The noble greyhound - a brief history.

Greyhounds were first introduced to America in the 18th century to help farmers control the jackrabbit population. As time went by, the farmers started to conduct some form of competitive greyhound racing which evolved into the greyhound track racing as we know it today.

The origin of the greyhound is quite old, possibly dating back thousands of years. The Pharaohs rated them first among all animals as both pets and hunters. Images of the early greyhound can be seen etched on walls of ancient Egyptian tombs. In Arabian culture at that time, the birth of a greyhound ranked nearly as high as the birth of a son. In Persia, Rome and Greece, the greyhound enjoyed similar standing.

Greyhound racing in England was first established for the English nobility and could not be enjoyed by other citizens. In 1014 King Canute of England enacted the Forest Laws, which stated that only noblemen could own and hunt with greyhounds.

The elegance and beauty of this most noble animal is a sight to behold. Additionally, at the end of their racing career the greyhounds easily adapt to the life of a loving pet and have become the pet of choice among an increasing number of pet lovers.

Greyhound track racing dates back to 1919 when Owen Patrick Smith promoted the first major race meeting in California.

O. P. Smith, invented the revolutionary mechanical lure circa 1912 that could travel around a circular track that made dog racing possible. His research into forcing the dogs round a track hit on the idea of getting them to chase a rabbit. His experiments included dragging a stuffed one around a track behind a motorcycle. He is considered the 'father' of American greyhound racing.

The sport did not reach British shores until 1926 when Manchester's purpose-built track first held a meeting on 24th July. It was such a success that more race tracks were built around the country and today Greyhound racing is a major sport event in the UK.

Betting rules (How to bet, types of bets.)

The main object of betting on greyhounds is to beat the 'Oddsmakers' or the 'Odds Compilers' and win some money. Additionally, placing a bet on your favorite event makes the race exciting and more enjoyable.

Betting is done through Sports books or Sportsbooks (US) or Bookmakers (UK) entities that accept bets. You can bet on the outcome of greyhound races and several sporting events.

To place a bet, you go to a sports book, physical or online. You could also bet over the phone with many sports books. Note that a sports book is not the same as an oddsmaker. The sports book simply accepts sports bets. An oddsmaker is a person who sets the betting odds.

You need to state what you are betting on by making a selection, the type of bet and the amount you are wagering. Your selection will obviously depend on the odds offered, so you will want to examine the range of odds available before you make a decision.

There are many types of bets you can place. Some sports books may offer more betting varieties and combinations than others. Below is a list of the more common types of bets used in greyhounds racing. Different countries may use different terms for how to bet and also for the types of bets.

Type of bets

Straight bet or Single or Win bet. This is the simplest and most common bet. You bet on a winner at given odds. You collect only if your chosen greyhound is the first across the finish line.

Place. A wager for place means you collect if your selected greyhound finishes either first or second.

Show. The third greyhound across the finish line. A wager to show means you collect if your selected greyhound finishes either first, second or third.

Across The Board. You make three individual bets on one dog to Win, Place, and Show. If your selection wins, you collect on all three bets. If your selection runs second, you collect on Place and Show bets. If your selection runs third, you collect the Show bet. Your total wager will be three times the individual bet. For example; a $2 'Across The Board' bet would cost $6.

Combination Bet. Combinations cover from two to four greyhounds to win in chosen order. (see following bets).

Quiniela or Reverse Forecast (UK). A bet placed on two greyhounds to finish first and second in either order.

Perfecta or Exacta or Straight Forecast (UK). A bet placed on two greyhounds but they must cross the finish line in exact chosen order.

Trifecta or Tricast or Treble Forecast (UK). A bet placed on three greyhounds to cross the finish line in exact chosen order.

Superfecta. A bet placed on four greyhounds to cross the finish line in exact chosen order.

Twin Trifecta. A multiple pool bet. Two trifecta selections in two races. You select the winning Trifecta combination in one race and exchange that ticket for a second Trifecta in the following race. One-half of the net Twin Trifecta pool will be paid equally to winners of the first half when those tickets are presented to be exchanged. The remaining half of the pool, along with any carry over will be to winners of the second half. If no one selects the second half correctly, the pool is carried over to the next racing performance.

Tri-Super. Similar to the Twin Trifecta. You select the winning Trifecta combination in one race and exchange that ticket for a Superfecta in the following race.

Titanic Tri-Super. This operates the same as the Tri-Super, except you must correctly select the Trifecta combination in the 5th Race and the Superfecta in the 7th Race.

Daily Double. Similar to an accumulator you select the winners of the first and second races on that day. You must place your bet before the start of the first race.

Jackpot. Pick six winners in six races to share in a Jackpot prize. The rules and prizes will vary from race track to race track.

Parlay or Accumulator. A multiple bet. A kind of 'let-it-ride' bet. Making simultaneous selections on two or more races with the intent of pressing the winnings of the first win on the bet of the following race selected, and so on. All the selections made must win for you to win the parlay. If a race is a tie, postponed or cancelled, your parlay is automatically reduced by one selection; a double parlay becomes a straight bet, a triple parlay becomes a double. A parlay bet can yield huge dividends if won.

Pick 3. Picking the winners of three consecutive races.

Pick 6. Picking the winners of six consecutive races.

Note: Different countries and different race tracks may have different rules, use different terms for how to bet and also for the types of bets. If unsure, ask the sports book or bookmaker when placing a bet.

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