Hello, welcome and thank you for visiting www.greyhoundpredictor.com.
I enjoy following the Open Racing held here in Great Britain & Ireland and have always been a keen collector of greyhound memorabilia, mainly old race programmes! I've also attended dog meetings in America and Australia.
In this article, I explain how to predict races by downloading Greyhound Predictor v2.0 Software however, GREYHOUND PREDICTOR unlike other video games? takes into account the most relevant greyhound 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 RPGTV live race streaming, Betting Shop TV and the ever increasingly popular number of dog racing 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 dog races run over three standard 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 the Option Menu by using the Up / Down cursor keys. 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!
As Greyhound Predictor v2.0 always runs in Full Screen Mode! You may require two seperate monitors or a mobile phone when entering form from 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 Cursor Keys and Press Spacebar to continue. You will be asked to answer ten racing-form questions for each selected runner, although, the first three questions only apply to individual race set-ups.
In this section, I mention famous greyhound races 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 v2.0 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' held annually, the English Greyhound Derby - won 25/6/22 by Romeo Magico trained in Ireland by Graham Holland - (Towcester Racecourse) originally staged in 1927 at the White City Stadium, London, still remains today the most important competition. Last years event sponsored by Star*Sports & TRC Health & Leisure carried a winner's purse of £175,000!
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 include the St Mungo Cup - (currently closed Shawfield) 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 sadly no longer takes place. 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 27/10/22 by Slick Sakina trained at Towcester by Patrick Janssens - (Perry Barr) a race confined to bitches first run at White City in 1927 are the oldest classics. This years event sponsored by Premier Greyhound Racing (PGR) carried a winners prize of £20,000.
The Greyhound St Leger previously run from 1928 - 1998 at Wembley's 'Empire Stadium' is the oldest 'stayers classic' - won 29/09/22 by Havana Lover trained at Central Park by Liz & Rab McNair - (Perry Barr). This years event sponsored by Arena Racing Company (ARC) carried a first prize of £20,000.
Other famous races include: All England Cup - (Newcastle), Arc and Produce Stakes - (Swindon), Golden Jacket and Gold Collar - (Crayford), Champion Stakes - (Romford), Lowther Stakes and Eclipse - (Nottingham), Regency, Sussex Cup and Winter Derby - (Brighton & Hove). Kent Derby - (Central Park), Harlow Gold Cup - (Harlow), Henlow Derby - (Henlow), Monmore Gold Cup and Summer Stayers - (Monmore Green), Scurry Gold Cup - (Perry Barr), Steel City Cup and British Bred Derby - (Sheffield), Yorkshire St Leger - (Doncaster), East Anglian Derby - (Yarmouth) etc.
Famous long-distance races include the TV Trophy first inaugerated by the BBC in 1958 - won 15/04/22 by Bellmore Sally trained at Newcastle by Jimmy Wright - (Crayford). Dorando Marathon - won 25/06/22 by Space Jet trained at Oxford by Matt Dartnall - (Towcester). Cesarewitch first run in 1928 - won 15/01/23 by Cochise trained at Hove by Richard Rees - (Central Park). The Boxing Day Marathon was not run in 2022 - (Crayford).
Puppy races include: English Puppy Derby - (Towcester), Puppy Cup - (Romford), Northern Puppy Derby - (Newcastle), Sussex Puppy Trophy - (Hove), Gymcrack - (Kinsley), Puppy Stakes - (Sheffield), British Breeders Stakes and Puppy Classic - (Nottingham), Puppy Derby and Trafalgar Cup - (Monmore Green) etc.
