(Chase Newspaper September edition)

I HAVE just turned 52 and at a stage in my life when I can start to think about getting back into greyhound racing.

And, thanks to Chase magazine for allowing me to detail not only my very early history in the industry, but what faces “newcomers” wanting to participate in this wonderful sport, past-time, industry.

Firstly, let me give you a brief rundown on my history in greyhound racing.

I got my first dog around 1994 via Shirley Richards (treasurer of Bulli GRC) when I was 24. 

Not much later I bought a place with kennels at Appin to be owner and breeder of greyhounds with support and guidance of Ken Wright and Bruce Fletcher. 

I joined to board of Bulli GRC and was later a director of the NCA at Wentworth Park.  

I took a fulltime role as manager at Shoalhaven GRC.  

Owen Makin was the club president at the time and we shifted from non-TAB to TAB status.

We lobbied successfully for a grant from Shoalhaven Council to resurface the track from grass to loam, which allowed more consistent racing and at lengths similar to Wentworth Park.  

Then I started my own business in the financial planning industry that took my time and interest away from greyhounds.  

I’ve still kept in touch with friends from those times including former Dapto manager David Newling, owner and race sponsor Frances Dufty, as well as others.

My move to the Gold Coast some years ago has seen the business grow but recently it has given me the opportunity to sell down.

And therein lies my opportunity to get back into greyhounds.

I see greyhounds and greyhound racing filling a bit of a void in my future plans.

So, what did I do instantly with my thoughts of re-engaging with greyhound racing?

The first thing I noticed was that you quickly lose touch with bloodlines.

My first thought was to see what is still working today, those bloodlines I knew so well way back when I was in my twenties, that might still be having an influence today.

Even finding out what tracks are still running today was an interesting exercise.

Being a Queenslander now, I wanted to find out what the future was for the industry here.

Obviously it is exciting times for the Queensland hub at Purga planned to open sometime in 2024.

I admit, when I left the industry all those years ago, I felt it was struggling. The business opportunities were diminishing.

The great Nev Bailey admitted to me the NSW state government would long regret selling off the TAB. I’m sure they do now.

I had an admin role and there were limited spaces available for those.

And even back then there was a lot of push back from greenies. The money was not there in the industry.

But I never lost my passion for greyhounds or the industry.

When my thoughts turned to getting back involved, I decided to make a few phone calls to old mentors and I also spoke to professionals who are involved daily.

I got an instant lead into websites and the like to start my study of all things greyhound racing.

I soon realised the old passion was still there.

So, my plan is now to buy a few well-bred pups and in the 12 months they are being reared, I can get more involved in the hands-on of the industry and get to know those people who I need to connect with.

By the end of that 12 months, I might buy land and even go back into training.

I’ve approached a team of old mates for guidance.

I’ve always been a fan of gaining knowledge from the elder statesmen of the industry. I believe they were never asked enough questions.

How they stayed at the top of their game for so, so long … they are doing all the right things.

I believe so many people are shy about asking these people for advice.

But today’s world is also full of young people who already know all the answers.

Now I’m at a stage of life where time is on my side to explore the opportunity of re-entering the industry with an eye towards South-East Queensland which seems to have interesting developments on the horizon and where I now reside.