How to Read a Greyhound Racecard

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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 greyhound betting, 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 figures to sectionals and performance indicators. In this guide, we explain how to read a greyhound racecard so you can place smarter bets. For anyone new to the sport, this is your full greyhound racecard explained.

Need a full introduction to how to use a racecard or other betting essentials? 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. Whether it’s a flat race, handicap race, or open race, racecards are your window into how the dog ran recently and how it might perform next. These cards are used across both greyhound and horse racing events, though the layout may differ.

Trap Number and Trap Position

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 position and past performance from those spots. Understanding greyhound trap draw and the advantage of railers or wide runners 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 number 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.

Form Figures: How the Dog Finished

This section shows the greyhound’s race outcome and finishing position over the last few races. It’s essential for reading greyhound form. For example:

“1” means the dog won the race
“2” means it came second
“0” usually means it dog finished out of the top six

Look for dogs with consistent top 3 finishes, especially when previous races were over similar distances or at the same venue. The form also gives clues on starting position performance and racing style.

Grade, Race Type and Starting Price

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. Grades also indicate prize money levels and may influence the starting price shown on the racecard.

Time, Date, and Venue

The racecard lists when and where the race will be held. This matters for analysing starting position, travel distance, and conditions under lights or daylight. Dogs often run differently depending on the time of day or surface type.

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 a big advantage—especially for inside runners with good starting speed. Compare sectionals across previous races to see which dogs are fastest out of the traps.

Prize Money and Motivation

Higher-class races usually come with bigger prize money. This can attract top dogs or indicate a more competitive field. A greyhound stepping up for a large purse may be in peak condition, while others may be outclassed. Always consider the prize when deciding whether a runner has a strong chance.

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 and compare against the dog’s form figures.

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 informed bets strategy. Past performance under the same trainer is always a good indicator of consistency.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to read a greyhound racecard is one of the most practical things a beginner can do. By understanding trap number, form figures, trap draw, and class levels, you’ll make more confident, informed selections. Combine this with a solid strategy, and you’ll be well on your way to better bets and stronger greyhound betting performance.