The 2022 RPGTV / ENTAIN Track Championship - won 16/04/22 by defending champions Hove was hosted this year at Crayford Stadium and consisted of four tracks supplying runners for the event: Crayford, Hove, Monmore Green & Romford. Selected race winners included: 380 Bitches - Luck Box Blue (Jim Reynolds Crayford), 380 Bitches - Pocket Lola (Seamus Cahill Hove), 380 Dogs - Knockard Rory (James Turner Crayford), 380 Dogs - Newinn Tik Tok (Patrick Browne Hove), 540 Pups - Jennifer Anne (Michelle Brown Romford), 540 Bitches - Droopys Garden (Maxine Locke Romford), 540 Bitches - Clairkeith Rosa (Claude Gardiner Hove), 540 Dogs - Seomra Razl (Jason Heath Hove), 540 Dogs - Shelbys Memory (Arun Dunn Monmore), 714 Stayers - Killeacle Amelia (Gemma Davidson Crayford), 714 Stayers - Slapdash Tommy (Nathan Hunt Romford), 874 Marathon - Burgess Hannah - (Anthony Gifkins Romford).
The 2022 Greyhound Trainers' Title was won for a record 13th time by "Champion Trainer" Mark Wallis (now attached to Suffolk Downs).
Only last year's top six handlers qualify for the 2023 Premier Greyhound Racing 'Judgement Night' Trainers' Championship (TC) held 06/04/23 at Perry Barr - won by Patrick Janssens. Selected winners included: Dash 275m - Gougane Jet (Mark Wallis), Puppy 480m - Slick Saratoga (Patrick Janssens), 480m Bitches - Fabulous Azzura (Patrick Janssens), 480m Dogs - Signet Goofy (John Mullins), 480m Maiden - Saffrons Dash (Mark Wallis) and Stayers 660m - Sleek By Design (Kevin Hutton).
Other Invitational races (IV) include the Racing Post Juvenile and Derby Invitation - (Towcester), Select Stakes and Select Stayers - (Nottingham), East Anglian Derby Invitation - (Yarmouth) and the odd Showdown - "swan vesta" Match Racing (M) limited to only two dogs.
Famous races include: Brighton Belle and Olympic - (Hove), Coronation Cup, Essex Vase, Golden Sprint, Doug Tyler Summer Cup, Mitch Milward Marathon and Rose Bowl - (Romford), British Bred St Leger & Silver Salver - (Central Park), Kent St Leger & Kent Cesarewitch - (Crayford), Greyhound Stud Book Trophy - (Towcester), Winter Derby - (Monmore Green), Laurels - (Perry Barr), Angel Of The North and Northern Flat - (Newcastle), Yorkshire Oaks and British Bred Derby - (Sheffield), Grand Prix - (Sunderland), Northamptonshire Sprint - (Towcester), Derby Purse Grand Final - (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.
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 24/09/22 by Born Warrior 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 in 1928 at Harolds Cross.
Other famous races include: The Gold Cup - won 25/02/23 by Bogger Hunter (Ian Reilly), Easter Cup first staged in 1928 - won 08/04/23 by Swords Rex (G Holland), Irish Oaks first held at Harolds Cross in 1930 - won 18/06/22 by Raha Mofo ('Murt' Leahy) & Champion Stakes - won 30/07/22 by One Time Only (Thomas O'Donovan) - (Shelbourne Park). Limerick Oaks - won 13/05/23 by Raha Mofo ('Murt' Leahy) and Irish St Leger first run at Celtic Park, Belfast in 1932 - won 18/12/22 by Bobsleigh Dream (Pat Buckley) - (Limerick - LMK). Cork Oaks - won 25/03/23 by Maries Wedding (Tamara Butler) and Laurels - won 05/11/22 by Good Cody (Patrick Guilfoyle) - (Curraheen Park - CRK). National Produce Stakes - won 05/06/22 by Gaston Pecas (Pat Buckley) - (Clonmel - CML). Irish Sprint Cup - won 15/08/22 by Hawkfield Ozark (Keeley McGee) - (Dundalk - DLK). Future Champion & Michael Fortune Memorial - won 09/04/23 by Haka Carlo (Dave Bourke) - (Enniscorthy - ECY). Newbridge Oaks - (Newbridge - NWB). Irish Cesarewitch - won 26/03/23 by Bobsleigh Dream (Pat Buckley) and Fair Warrior Sprint - won 30/10/22 by Airport Flying (David Murray) - (Mullingar - MGR). Race Of Champions won 17/6/22 by Bockos Budsit (Graham Holland) - (Tralee - TRL). Munster Oaks won 10/09/22 by Clogheen Lass (Graham Holland) - (Waterford - WFD).
