races the 'trap draw' is allocated by the racing manager under G.B.G.B. Rule 76 (V). All inside runners will be issued with a 'rails tag' and seeded rails. A (R) written after a greyhound's name always indicates a railer. The first railer drawn out always occupies the first available inside trap position.
A (M) after a dog's name always indicates a middle tracker and will be given a 'middle tag' and seeded middle. Due to a change in precedure, the first middle seed drawn out now occupies the first available position placed next to the nearest inside runner.
A (W) after a dog's name always indicates a wide runner and is given a 'wide tag' and seeded wide. The first wide seed drawn out always occupies the first available outside trap position. Only extremely rarely when there are six wides in a final or in a handicap race will a wide racer ever occupy the inside box.
The procedure for Open Race (OR) trap draws under the new G.B.G.B. equal distribution Rule 80, means there are now three seperate draws, with railers now known as 'unseeded runners' drawn first, then middle seeds, lastly wide seeds. The first unseeded runner goes in the inside box of Heat 1, the second in the inside box of Heat 2 etc.
Some greyhounds when first trialed at a new track in preparation for some forthcoming Open competition may run-a-track differently and alter their natural racing line. The greyhound trainer or 'handler' with the dog owner's permission may then decide to ask the resident local 'racing manager' for a change to their dog's seeding position. This will only be granted if genuinely believed that the dog would perform better if allowed to compete in all subsequent future races with a different draw tag allocation. I believe, the general reasoning behind 'race seeding' is based purely in the 'interests of safety' as overall it promotes cleaner trouble free greyhound racing and therefore encourages dogs to perform to their maximum capabilities.
Alternatively in Ireland, America, Australia and New Zealand there is no seeding! any runner can be drawn in any box position, no preferences are given and therefore "the luck of the box draw" always plays a leading role in determining results and is an important factor to take into consideration!
I suggest when using GREYHOUND PREDICTOR that you first conduct your own private trials in order to see how different starting 'trap positions' affect performances. Please note: The option to trial dogs and then 'RACE AGAIN' is only fully functional in the Full Registered Version.
It is generally thought when betting on dogs, that any runner drawn next to a 'vacant trap' has a "good draw" as theoretically with more 'racing room' they've a better chance of starting well in the early stages! Although, this always depends on the individual 'make-up' of each race!
Now enter Runner or Vacant.
Since world governing bodies have their own respective colour code of dog jackets, rugs or blankets, there can often be a confusion identifying the runners when watching on television or viewing via the Internet. This will exist until all greyhound jacket colours are perhaps one-day unified!
Here at Greyhound Predictor we found ourselves choosing our own greyhound colours and wishing to appeal to all 'greyhound fans' worldwide we decided that the following colours would hopefully be considered a fair choice:
GREYHOUND PREDICTOR TRAP COLOURS
Our reasons for selecting these colours were as follows: The first three traps: Red = T1, Blue = T2 and White = T3 just so happen to be the same colours used by the UK, Irish, European and American greyhound industries, and therefore the choice was simply made for us.
Choosing the next 3 colours was difficult, as each of the respective nations use different colours for each trap. After careful thought, we decided to stay with the GP v 1.0 colours and use the European, British and Irish greyhound colours: Black = T4, Orange = T5, and Black / White stripes = T6.
The task of choosing the colour of Trap 7 was again made difficult, as each of the 'dog racing nations' use different colours for this trap number. However, it was decided to represent the American greyhound industry and use the colour of Green and White Stripes = T7.
Lastly, it was decided Trap 8 should in all fairness represent the Australian and New Zealand greyhound industries and therefore the famous Pink Jacket = T8.
AMERICAN GREYHOUND BLANKET COLORS
AUSTRALIAN DOG RUG COLOURS
EUROPEAN, IRISH & UK DOG JACKET COLOURS
NEW ZEALAND GREYHOUND RUG COLOURS
In this section, I discuss the gender and breeding lines of greyhounds and explain how to calculate the number of weeks out of season.
Knowing whether a greyhound is male or female is very important as it indicates to the overall consistency of performance. The vast majority of races worldwide take place with both dogs and bitches competing against each other at various distances and grades.
Dogs are generally thought more consistent and best suited to sprint and middle-distances. There are always exceptions to the rule!
Bitches on the other hand are much harder to train, as race schedules are continuely interrupted when a bitch goes into season (Ssn) and withdrawn from all her racing activities for at least 21 days under GBGB Rule 56 or until the track vet is satisfied she's fit to race. Although, usually they will be 'off the track' for at least 8 - 10 weeks.
