Greyhound Racing is a very popular sport in Great Britain and has even spread to the US! It’s carefully organized and has an evergrowing community of spectators, participants and betting fanatics. The sport itself is not new and has been around for hundreds of years, although it is now, due to the increase in visibility brought on by the internet and the growing popularity of smartphones- it is becoming extremely popular!
One thing that traditionally and stereotypically goes hand in hand with greyhound racing is betting on the outcome. You really cannot have one without the other, and for as long as dogs have been racing around tracks- punters and enthusiasts have been playing money on the outcome. If you are a bit of a sports betting fan, then why not try having a go at betting on the greyhounds? You can check out the top free bets by Freebets UK and get yourself a few great deals, tips, and offers so you can bet away to your hearts content without spending a penny! (well almost)
Introduction and History of Greyhound Racing
Greyhound racing has been a staple part of British culture for many years, in fact it is estimated that there are over 3.2 million fans that turn up in person at stadiums every year. The length and breadth of the country there are over 20 licensed stadiums and countless more independent ones, not to mention punters can watch online on their TV, mobile or smart phone.
The roots of the sport stretch back many centuries from when a dog used to run after live game such as a rabbit. The first recorded mention of the sport was in 1776 and back then, only two competitors were allowed to race at the same time. It wasn’t until the 1850’s that the introduction of artificial bait revolutionized the sport and more competing dogs were allowed on the tracks.
The Sport
The sport falls under two different sections, these are Registered Racing and Independent Racing. The Registered Racing is under the supervision of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain. The Independent Racing isn’t affiliated with any governing body and are subject to their own rules and standards.
Types of Races
There are five main types of competition, these are as follows:
- Minor Open Race
- Invitation Race
- Category Three Race
- Category Two Race
- Category One Race
Injuries and Treatment
Like any other sport, the participant can get hurt for many reasons and occasionally Greyhounds occasionally suffer injuries due to the speed they are running at, the frequent jumps and other such mishaps. Deaths are very rare, and there are many regulations in place to protect their health and safety during the course of their careers.
Conclusion
Greyhound racing is a quintessentially British affair but now thanks to the power of the internet and the popularity of online betting, it is gaining a new audience. Punters are tuning in from across the world to enjoy the adrenaline and fun of the sport, and now you can as well!