Invitational races include: The Select Stakes - won 29/04/23 by Clona Duke (Graham Holland) - (Waterford) and The Dundalk International - won 12/07/22 by Explosive Boy (Patrick Guilfoyle) - (Dundalk). There are also Irish-Anglo challenges - (Shelbourne Park). Throughout the year 'festivals of racing' take place at Clonmel, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Lifford, Limerick etc.
Shelbourne Park hosted their 2nd annual Winter Racing Festival special gala meeting 29/12/22 & 30/12/22. Selected winners included: Talking Dogs 350 - McCool Blue (Dave McCool), Welcome To Shelbourne 525 - Galloping Sydney (Graham Holland), Winter Racing Festival AA0 Bitch 525 - Fabulous Azzura (Patrick Janssens UK), Barking Buzz A0 Bitch 525 - Cornetto (Patrick Guilfoyle), This Runs Deep Juvenile - Clona Duke (Graham Holland), Find Us On Facebook 525 - The Other Kobe - (Jennifer O'Donnell), Greyhound Racing Ireland 550 - Mustang Jet (Dolores Ruth), (RCETS Syndicate Owned 550 - Tullig Raven (Pat Buckley), Racaiocht Con Eireann - Savana Hero (Brendan Matthews NI), www.grireland.ie 575 - Ballinabola Ed (Pat Buckley), Slan Abhaile 600 - Magical Mary (Patrick Guilfoyle, Greyhounds Make Great Pets 750 - Savana Ruinart (Diane Henry UK), Retired Greyhound Trust 850 - Magical Poppy (Patrick Guilfoyle).
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 21/04/23 by Clonbrien Treaty trained by Graham Holland - (Limerick) with a first prize of €80,000 remains the world's richest puppy race!
The very fastest greyhounds average speeds around a circuit close to 40 mph / 64.37 kph! Although, '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 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 (now attached to Towcester) in heat of the 500 Ladies.
The English Greyhound Derby 500 metre record was broken by Clona Duke trained in Ireland by Graham Holland when recording 28.73 seconds (38.93 mph / 62.65 kph) in Star*Sports & TRC Derby 1st round held 26/05/23 at Towcester Racecourse (circumference 442 metres).
The 2019 English Derby held 25/05/19 at Nottingham over 500 metres (circumference 437m) was set alight by Skywalker Logan trained in Ireland by Patrick Guilfoyle when breaking Sawpit Sensation's previous record by eleven spots when recording 29.05 secs (38.50 mph / 61.96 kph) in 1st round heat. The fastest time acheived by a bitch was 29.27 secs (38.21 mph / 61.50 kph) by Queen Beyonce trained by Rab & Liz McNair at Central Park. 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 Eden The Kid "2015 British Bred of the Year" trained by Elizabeth & Rab McNair when posting 27.95 secs (38.42 mph / 61.83 kph) in the 1st round.
The English National 480 metres distance record was broken 15/09/20 by Roxholme Kristof trained by Hayley Keightley when posting a rapid 27.27 secs in the Gain 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 by Angela Harrison & Jimmy Wright when recording 28.55 secs in semi-final ran 29/04/17 at Shawfield (circumference 432m). Although, surprisingly the average speed is 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 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 29.12 secs set 21/07/19 by Ballymac Arminta trained by Liam Dowling in semi-final of the BoyleSports Champion Stakes.
The 2021 Irish Derby winner Susie Sapphire trained by Owen McKenna for owner / breeder Peter Comerford is the first bitch to win since Spring Time in 1999, not only completing the first ever 'classic double' by winning both the Derby & Oaks in the same year, but also recorded 29.18 secs the quickest ever run in a Derby final!
The fastest run in Ireland over 525 yards was sensationally 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 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 Irish Oaks!
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 (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 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 hurdles race in England took place at Belle Vue, Manchester at its opening meeting on the 24th July 1926 - won by Melksham Autocrat.