Once a bitch is retired to the paddock and put to a sire for breeding she becomes a 'brood' and will be called a 'dam' after whelping her first litter. When studying form all regular 'race-goers' will pay particular attention to the 'breeding lines' of all competing greyhounds and should always note when a former 'top class bitch' has produced offspring to a 'classic winning sire'. Although there can be no guarantees when it comes to breeding, these much sought after young saplings with famous pedigrees are said to be "bred in the purple" and will share similar colourings and markings and display 'racing traits' common to either their sire or dam - racing styles, distances etc.
In UK greyhound form: d = Dog and b = Bitch and is usually located left of the sires name and is preceded by other abbreviated letters referring to its colour: bk. d. = black dog, w.bd.b. = white brindle bitch, f.w.b. = fawn white bitch, be.d. = blue dog etc.
In American racing form (m) = male dog and (f) = female dog.
Now check your newspaper and enter Dog or Bitch.
If you have selected Bitch - The following question will be asked:
Knowing the 'season date' will give a clue to the general level of fitness. Most bitches returning from a seasonal rest will be 'race rusty' and perhaps due to the lactose - sugary substance contained in milk - build up in their systems, may be carrying a little extra weight. After a few trials and races these 'seasoned bitches' will show signs of returning to peak form - change in running style, faster sectionals, improvement in racetimes etc.
It is generally thought the 'perfect-time' for a greyhound bitch to be approaching peak fitness is 16 weeks out of season. Although, some win races sooner perhaps at 14 weeks, while others may indeed be slower 'coming to hand' and take longer to find their top form, perhaps 18-24 weeks.
Please note: when 'female dogs' start to perform better, they often run well for a number of weeks and may continue to improve, as overall they follow their own natural cycle of either 'coming into form' or 'going out of form'. As the old greyhound adage says "It always pays to follow a bitch in form!".
Now check the formlines again.
The seasonal date is usually found next to the 'whelping date' eg: MAY 21 (Season 03 AUG 23)
Occasionally a heavily raced bitch may be irregular in her seasonal dates, which may result in two or even three seasons occurring in any one given year. Although, one of these maybe a 'false heat' where no results would come from breeding and some don't have a season at all.
Season Unknown - If No Seasonal Date (nsd) appears in the racing form, then select Not Known.
Season Suppressed - Greyhound trainers may sometimes administer 'suppressants' to certain older bitches in order to delay or stop a season from occurring. This allows them to continue racing 'on the track' rather then being sidelined for many weeks 'off the track' due to an enforced seasonal rest.
If the raceform abbreviation (Ssn Sup) is shown or if a bitch has been 'spayed', then select Suppressed.
Seasonal Date Known - If you have selected Known? - The following question will be asked:
To answer this question simply calculate the approximate number of weeks that have elapsed since the last seasonal date occurred!
Alternatively, If you decide she's 'in-form' and running well, then simply enter 16 weeks out of season! GREYHOUND PREDICTOR 2.0 will then simulate her best form. Or if she's not running well, simply leave the seasonal weeks blank! The PREDICTOR will then simulate her running 'below par' or being 'out of form'.
Now enter the number of weeks.
In this section, I explain how age affects a dogs racing performance and provide links to Greyhound Welfare and Dog Rehoming sites.
Knowing the age of a runner is very important when predicting dog races as it implies to the general consistency of performances.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 requires all dog ages to be entered in months!
In the United Kingdom the age of a dog is always taken from the first day of the month, even if born on the last day of the month!
All greyhounds less than 24 months old are classified as puppies and will at approximately 12 months old be gradually introduced to the idea of racing. After initial schooling trials most juvenile dogs that achieve a 'grading in time' will make their race debuts between 15 - 18 months old.
Some trainers may elect to bring certain 'well bred pups' on slowly at first, deliberately keep them back, wrap them in cotton wool perhaps and then introduce them fresh in the spring from a winter's break in order to get them fully fit for the 'Puppy Opens' held later in the summer months.
These raw lightly raced dogs are open to much improvement which is always thought a good sign when predicting future dog race winners! However, 'greyhound pups' frequently run a little 'green' and race inconsistently as obviously they're still learning to win races.
The age at which a greyhound reaches its prime can vary enormously. It is generally thought that a dog will be at its best between 30 - 36 months. Although, I beleive some peak earlier between 21 - 30 months and consider this the perfect time for backing dogs over sprints and middle-distances. Bitches on the other hand may take a little longer to reach their full potential.
More experienced dogs between 36 - 48 months old will be competing in their second or third racing season. These dogs will be battle hardened to the hustle and bustle of regular racing and remarkably produce very consistent performances, illustrated by the close proximity of their recorded times.
