Learn how to read a greyhound racecard, including form, trap numbers, sectionals, and other key info every bettor should understand.
If you want to get better at betting on greyhounds, learning how to read a racecard is a must. A racecard shows you all the vital information about each race and runner. From trap number and recent form to sectionals and performance indicators. In this guide, we explain how to read a greyhound racecard so you can place smarter bets.
Need a full introduction to greyhound betting? Start with our Greyhound Racing Betting Guide.
What Is a Greyhound Racecard?
A racecard is a sheet (physical or digital) showing the key details for every runner in a greyhound race. Understanding this info helps you compare dogs and make decisions based on more than just the odds. While layouts may vary by track or website, the core elements are always the same.
Trap Number
This tells you which starting box (or trap) the dog is running from. There are typically six runners per race, numbered 1 to 6. Trap 1 is on the inside rail, Trap 6 on the outside. Some dogs perform better from certain traps, so always consider trap history. Understanding greyhound trap draw is key to evaluating a runner’s chances.
Dog’s Name and Colour
The name is obvious, but the colour also tells you the trap position at a glance. For example, Trap 1 runners wear red, Trap 2 wears blue, and so on. Colours help you track the dog during the race.
Recent Form Figures
This section shows the greyhound’s finishing positions over the last few races. It’s essential for reading greyhound form. For example:
- “1” means the dog won
- “2” means it came second
- “0” usually means it finished out of the top six
Look for dogs with consistent top 3 finishes, especially at the same track or over similar distances.
Grade and Race Type
Greyhound races are graded (e.g. A1, A5, S2, OR). Higher-grade races mean stronger competition. Beginners should pay attention to dogs moving up or down in class, as it can affect performance. This is one of the lesser-known tips in how to use a racecard effectively.
Time, Date, and Venue
The racecard lists when and where the race will be held. This can matter if a dog runs better at night or on certain surfaces. If a dog has travelled far, that may also impact performance.
Sectional Times
Sectionals show how quickly the dog ran specific parts of the track. A fast early sectional usually means the dog breaks well, which is an advantage, especially if drawn in an inside trap.
Comments and Notes
Many racecards include a one-line summary of the dog’s chances, such as “Strong finisher” or “Prefers wide draw.” These are useful, but don’t rely on them alone. Use them to supplement your own analysis.
Trainer and Owner Info
Experienced trainers often have better-prepared dogs. If you see a trainer with a strong win record at the track, take note. It’s another tool in your betting toolkit.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to read a greyhound racecard is one of the most practical things a beginner can do. By understanding traps, form, sectionals, and class levels, you’ll make more confident, informed selections. Combine racecard reading with a solid strategy and you’ll be ahead of most casual punters.
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