The most famous race is the Grand National - won 26/12/22 by Bobbing Gnavatar trained by Barry O'Sullivan - (Crayford) first run at White City, London in 1928.
United Kingdom Category One hurdle races include the Springbok - won 04/04/22 by Lenson Doolin trained by Ricky Holloway - (Central Park). Champion Hurdle - won 15/04/23 by Lenson Doolin trained locally by Ricky Holloway - (Crayford) and is the oldest of the 'hurdle classics' first run at White City Stadium, London in 1927. Please Note: The 2023 Springbok will this year be run at Brighton & Hove with both the Grand National and Champion Hurdle now held at Crayford!
Cornamaddy Jumbo trained by Mark Wallis 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's - the Springbok, Grand National and Champion Hurdle in the same year!
Other events include the Jimmy Jupp Hurdle - (Hove), Kent County Hurdle and Boxing Day Chase - (Central Park), Chief Ramsbottom Hurdle, Golden Jacket Hurdle, Stayers Hurdle, Dual Distance Hurdle, Kent National Hurdle, Jay & Kay Tours Kent Champion Hurdle and Kent St Leger Hurdle - (Crayford), Champions Night Hurdle and Roger Kent Barton Triumph Hurdle - (Romford), RPGTV Supreme Hurdle - (Towcester).
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 then 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 to take place.
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 grades (1, 2). Some of the very best 'top graders' may also compete in major open events and can average speeds around a track between 38-39 mph.
U.K. - Middle Grade - (A4 - A6) equivalent to American grades (C, D) and Australian grades (3, 3/4, 4). Occasionally 'graded runners' competing at the best 'city tracks' maybe the equal of A1 dogs running at lesser not so good 'country tracks'. These hounds 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 start or finish their racing careers in these lower grades and generally record average racing speeds between 35-37 mph.
U.K. - B Grade (B1 - B6) This grade prefix indicates a slightly shorter or slightly longer standard distance.
Knowing the grade 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 racetimes!
When fully fit 'Graders' tend to run more frequently than 'Open Racers' and usually compete in a race once a week, although twice is not uncommon. However, any dogs thought 'over raced' will generally see a decline in their racing form and may need a rest to freshen them up! In 2018 the G.B.G.B. Greyhound Board of Great Britain launched their new Greyhound Commitment strategy dedicated to improving the safety and welfare 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 17/01/23 that Emotional Time trained at Monmore Green by Gary Griffiths for owner Mark Hampson in memory of his late brother Belle Vue trainer Darren 'Wal' Hampson was voted the "2022 ARC graded greyhound of the year" after winning a total of 10 races from 26 starts including four consecutive wins in December and progressing from A8 to A2 grade.
The Property 192 Graders Derby with a winner's purse of £10,000 was introduced in 2021 (Not run in 2022) and included regional heats, with the final held 10/10/21 at Towcester - won by Deanridge Awesom trained at Crayford by Allison Kelly-Pilgrim and is the richest graded dog race in England. In Ireland, the JAG Building Services & KGOBA A1 Graded Derby held 23/09/22 at 'St James Park' Kilkenny - won by Deadly Showtime trained by Karol Ramsbottom carries a first prize of €9,000.
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 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 of 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 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 correctly calculate the 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 'Predictors' 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 standard prefixes identify each 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 raceform, please select a race close to any of these 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 these prefixes are slightly different ie: S = Sprint, A = Middle-Distance and D = Long Distance. Although '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.
In 2020 Brighton & Hove introduced new 500 metre races 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 was switched to Romford over 925 metres and in 2021 & 2022 returned to Crayford. In 2023 the race was held at Central Park and is now run over 708 metres.
The St Leger was transferred in 2017 from its former home of 'Plough Lane' Wimbledon to its new home of Perry Barr and is 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 USA most American greyhound parks display race 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 greyhound runners allowed in a race and the 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 recent 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 track in preparation for a forthcoming competition may run-a-track differently and alter their natural racing line. The trainer with the owners permission may then decide to ask the 'racing manager' for a change to their dog's seeding position. This will only be granted when it is genuinely believed the dog would perform better if allowed to start future races from a different trap position. 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 represent the Australian and New Zealand 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 the gender and breeding lines of greyhounds and explain how to calculate a bitches' number of weeks out of season.