Open class 'Marathon bitches' it is said often improve in their second season of racing over these extended distances!
All veterans over 48 months old will be approaching the twilight of their careers and many will sadly be retired. However, there's always exceptions to the rule, as a few 'seasoned campaigners' will continue winning races, although most will lack that bit of spark or back-straight pace they once possessed!
The lifespan of a greyhound is varied. The legendary Mick The Miller lived to the age of thirteen years old. Although, bitches may live a little longer, many up to fourteen or fifteen and I've also read of greyhounds living to twenty!
Greyhound Predictor now has a link page dedicated to greyhound rescue sites if you can in anyway help in the re-homing of retired ex-racing dogs, please visit our greyhound welfare page.
Now check your newspaper.
To know how old a greyhound is? you will need to find the 'whelping date' which is usually located in the formlines to the right of the dam's name. Then simply calculate the approximate number of months that have elapsed since the whelping date occurred!
Now enter the age in months.
In this section, I explain how variations in a dog's weight affect performances and give my reasons for collecting greyhound programmes.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 requires all dog racing weights to be entered in either Kilos (Kgs) or Pounds (Lbs). All weight conditions can be simulated!
All Australian, European, New Zealand and United Kingdom greyhounds are weighed in kilograms. American and Irish dogs in pounds.
Dogs weigh on average between 28 - 36 Kilos = 62 - 80 Lbs. and stand 71-76 cms tall. They generally show great determination and bravery when racing to the huge pleasure of their connections and the vast crowds that watch. However, a few of these male racing dogs consistently find trouble in races and may be considered a little awkward or even clumbsy! Some of these 'long striding dogs' weigh in excess of 40kg = 88lbs and are better suited to wider galloping tracks with bigger circumferences. Although, they do have an advantage over bitches when conditions underfoot become wet or sloppy as they take less strides to run a circuit!
Bitches weigh on average between 22 - 31 Kilos = 48 - 68 Lbs. and stand approximately 68 - 71 cms tall. They protect and look after themselves a little more then dogs and often display 'good trackcraft', as being smaller they can squeeze through racing gaps that larger dogs wouldn't dare to go and also have the advantage of sometimes being able to 'slip under the grill' a little quicker than dogs, when initially breaking from the traps!
All runners and reserves for races are put on the scales and weighed prior to racing. British racing dogs that have a weight variation above or below 1kg or 2.2 Lbs (Australia 1 kg, New Zealand 4% of rounded weight, European ?, American racing 2 Lbs, Irish racing 2 Lbs for dogs weighing up to 60 Lbs, 3 Lbs for dogs weighing 60 Lbs - 80 Lbs and 4 Lbs for dogs weighing over 80 Lbs) from its last trial or start weight will not be permitted to run under normal greyhound rules!
Knowing the running-weight of a greyhound is extremely important as it allows you to determine a dog's racing condition by comparing weights from race to race. However, finding out a dog's weight may often prove difficult as presently the only way of knowing is to visit your local track!
I suggest, that the 2nd thing you should always do while attending a greyhound meeting, is to check the 'weight sheet' displayed at your local greyhound stadium or park! This is a big advantage in selecting winners given to all 'trackside punters' and a major reason why so many people love going to the dogs!
Recent advancements in online & mobile technology now afford 'off track punters' with up-to-date racing weight information supplied by various greyhound-tracks. Although, many will still not know the previous weights to compare them, a few of us 'anoraks' simply refer back to our more recent old programmes!
If the racing weight of a greyhound isn't known, simply enter your own approximate weight to continue or alternatively leave a dog's weight blank = 00.0 kilos or Lbs. GreyhoundPredictor v2.0 will then set this runner an average weight dependent on its gender!
Now enter the weight in kilos or Lbs.
All greyhounds will have their own 'optimum weight' known only perhaps to the trainer and maybe the owners! When a greyhound weighs close to its perfect weight, this implies they are fully tuned-up and ready to produce their fastest times. This is best observed by studying a dog's previous weight variations:
Any greyhound thought 'down in weight' is generally considered a good positive sign! As losing weight suggests they will race fitter having been well exercised. Personally, I believe these dogs produce fractionally slower than normal sectionals, but compensate by having a little more stamina at the end of a race.
Some greyhounds when first kennelled before racing will be prone to 'kennel fretting' and may become nervous or over excited and for these reasons may lose weight rapidly before finally being placed into the starting traps. This is alternatively considered a negative sign! as it suggests perhaps a weakness in the temperament of the dog, which often results in greyhounds running inconsistently - missed breaks, early faders etc.
