How is the forecast dividend calculated in greyhound racing?

The forecast dividend is calculated from the starting prices of the first and second-placed greyhounds using a standardised industry formula known as the Computer Straight Forecast. The formula takes the SP odds of both dogs and applies a mathematical model that accounts for the probability implied by each price. Longer-priced winners combined with longer-priced second-placed dogs produce higher dividends, while short-priced favourites finishing first and second produce lower ones. The key point for bettors is that forecast dividends are determined after the race, based on the final SP — not on any price taken earlier in the market. A reverse forecast covers both finishing orders and costs double the stake, with the dividend adjusted accordingly. The formula is applied consistently across all GBGB-licensed tracks, so the same SPs will always produce the same dividend regardless of venue.

What do the grades A1 to A10, OR, D and S mean on greyhound racecards?

Grades are the GBGB's system for sorting greyhounds into competitive bands at each track. A-grades run from A1 (the highest) to A10 (the lowest), though most tracks use a narrower range — typically A1 to A6 or A7. A dog's grade is determined by its recent race times and finishing positions at that specific track, and it can change after each race: winners are promoted, consistent losers are relegated. OR stands for Open Race, the elite tier above A-grades, subdivided into OR1, OR2, and OR3. D grades denote staying races over longer distances, while S grades indicate sprint races over shorter trips. The grade on the racecard tells you the quality band the dog is currently competing in, which is essential for contextualising its form — a dog winning at A6 is not performing at the same level as one winning at A2, even if the form line shows the same digit.

Does trap position actually affect greyhound race results?

Yes, but the effect is track-specific and condition-dependent rather than universal. Across most UK tracks at standard distances, inside traps (1 and 2) produce a slightly higher win percentage than outside traps because the inner rail is the shortest route to the first bend. However, the advantage typically amounts to a few percentage points over a large sample and is not consistent across all tracks or conditions. Some tracks have bend profiles, cambers, or hare rail positions that favour wider draws. Wet conditions can shift the bias outward as standing water collects on the inside rail. The most productive use of trap statistics is not to bet blindly on inside draws but to combine track-specific trap data with individual dog preferences — a proven wide runner drawn in trap 1 may actually be disadvantaged, while a natural railer in the same trap has an enhanced chance. The data matters, but only when applied to the specific dog and the specific track on the night.

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