Knowing whether a greyhound is male or female is very important when predicting dog races 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 when racing 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 their 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 19 (Season 03 AUG 21)
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 her 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 a dog's racing age may affect its track performance and provide a link to Greyhound Welfare and Dog Re-homing sites.
Knowing the dog's age is a very important factor when predicting canine races, as it implies to the general consistency of race performances.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 Software requires all ages to be entered in months!
In UK Racing Form, 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 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 of age.
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 and ready for the 'Puppy Opens' held later in the summer months.
These raw lightly raced greyhounds are open to much improvement over the following weeks and months, as they possess good racing potential, which is always considered a good sign when predicting future race winners! However, 'greyhound pups' frequently run a little 'green' and race inconsistently, as obviously young puppies are still learning to win dog races.
The age at which a greyhound reaches it's prime can vary enormously. It's generally thought that a dog's best age is between 30 - 36 months, although I believe some may peak much earlier between 21 - 30 months and consider this to be the perfect age for backing dogs running over sprints and middle-distances. Although bitches 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 are more battle hardened to the regular hustle and bustle of 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 their performances 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 have also heard 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, then 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 race 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 race performances and give my reasons for collecting greyhound programmes.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 requires all race weights to be entered in either Kilos (Kgs) or Pounds (Lbs). All weight conditions can be simulated!
All United Kingdom, European, Australian and New Zealand 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 are generally considered fearless when racing and show great determination and bravery to the pleasure of their connections and crowds that watch.
However, a few male racing dogs consistently find trouble in races and may be considered a little awkward or clumbsy! Some of these 'long striding dogs' can weigh in excess of 40kg = 88lbs and are perhaps better suited to racing on wider galloping tracks with much 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 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 then dogs, when initially breaking from the traps!
All runners and reserves for races are put on the scales and kennelled prior to racing. Australian and British racing dogs that have a weight variation above or below 1kg or 2.2 Lbs (American racing 2 Lbs) from it's previous weight will not be permitted to run under normal greyhound racing rules!
Knowing the racing weight of a greyhound is extremely important as it allows you to determine a dog's true weight condition. However, finding out the weights may 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 meeting, is to check the 'weight sheet' displayed at your local greyhound stadium or park! This is a big advantage in selecting winners and a major reason why so many people love going to the dogs!
Future advancements in technology may afford 'off track punters' with this weight information. Although, many of us will simply not know a dog's previous weights in order to compare them. Although a few of us 'anoraks' will simply refer back to their more recent old programmes!
If the weight of a greyhound isn't known, simply enter your own approximate weight or alternatively you can leave the race weights blank = 00.0 kilos or Lbs. The 'Predictor' will then set this runner a normal racing weight!
Now enter the weight in kilos or Lbs.
All greyhounds have their 'perfect weight' known only perhaps to the trainer and maybe the owners! When a dog weighs close to their optimum weight, this implies their fully tuned up and ready to produce their top performances. This is best observed by studying weight variations from race to race!
Any greyhound racing 'down in weight' is generally a good positive sign! As losing weight suggests they will be fitter having been well exercised. Personally, I believe they produce fractionally slower than normal sectionals, but compensate for this 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 will 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 racing 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 or previous weights, then select 'normal weight condition'. This is always seen as a good sign! as the consistency of weight always indicates to the general well being of the dog!
However, any dog previously thought 'down in weight' and was racing again, should still perhaps be considered 'under weight' even though it's weight remains the same! Just as a dog running 'over weight' and remaining at that weight for it's next race, may still be considered 'up in weight'!
Most "canines" returning to the track 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 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 improvement!
If as is generally the case a dog's weight is unknown then simply select Not Known.
Knowing the weight is only afforded to 'trackside punters' who simply compare differences if any, against previous weights displayed in their racecards. When weighing up the form of a race, the one vital factor, besides the times, age, going and the draw, that allows me to determine which dogs to include in bets, should in theory always be decided by the greyhounds with the best weight condition!