Any puppies running with an under-weight racing condition is sometimes also considered a negative sign!
When there is little or no difference between current weights or previous racing weights, then select 'normal weight condition'. This is always considered as a good sign! as the consistency of weight indicates to the general well being of the dog!
However, any dog previously thought 'down in weight' and was racing at that weight again, should still be considered 'under weight' though its weight remains the same! Just as a dog running 'over weight' and remaining at that weight for its next race, may still be considered 'up in weight'!
Most 'canines' returning from a lay off maybe over-weight, which is always thought a negative sign! as it suggests they've been overfed or perhaps not exercised enough. Personally, I consider these dogs to be initially stronger in the early stages and genuinely believe 'up in weight' dogs produce fractionally faster than normal sectionals. Although overall, they 'tend to fade' a little sooner then they would normally do in the latter stages of a race!
Handlers I believe, may occasionally elect to put weight on a greyhound in order to help a dog trap out faster, giving them perhaps a better chance to lead up or lie handy with the pace in order to avoid possible trouble anticipated at the corner!
Any pups up in weight is alternatively considered a good sign! as it suggests they're still growing and therefore open to further improvement!
If a dog's weight condition is unknown then simply select Not Known.
Knowing the weight variation is afforded to 'trackside punters' who simply compare differences if any, against previous weights displayed in their greyhound racecards. When weighing up the form of a race, the one vital factor, besides the times, the age, the going and the draw, that allows me most to determine which dogs to include in bets or combinations, should in theory always be decided by the greyhounds with the best weight condition!
However, dog racing weights can be very misleading! lets imagine Lady Flyaway has a perfect weight = 27.0 kg and having competed in her last race weight = 28.0 kg, we find the Lady's running tonight at a weight = 27.6 kg. Would you consider her to be under weight or perhaps over weight? Here lies the general confusion as to why these weights are so often misunderstood! In the above example, Lady Flyaway weighing 27.6 kg is in fact 0.6 kg over weight, as we knew her best weight = 27.0 kg. Although had we thought her ideal weight = 28.0 kg then I would consider her 0.4 kg under weight!
All 'Punters' will appreciate that dogs 'up in weight' can still be 'under weight' and dogs 'down in weight' can still be 'over weight'! Most of us already know that dogs are generally heavier than bitches, although knowing the exact weight is little use unless you're able to compare these differences to determine a dog's true weight condition. This ability to study weights, combined with an accurate estimation of their 'optimum weight' is vitally important, as any change in weight affects performances and therefore plays a significant role in obtaining accurate dog racing predictions!
It is only by collecting these Official Race Programmes or by studying online can serious 'racing-students' compare weight variations displayed further back in the formlines and is why so many of us like to collect dog programmes? Please don't throw them away as so many collections of greyhound memorabilia sadly go to waste! If you happen to find any old greyhound programmes etc PLEASE instead contact me. All names of contributors to my collection will be mentioned.
Now enter the weight condition - Under, Normal, Over or Not-Known.
In this section, I explain how to enter a greyhound's fastest / average race and sectional times into the Race Predictor Stat Screen. For greyhound racing times, please see British and Irish Greyhound Track Records and Dates.
Greyhound Predictor Version 2.0 requires a dog's fastest racing time or trial time to be entered. All 'middle-distances' can be simulated!
Knowing a greyhound's quickest time is extremely important as it indicates to their top racing performance, which in turn implies to the 'class of the runner' and also lets us calculate the average racing speeds of a greyhound racing around a track. Please 'visit the past' and download GP Version 1.0
Since most tracks around the world have different track dimensions, I would like to point out that all winning-times recorded on circuits with 'smaller circumferences' may not always represent a dog's true racing ability, as race-times associated with 'sharper tracks' generally produce slower average speeds!
I therefore suggest, when entering your racetimes into the 'Predictor' that you always feel free to 'add on or deduct' an appropriate amount of time, in order to bring these race-timings into line with the Greyhound Predictor Track. To know the correct amount of time that maybe required to be adjusted, you should first trial individual dogs with times recorded over different distances at various tracks with different circumferences and surface conditions, then decide for yourself how these winning-times compare and adjust accordingly, as we say "It's not a Game? It's a Science!"
However, times can be very misleading! For instance, if a dog's raced only once, then it's obviously 'open to improvement' and will in future time achieve better times. Whereas a dog raced many times over the same distance may invariably struggle to reproduce their fastest times. Alternatively, a dog or bitch returning to the racetrack following a short rest or spell of lameness will also struggle to replicate their very best times. Please note: In Uk racecards the fastest time is stated within the last 3 months, so some older dogs may have previously clocked a quicker time, although this fastest ever or lifetime best is not currently displayed in trackside form.
