13 Greyhounds / Betfair Education / 01 December 2008 / Leave a comment

Dogs expert Mark Sullivan takes a long, hard look at greyhound racing and how to make the most out of it.

TYPES OF RACES

Greyhound racing has

Graded BAGS - Races that make up the cards at morning, afternoon and evening fixtures at tracks contracted by the Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service (BAGS) to supply betting product for the betting shops. These races are graded races, framed to be competitive and difficult for the punters to solve. On-course bookmakers will often return a SP of 3/1 or even 7/2 "the field" on these contests. The runners are supplied by trainers contracted by the track.

Graded Evening - Races that make up the majority of evening non-BAGS meetings. Races are again framed to be competitive although the handicapper is more likely to allow one of two shorter-priced runners slip through the net to tempt punters in. Trainers that have a contract with the track supply the runners.

Opens - One-off races open to dogs trained by NGRC-licensed trainers.

Open Competitions - Again open to all comers and broken into three categories.

Category One - Must be worth at least £12,500 in added prize money. The rules of the NGRC (National Greyhound Racing Club) states Category One races should be staged over a maximum of 15 days, unless the distance of the event is in excess of 600 metres in which case 18 days are permissible - the Derby is the only exception.

Category Two - Tracks have just 15 days to stage Category Two events which can be over a maximum of three rounds. Category Two competitions should carry at least£5,000 in added prize money.

Category Three - Worth a minimum of £1,000 and staged over a maximum of two rounds. Tracks have nine days to complete Category Three contests.