However, dog racing weights can be very misleading! lets imagine that Lady Flyaway has a perfect weight = 27.0 kg and having competed in her last race at a weight = 28.0 kg, we find that 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 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 then bitches, although knowing the exact weight is of little use unless you're able to compare these 'weight differences' in-order to determine a dog's true weight condition. This ability to study greyhound weights, combined with an accurate estimation of their 'optimum weight' is vitally important, as any change in racing weight affects performances and therefore plays a significant role in obtaining accurate predictions!
It is only by collecting these official programmes can the serious "racing student" study the 'weight variations' displayed further back in the greyhound's formlines and is perhaps why so many of us like to collect dog programmes? Please don't throw them away!! So many collections of memorabilia go to waste! If you happen to find any old racing 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 general racing times, Please see British and Irish Greyhound Track Records and Dates.
Greyhound Predictor Version 2.0 requires a greyhound's fastest recorded time to be entered. All 'middle-distance' races and can be simulated!
Knowing a dog'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 allows us all to calculate the average speed of a greyhound racing around a track. Please 'visit the past' and download GP Version 1.0
Since most tracks around the world will have different track dimensions, I would like to point out that all winning-times achieved on circuits with 'smaller circumferences' may not represent a dog's true racing ability, as speeds associated with 'sharper tracks' generally produce slower times!
I therefore suggest, when first 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 Racetrack. To find out the correct time to be adjusted, you must first trial individual dogs with different 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, greyhound racing times can be very misleading! For instance, if a dog has only raced once before, then it's obviously 'open to improvement' and will in future races achieve better times. Whereas a dog racing many times over the same distance may invariably struggle to reproduce their very best times. Alternatively a dog returning to the track after a short rest or spell of lameness may also struggle to reach their quickest times. Please note: In UK racecards the fastest time is stated within the last three months, so 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 it's previous races, run perhaps over another distance or achieved on a different track or alternatively you can always enter your own pre-adjusted racetime in order to best simulate a greyhound's real performance.
In United Kingdom dog form books the winning time (Win/Tm) is located to the right of the race remarks. However please note, that all recorded times are then adjusted accordingly after the race to take into account the condition of the track. These are known as 'calculated racetimes' (Calc/Time). An asterix (*) shown after one of these times always indicates a dog's best recent time. When choosing one of these 'amended times' please make sure that a greyhound has obtained a clear run or achieved a good finishing position in order to enter a time that best reflects it's true performance.
The Predictor allows abnormally fast or slow race-times to be entered! This lets you simulate slightly shorter or longer middle-distances with more variations in sectional timings and wider winning race margins!
Watching the dogs racing in real-time is the key to a successful prediction and makes GREYHOUND PREDICTOR V2.0 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 for 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 provides a clue to a dog's early race position, pace-type 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 tracks will have different 'run-up' (RnUp) distance measurements from the boxes, I suggest if your 'split times' are not relevant, then once again, please feel free to add or subtract an appropriate amount of time, in order to bring these timings into line with the Greyhound Predictor Sectionals.
I suggest using the 515 metre / 563 yard track to better simulate the precise distances between the dogs as they race to the first bend!
Now check the formlines.
All 'sectional timings' are located directly below each greyhound's name and are preceded by the race distance and previously occupied 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 then set this dog an average sectional based on pace-type!
Now enter the best sectional time.
Greyhound Predictor lets you simulate missed breaks! As a general rule in determining short distances: 0.08 secs = 1 length, 0.04 secs = 1/2 length, 0.03 secs = a neck, 0.02 secs = head and 0.01 secs = short head. Although, the actual time to run a length may be fractionally quicker 0.0676 secs = 1 length. Therefore, dependent on your view, if you wished to simulate a dog missing it's 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 mainly six runners in a race, the hare travels past the starting traps at approximately 35 mph / 56.33 kph! The widest trap position is always the closest runner to an 'outside hare' and theoretically has the advantage of seeing the hare go past first! On the other hand Trap One being further away, is theoretically always the last dog to see the lure. Therefore, for these reasons early paced wide running greyhounds invariably break fast from an outside trap position but generally don't trap so well when placed in the 'coffin boxes' or 'middle traps'!