If a greyhound has No Best Time (NBT) displayed in the formlines, then this dog has yet to race or trial over the trip. Therefore, you may need to enter an alternative time taken from one of its previous races or trials, run perhaps over another distance or achieved at a different track or alternatively you can enter your own pre-adjusted racetime to best simulate a greyhound's real race performance.
In United Kingdom greyhound form books the winning time (Win/Tm) is located to the right of the race remarks. However please note, that all recorded race-times are adjusted accordingly after the race to take into account the surface conditions of the track. These are known as the 'calculated racetimes' (Calc/Time). An asterix (*) shown after one of these 'amended times' always indicates a dog's best calculated time within the last 3 months. When choosing to enter one of these times please make sure that its obtained a clear run or achieved a good finishing position in order to enter a time that best reflects a dog's true ability.
The PREDICTOR allows you to enter abnormally fast or slow race times! This lets you simulate slightly shorter or longer middle-distance races with more variations in sectional timings and wider winning race margins!
Watching the dogs run in real-time is the key to a successful prediction and makes GREYHOUND PREDICTOR v2.0 SOFTWARE a unique tipping tool and Game! Please see Betting Lounge!
Now check the formlines.
The Best Time (BT) or Best Recent Time (BRT) is located directly below the breeding lines.
Now enter this dog's fastest time.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 allows all middle-distance sectional times to be entered!
A 'sectional' is the time it takes a dog to run from the starting traps to the winning line first time around the circuit. This is an important time to know as it will give a clue to a dog's pace-type, early race position and also lets us calculate the acceleration speeds of a greyhound exiting the traps!
In American races this is known as the 'first turn time' (FTT) and shows the leading dogs time to the escape turn.
Since most greyhound tracks have different 'run-up' distance measurements from the boxes, I suggest if your 'split times' are not relevant, then again, please feel free to add or subtract an appropriate amount of time, in order to bring these sectional-timings into line with the Greyhound Predictor Racetrack.
I suggest using the 515 metres / 563 yards track to simulate the precise distances between the dogs as they run across the line and race into the first bend!
Now check the formlines.
All 'sectional timings' are located below each greyhound's name and are preceded by the race distance and the previously occupied trap, box or post position, for instance, 515 [1] 04.30 = (This dog ran over 515 metres / yards, from trap no.1 and recorded a sectional time = 04.30 secs.)
If 'No sectionals' are stated, then leave your answer blank = 00.00 secs. The 'Predictor' will set this dog an average sectional based on its pace-type!
Now enter the best sectional time.
As a general rule in determining short distances: 0.08 secs = 1 length, 0.04 secs = 1/2 length, 0.03s = a neck, 0.02s = head and 0.01s = short head. Although the actual time to run a length, may be fractionally quicker 0.0676 secs = 1 length. Therefore, if you wished to simulate a dog's 'missed break' by two lengths for example, then simply multiply 2 x 0.08 = 0.16 and add this time to it's best sectional, eg: 04.30 secs + 00.16 secs = 04.46 secs or alternatively use the slightly faster sectional length timing, eg: 04.30secs + 00.13 = 04.43 secs approximately, again the choice is yours!
At British tracks with six runners in a race, the hare travels past the starting traps at approximately 35 mph / 56.33 kph! Trap 6 the widest trap position is the closest runner to an 'outside hare' and theoretically always has the advantage of seeing the hare go past first! On the other hand Trap One being drawn furthest away, is theoretically always the last dog to see the lure. Therefore, for these reasons wide running greyhounds invariably break fast from an outside box position but generally don't trap so well when placed in the 'coffin boxes' or 'middle traps'!
Alternatively, dogs that have previously raced from an inside trap position invariably improve their breaking times when drawn further out in the middle, as theoretically they see the hare fractionally sooner being drawn nearer to it. While greyhounds producing fast trapping times from the middle boxes often struggle to reproduce the same sectionals when drawn closer to the inside fence, as they see the lure fractionally later.
In America, Australia and New Zealand predicting breaking speeds is the opposite way around, as the greyhound closest to an 'inside hare' at 'trap release' is always Trap 1, which theoretically always has the advantage of being the first dog to see the lure go past. While Trap 8 being furthest away is theoretically the last dog to see the lure. Since GREYHOUNDPREDICTOR v2.0 dogs follow an outside hare, I suggest, you quicken the times of inside-runners to better simulate dogs chasing an inside lure!
Understanding why a dog's sectional time may alter due to its starting position is vitally important, as these fractional hundreths of a second differences in break times not only set the initial pattern to a race, but also influence any 'race interference' that may take place!
