Greyhound Racing Results

Greyhound racing is a popular animal sport across the world. Greyhounds are trained to run along a track. The dogs are given a target to chase, usually a fake rabbit. Their predatory instincts lure them to follow the artificial lure on offer and they are led to the finish line. The dog that crosses the line first is declared the winner of the race. Greyhound racing is used primarily for recreation in many countries. However, some countries practise greyhound racing regularly and it is a part of the bookmaking market. Among these countries is Australia, where greyhound racing is the second most popular animal sport behind horse racing. Greyhound racing enjoys popularity across the world and the events staged attract millions of spectators.

Origins

The precursor to greyhound racing was coursing. In coursing, dogs had to catch their prey by chasing them down. The concept was then translated to racing and dogs were lured using artificial prey. Greyhound racing started off in 1876. Initially, straight tracks were used but they proved to be unsuitable for greyhound racing. After a few years, the tracks were made circular or oval-shaped and continue to be that way. A mechanical hare was used for the first time in 1912. It has been exactly a century since modern greyhound racing started off. The sport has grown in popularity and fame over the world.

Greyhound Racing in Australia

Greyhound racing in Australia is monitored and conducted by the Australian Greyhound Racing Association (AGRA). AGRA is further divided into state boards that regulate the sport. The main purpose of having regulatory authorities is to ensure that the greyhounds used for racing have adequate living conditions. There were various complaints about mistreatment of greyhounds, after which AGRA decided to get strict about the issue. They make sure that that the dogs are giving proper food and shelter.

Each state in Australia has its own greyhound racing body. The two biggest in terms of size and operations are Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) and Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV). Combined the two bodies control and manage over 40 greyhound race tracks.

To guarantee that the greyhounds are taken care of, there are several adoption programmes run across the country. The Greyhound as Pets (GAP) campaign is supervised by the AGRA. The greyhounds are allowed to run around in a restricted yard during the day. There they can exercise and stay fit. It also helps to keep the dogs entertained. At night, they are moved to their kennels. Regular medical checkups are carried out to ensure that none of the greyhounds has any disease or illness.

Format

The format followed for greyhound racing is universally uniform. The dogs are set off on to the track and have to reach the finish line. A motorize prey (rabbit, sheep or hare) is put in front of the dogs to lure them towards the racing track. The dog that manages to cross the finish line first is the winner of the race.

Countries Where Greyhound Racing Is Practised

There are several countries where greyhound racing is held just for fun. Over the years, the number of countries where greyhound racing is practised professionally has increased. Some of the major countries in the sport are:

• The US
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• Great Britain
• Australia

The minor countries which are new to greyhound racing are:

• Argentina
• France
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Sweden

The number of countries where greyhound racing is practised is increasing. Greyhound racing is a popular spectator sport and people want to watch it.

Betting on Greyhound Racing

Betting has been one of the foremost components of greyhound racing. The main countries with regards to greyhound racing have betting markets for the sport running into hundreds of millions of dollars. Betting opportunities are available with the bookmakers that offer on-course betting. You can also place bets with the totalisator board or go online to find a reputable bookmaker. Greyhound racing trails only horse racing as an animal sport in terms of the amount of money that is bet.

Greyhound racing is a well-liked sport for audiences. People attend the events across the world. If you are looking to bet on sports, greyhound racing is a great option.