Alternatively, dogs previously raced from an inside position invariably improve their breaking times when drawn further out in the middle of the track, 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 interestingly the opposite way around! as the greyhound closest to an 'inside hare' at 'trap release' is Trap 1, which theoretically always has the advantage of being the first dog to see the lure. While Trap 8 being furthest away is theoretically the last to see the lure. Since GP v2.0 dogs follow an outside hare, I suggest you may need to quicken up the times of the inside runners in-order to better simulate dogs chasing an inside lure!
Understanding why a dogs 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 own 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 initially caused by the mis-timing of a greyhound's break!
All Dogs in the Predictor have their own hit detection and can simulate: Crowding = +0.10secs, Bumping = +0.20secs and Baulking = +0.30secs!
I suggest you first trial individual dogs to fully 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 Irish 525 - 550 - 575 yards and American 5/16 of a mile races!
Technically, when using the PREDICTOR you should always choose the closest race length to the distance your predicting and indeed you can. However, instead of entering the distance as ie: 550 yards = 503 metres, I suggest you add 13 yards or 12 metres and enter 563 yards or 515 metres. As this distance will not only simulate breaking times with an American style 'longer run' to the bend, but also takes into account that the Greyhound Predictor Track generally runs a little faster then an 'average sized track' due to it's own scale specifications, ie: bigger circumference. Therefore, all times entered remain extremely relevant to the winning race-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 or Yards.
Now enter the race distance.
To enter the average time of a greyhound you must simply calculate the approximate average of all the racetimes 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 the Predictor allows all average times and distances to be left blank!
When entering times please be aware of mis-prints, hand timings (HT or Hnd Tm) and races run over the same distance but in fact recorded at another track!
Now enter the average racetime.
To calculate the average simply look at all the previous sectionals run over the distance and enter your own estimate of the 'average breaking time'!
If No sectional time is displayed in the race-form, then you need to enter your own approximation based on previous sectionals achieved over different race lengths or alternatively recorded at tracks with different run-up distances or simply leave it blank!
Now enter the average sectional 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.
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 racing 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 greyhound racing pace produces exceptionaly quick sectional times, as these dogs can reach their top speeds in the very early stages of a race. These 'fast breakers' perform best when allowed to dictate a race "on the bunny" from the start and therefore rely on a clear run in-order to set an unassailable lead! However, early paced greyhounds inevitably tire and may fade dramatically in the closing stages!
Middle Pace - Dogs with this running style are seen to best effect accelerating along the backstraights in the middle-stages of a race. Although, they often find themselves closely surrounded by other dogs racing in a tightly packed field and for this reason are prone to more interference then other pace types and maybe impeded or forced to check when challenging at the 1st or 3rd bends!
Finishing Pace - All 'stayers' show their best running when making ground towards the latter stages and subsequently benefit when trouble occurs amongst the leaders! Although, 'finishers' have to pass all of the dogs in-front of them and therefore can 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 trips.
All Round Pace - These hounds generally maintain a 'strong gallop' throughout a race. Although, this may sometimes be considered a little one paced!
Now check your raceform.
To know a dog's pace type, you must literally read between the race form-lines, as there is no specific statistic or racing data that will inform you. However, clues are given and basically there are three ways to calculate a greyhound's pace:
1 - Studying Sectional Times - You should always try to compare 'sectional timings' run on the same date and over the same track distance as this will generally inform you 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 1st bend, the approximate 1/2 way clockings and the 'coming home' or 'home run' sectional measured to an accuracy of a 1000/second 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 (v qaw), fast away (f aw) always led (aled), led to line, box to wire.
Middle Pace = led 1-2 to run-in, led 2, led 3, slow away-early pace (sa ep), mid-stretch drive.
Finishing Pace = slow away (sa), very slow away (vsa), lacked early pace (lep), led 4, led on line (ld ln), ran on (rn on), finished well (fw), stretch drive. Please note: some "LEP dogs" break very quickly out of the traps but slow to the bend and will be shuffled back towards the rear before staying-on very strongly in the latter stages.