Occasionally a runner will momentarily be 'left in the boxes' and in its eagerness to catch-up and rejoin the race leaders, may accidently cause crowding (crd), baulking (blk), bumping (bmp) or bunching (bnc) around the opening turns, all caused by the mis-timing of a greyhound's break!
All dogs in the Predictor have their own hit detection and can simulate different aspects of Crowding = +0.10 secs, Bumping = +0.20 secs and Baulking = +0.30 secs!
I suggest you first trial individual dogs to understand how small changes in distance affect the times and simulate different grades.
By using GP's 515 metre / 563 yard track it's now possible to simulate English 480 metres, Irish 525 - 550 - 575 yards and American 5/16 of a mile races!
Technically, when using the PREDICTOR you should always choose the closest length to the distance your predicting and indeed you can. However, instead of entering ie: 550 yards or 503 metres, I suggest adding 13 yards or 12 metres and enter 563 yards or 515 metres. Since this helps simulate breaking times with an 'American-style' longer run to the bend and takes into account that the GP v2.0 Track runs faster then an 'average sized track' due to its own scale specifications ie: bigger circumference. Therefore, all greyhound times entered remain extremely relevant to the winning times recorded over this slightly longer distance!
Now check the formlines
All previous 'race lengths' are located next to the 'race dates' eg 04 Aug 515 = 515 Metres / Yards.
Now enter the distance.
To enter the average time of a greyhound you simply calculate the approximate average of all the most recently recorded times relative to the distance your predicting. When calculating averages you may wish to ignore significantly slower times due to a dog being knocked over (ko), (fell) or did not finish (dnf).
To quicken up data entry GreyhoundPredictor allows all average times and distances to be left blank!
When entering times please be aware of mis-prints, hand timings (HT) and races run over the same distance but in fact recorded at another track!
Now enter the average time.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 uses the abbreviation A.R.T. which stands for Average Race Time.
Now enter the race distance of the average time.
To calculate the average simply look at previous sectionals recorded over the distance and enter your own estimate of the 'average break time'.
If No sectional time is displayed in the form, then you will need to enter your own approximation based on previous sectionals achieved over different race lengths or alternatively recorded at other tracks with different run-up distances or simply leave it blank!
Now enter the average sectional time.
To calculate the sectional run-up distance simply deduct the circumference of the track from the length of the race.
Now enter the distance of the Average Sectional Time.
In this section, I explain how to determine the racing pace of a greyhound and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of individual racing styles. Studying Sectional Times, Reading Race Comments, Observing Track Positions and American Chart Writers are included.
Greyhound Predictor Software Version 2.0 allows four types of pace to be simulated:
All dogs will have their own individual style of racing, this is best illustrated by observing a greyhound's pace in a race!
Early Pace - This type of racing pace produces exceptionaly quick sectional times, as these greys reach their top speeds in the early stages of a race. These 'fast breakers' perform best when allowed to dictate a race by leading "on the bunny" all the way from the start and therefore rely on gaining a clear run to set an unassailable lead! However, 'early pacers' inevitably tire and may fade dramatically in the closing stages!
Middle Pace - Dogs with this type of running style are seen to their best effect when accelerating along the backstraights in the middle-stages of a greyhound race. Although, these 'middle pacers' often find themselves closely surrounded by other dogs racing in a tightly packed field and for this reason are more prone to interference than other pace types and maybe impeded or forced to check when challenging at the 1st or 3rd bends!
Finishing Pace - These 'staying types' show their best when making ground towards the latter stages and usually benefit when trouble occurs amongst the leaders! However, 'finishers' have to pass all the runners in-front of them and will often be hampered or forced to run wide! Most 'puppies' running-on late in races will in time be stepped-up in distance, as will most dogs better suited to longer staying-trips.
All Round Pace - These hounds generally maintain a 'strong gallop' throughout a race. Although, sometimes it's considered a little one paced!
Now check your raceform.
In order to know a greyhound's pace type, you must literally read between the racing form-lines, as there is no specific statistic that informs you. However, clues are given and basically there are three ways to calculate a dogs's pace type:
1 - Studying Sectional Times - You should always try to compare 'sectional timings' run on the same day over the same track distance as this will generally determine which greyhounds are fast, average or slow away in the first few seconds of a race.
In Australia, some of the world's finest stadiums or 'city tracks' supply 3 split times: the initial run to the bend, the approximate 1/2 way clockings and the 'coming home' or 'home run' sectional measured to an accuracy of a 1000 / second taken from the top of the back-stretch to the winning line are stated.
