Caption: A very happy trainer, Greg Stella, after Magistrate’s win in the 2023 Origin Sprint. Magistrate has again been named in the initial Maroons squad. (Photo: Box 1 Photography)
By Racing Queensland CEO JASON SCOTT
Racing Queensland is pleased to confirm the appointment of experienced industry senior steward Alex Kitching to the position of Senior Racing Manager – Greyhound.
Alex brings more than a decade worth of industry experience to the role, which will oversee the strategic management of greyhound racing operations and commercial performance.
He will commence at RQ on June 17, following Brenton Scott’s departure to take up the Chief Executive Officer position at Greyhound Racing South Australia.
Serving as both a thoroughbred and greyhound racing steward at Racing Queensland from 2011-2016, Alex made the move to the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission as a Senior Betting and Intelligence Officer.
In 2018, he was appointed Chief Stipendiary Steward for the greyhound code, before relocating to Victoria.
Since June 2021, Alex has served as Deputy Chief Steward at Greyhound Racing Victoria, leading and managing the operations for more than 1,300 meetings annually.
Alex’s appointment coincides with the construction of Queensland’s world-class new home of greyhound racing, The Q, which will signal a new era for the code in the Sunshine State.
We have no doubt that Alex will continue to build on Brenton Scott’s incredible foundation and look forward to welcoming him back to RQ.
Entries open for Ekka Sweepstakes
Entries for the 2024 RQ Greyhound Sweepstakes are now open, which will showcase greyhounds to the public during the Royal Queensland Show.
The sweepstakes are a chance for owners, breeders and handlers of pre-racing, racing and retired greyhounds to put their purebreds on display.
The winner of each category will receive between $200 to $500 with their blue ribbon, and exhibitors will again be paid a $100 appearance fee, an incentive that was introduced by RQ two years ago.
Judging will take place at 12pm on Saturday, August 10, in the Canine Pavilion, and the public is encouraged to walk through the pavilion to acquaint themselves with the greyhounds and their handlers.
It’s a great chance for the public to interact with the animals as well as with the trainers who will be able to answer any questions.
The greyhounds come from all stages of their careers, from puppy to retired veteran, showing their beautiful nature to the patrons of the Ekka.
We are keen for the public to see the gentle nature and suitability of the racing greyhound as a pet and a wonderful breed.
Entries close on Monday, June 24. You can visit the RQ website for more information.
Origin squads announced
The famous Origin Greyhound Series is fast approaching, with the two squads now confirmed.
The Queenslanders have unveiled one of their strongest ever squads, headlined by Queensland Greyhound of the Year Jay Is Jay and one of the nation’s top stayers in Valpolicella.
Magistrate has also been included in the Maroons squad. He was pivotal in leading Queensland to victory in 2023 with a victory in the Origin Sprint.
The NSW squad also looks incredibly strong, led by arguably one of the nation’s premier chasers Mackenna, and staying champ Palawa King who is looking for back-to-back victories in the Origin Distance.
Fast becoming one of the highlights on the racing calendar, the Origin Greyhound will take place on June 13 at Albion Park.
The series will feature both the Origin Sprint and Origin Distance (worth $150,000 apiece) as well as the $60,000 two-dog match race.
The final teams will be announced in the coming weeks, alongside the two coaches who will lead their teams into battle.
RQ Board appointments
Finally, Racing Minister Grace Grace recently unveiled the new RQ Board, which includes six reappointments and one new addition.
In a signal of continuity, Steve Wilson AM has been re-appointed for a one-year term as Chair of RQ, while Jane Seawright has been appointed as the Deputy Chair for a three-year term.
Gold Coast businesswoman Rebecca Frizelle OAM is the new addition to the RQ Board, bringing her expertise across business and sport to help grow the Queensland racing industry and deliver critical infrastructure projects.
Rebecca replaces Sharon Dawson, who had earlier indicated that she did not wish to be re-appointed, after eight years of dedicated service as Deputy Chair of RQ.
On behalf of the organisation, I’d like to thank Sharon Dawson for her dedicated service as Deputy Chair and congratulate the directors on their respective appointments.