All Round Pace = These greyhounds share similar comments to other pace types and can win races by both leading from the start or by finishing fast at the end and perhaps overall perform best when holding a good early position!
In Irish greyhound race comments they use the term evenly away (ev aw).
3 - Observing Race Positions - In United Kindom and Ireland racing formlines, all 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 dogs 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 pace' and 'finishers', although dogs with 'middle' or 'all round pace' will always be a little more difficult!
In America it's the 'official chart writers' who determine a 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 dog's final finishing position 1-8 measured at the finish line.
I suggest the 3rd thing to do while 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 it's 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 always help identify the correct racing pace of a greyhound for all your future predictions!
Now enter Early, Middle, Finishing or All Round Pace.
In this section, I explain how the racing line of a greyhound affects its performance and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of 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 - Greyhounds racing on the inside are known as 'railers' and always have the distinct advantage of running the shortest route around a circuit. Holding the rails position in a race is extremely important as these "paint scrapers" are frequently able to avoid trouble by slipping through along this inner fence and hence benefit when other dogs are crowded or baulked to their outside. However, they can also find themselves 'boxed in' 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 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 involves the inside dogs. 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 they obviously lose many lengths around the corners and run much further in distance. However, very wide runners are also favoured by wet conditions and nearly always avoid crowding or baulking with other dogs by taking this extremely wide 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 an outside hare? In America, Australia and New Zealand the hare is on the inside, with the lure (sometimes two) suspended on a pole or bar and driven in-front of the greyhounds approximately a metre to two metres from the inside rail dependent on the track 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 on the ground around the outside perimeter, therefore dogs tend to run more in the middle to wide areas. This is most noticeable watching greyhounds race out of the turns and along the straights!
Now check the form comments.
In English 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 Track Screen.
If you select to Define Your Own you may choose any combination of racing lines for each of the GrehoundPredictor v2.0 Track Positions:
You have now completed all the 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 this procedure has been repeated 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 in greyhound race prediction.
Greyhound Predictor Version 2.0 lets you pre-study future dog races in the comfort of your home!
Once the GP v2.0 Racetrack has loaded, you can select the Display Mode by using either the left / right cursor keys situated on your computer keypad. This 'special feature' shows the 'racing speeds' of the dogs in metres or yards per second or miles or kilometres per hour and distances travelled!
Press Spacebar to start the hare running As soon as the 'traps open' the RACE PREDICTOR will continuously up-date each dog's race position!
Press Spacebar to pause the action This feature allows you to '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 in time it was paused and that all win times and predictions are not affected by pausing then re-starting a race.
The Official Result will show the winning time, fastest sectional time, race length, track conditions and final finishing positions!
Select Photo by pressing the left / right cursor keys you can 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 lets you re-run the race with all the 'stats' saved for you, and alter quickly any 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 the many people who shared their greyhound knowledge with me, that I'm now able to express my own original ideas and general observations in attempting to fully comprehend the complexities involved when studying race prediction.
We're often asked as to the accuracy of Greyhound Predictor? However, since each 'Predictor' 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) or exactas 1st and 2nd in 6 dog 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 runner races has a probability of 1 in 120 (6 x 5 x 4), compared to eight dog trifecta bets where it's 1 in 336 (8 x 7 x 6).
Predicting superfecta bets (SPR) or First Four in correct order - is only operational in America, Australia and New Zealand with 8 dog tote pool races and has a probability of 1 in 1680 (8 x 7 x 6 x 5).
All 'Players' will appreciate that these 'underlying probabilities' always exist when betting on greyhounds.
Since it's generally thought a greyhound's fastest time is the most important form statistic, then I suggest your attention is focused on this race-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 letting me talk about my favourite topic of conversation; 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 form into the Predictor or if you fancy a private wager amongst friends, then please visit the Betting Lounge study the formlines for these simulated 'top class races' and place your bets "Now that's what I call a real dog racing game!"
Copyright © 2023 Guy Slade. All rights reserved.