2 - Reading Race Remarks - The following comments indicate pace-type:
Early Pace = (EP), clear 1st, led 1, very quick away (VQAw), fast away (FAw) always led (ALed), led to line, box to wire.
Middle Pace = led 1, led 2 to run-in, led 3, slow away-early pace (SA EP), baulked 1 (Blk 1), crowded 3 (Crd 3), mid-stretch drive.
Finishing Pace = very slow away (VSA), lacked early pace (LEP), led 4 (Ld 4), led line (LD Ln), ran on late (Ran On Lt), finished well (Fw), stretch drive, winning drive. Some 'LEP dogs' break quickly out the traps but are slow to the bend and will often be shuffled back in the field before staying-on very strongly in the latter stages.
All Round Pace = These greyhounds share similar race comments to other pace types and can win races by both leading from the start or by finishing fast at the end and overall perhaps perform best when holding a good early position!
In Irish greyhound form they use the term evenly away (ev aw).
3 - Observing Race Positions - In the United Kingdom and Ireland all formlines of previous race positions are recorded at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th bends and finishing line. This data is located next to the 'sectionals' and generally provides an accurate guide to a dog's pace type:
eg: Early Pace = 1 1 1 1 2 - Middle Pace = 3 2 1 1 2 - Finishing Pace = 6 6 4 3 2 - All Round Pace = 2 2 2 2 2
Generally, it's easy to pick out the 'early pacers' and 'finishers' although dogs that have 'middle' or 'all round pace' will always be a little more difficult!
In American dog racing it's the 'Official Chart Writers' who determine each runners position in a race:
Off Call or Break Call - This is the racing positions of the greyhounds 1 - 8 exiting the starting boxes.
The 1/8 Call - This is the dogs position exiting the 1st (escape) turn.
Stretch Call - This is the runners position in the field measured at a point just entering the final turn.
Finish Call - This is the greyhound's final finishing position 1 - 8 measured at the winning line.
I suggest the 3rd thing to do at a meeting, is to "go out for a shout" and take a look at the runners on parade. I like to see 'alert dogs' with their tail tucked well underneath themselves, resembling a coiled spring, rather than perhaps a 'sluggish looking' or 'happy dog' with its tail waggling in the air!
I suggest the 4th and last thing all 'Greyhound Predictors' should remember to do when going to the "bow wows" or "cherryhogs" is to keep watching the dogs run to the 'pick-up' or 'sough' (sgh) after the race finishes, as this will help identify the correct greyhound pace for all your future predictions!
Now enter Early, Middle, Finishing or All Round Pace.
In this section, I explain how a greyhound's racing line affects its performance and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of certain running routes.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 offers an amazing 16,384 individual racelines! You can select a Standard Racing Line or Define Your Own.
All combinations of the following track positions can be simulated:
Rails - Any greyhounds racing on the inside of a race-track are known as 'railers' and always have the distinct advantage of running the shortest route around a circuit. This ability to hold the rails position in a race is extremely important as these "paint scrapers" frequently avoid trouble by slipping through along this inner path and will benefit when other dogs are crowded or baulked to their outside. However, they can also find themselves 'boxed in' on the rails behind a wall of dogs and may not always maintain their fastest speeds around the bends due to the acuteness of this particular running line!
Middle - All 'middle-trackers' are better placed to maintain their maximum speeds throughout a race. Although, they run a little further compared to railers and are often considered 'easy to pass' as they allow chasing dogs plenty of racing room to overtake them both on the inside and outside of the track!
Wide - Dogs running wide are usually favoured by wet racing conditions and will inevitably benefit in races when trouble occurs involving the inside race runners. However, 'wide runners' run further in distance compared to 'inside' and 'middle-runners' and generally lose a little ground around the bends!
Very Wide - Some greyhounds naturally run very wide! which is always thought an 'inferior racing-line' as obviously they lose many lengths around the bends and run much further in distance. However, very wide runners are also favoured by wet conditions and nearly always avoid crowding or baulking by taking this extreme route, although, occasionally they do end up racing on the wrong side of an outside hare rail!
All greyhounds chasing artificial hares will choose their own natural running paths depending on whether their following an inside or outside hare? In Australia and New Zealand the hare is driven on the inside, with the lure (sometimes two) suspended on a pole or bar and dropped in-front of the leading greyhounds at approximately one to two metres from the inside rail and therefore dogs run much closer to the fence.
Alternatively in the United Kingdom and Ireland an outside hare is used, with the lure (windsock) driven along the ground around the outside perimeter, therefore dogs tend to run-off more in the middle to wide areas and is most noticeable watching greyhounds race out of the turns and along the straights!
Now check the form comments.
In English dog racing: Rails = rls, Rails to Middle = rls-mid, Middle to Rails = mid-rls, Middle = mid, Middle to Wide = mid-w, Wide = w, Very Wide = vw.
Now enter Standard Racing Line or Define Own.
If you select a Standard Line the default racing line for each trap position will be highlighted on the GP v2.0 Track Screen.
If you select to Define Your Own you may choose any combination of racing lines for each of the following Track Positions:
You've now completed all the form-data for Trap 1. If you've made any mistakes the 'Predictor' lets you go back and alter any stat needing to be changed.
Now highlight Enter and Press Spacebar to load the dog into the traps.
Once you've repeated this precedure for all the remaining runners, you will start to see the GREYHOUND PREDICTOR TRACK come into vision!
In this section, I explain how to best view Greyhound Predictor Software and discuss the general probabilities involved when betting on dog races.
GP v2.0 lets you pre-study future races in the comfort of your home.
As soon as the Greyhound Predictor v2.0 Track has loaded, you can select the Display Mode by using the left / right cursor keys situated on your computer keypad. This 'special feature' shows the speeds of the dogs in metres or yards per second or miles or kilometres per hour and the distances travelled.
Press Spacebar to start the hare running Once the traps open the RACE PREDICTOR will continuely up-date each dog's current race position.
Press Spacebar to pause the action This feature lets you stop the race at any time in order to examine the future possibility of any crowding, bumping or baulking occuring anywhere around the circuit. Please note: By repressing the Spacebar the race continues from the exact moment it was paused and that all winning times and race predictions are not affected by pausing then re-starting a race.
The Official Result shows the winners time, fastest sectional time, race length, track conditions and the dog's final finishing positions!
Select Photo by pressing the left / right cursor keys to see the actual photo finish as the first greyhound crosses the line.
Select Race Again Please note: *This limited game feature is only fully functionable in the full registered version
Registering Greyhound Predictor version 2.0 allows you to re-run the race with all the 'stats' saved for you and alter quickly any greyhound data needing to be changed! I suggest, each race set-up be run several times in order to gain the necessary insight required to make a winning prediction!
It is with immense gratitude to my own family and friends, and to the many people who in the past shared their greyhound knowledge with me, that I now express my own original ideas and general observations in attempting to fully comprehend the complexities involved when studying greyhound race prediction.
Here at Greyhound Predictor we're often asked as to the accuracy of the Predictor? However, since each 'player' will have their own independent strike rate of winners, no win ratios or win percentages are stated. Although in fairness, I should explain the general probabilities involved when betting on greyhound races:
Predicting winners theoretically will always be easier in 'six dog racing nations' such as United Kingdom, Irish and European racing where the probability is 1 in 6 compared to 'eight dog racing' as seen in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and North & South America, where the probability is 1 in 8.
Predicting forecast bets (F/C) 1st and 2nd in 6 dog runner races has a probability of 1 in 30 (6 x 5) compared to 1 in 56 (8 x 7) in eight dog races.
Predicting straight tricasts (T/C) in six dog races has a probability of 1 in 120 (6 x 5 x 4) compared to 1 in 336 (8 x 7 x 6) in eight dog trifecta bets.
Predicting superfecta bets (SPR) in America or First Four (FF) in correct order in Australia and New Zealand has a probability of 1 in 1680 (8 x 7 x 6 x 5) and is only operational at tracks with 8 dog tote pool races.
All "Punters" will appreciate that these 'underlying probabilities' always exist when betting on greyhounds.
Since it's generally thought that a greyhound's fastest racing time is the most important form statistic, I therefore suggest, you focus your attention around this time-data, as overall the accuracy of the PREDICTOR will almost certainly depend on the relative accuracy of the information entered!
Greyhound Predictor really is "The tipping tool with a difference!"
We hope you've enjoyed this unique greyhound racing experience and thank you again for visiting www.greyhoundpredictor.com.
Finally, we'd like to thank everyone for registering our software, and wish you the very best of luck with all your future predictions.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding GreyhoundPredictor or "greyhounds" in general, please feel free to contact me.
Lastly but not least, I'd like to thank Marc for allowing me this opportunity to talk about the wonderful world of greyhound racing.
Remember "It's not a Game? It's a Science!"
Best Wishes,
Guy Slade.
PS: If you would like to watch a greyhound race without having to enter all the formlines into the Predictor or if you fancy a private wager amongst family and friends? Please visit the Betting Lounge study the form for these simulated 'top class races' and place your own bets "Now! that's what I call a real dog racing game".
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