Caption: The win by Fernando Mick (David Geall) in the Hobart 1000 was one of many highlights at that event.
By Greyhounds Australasia CEO SIMON STOUT
A Happy New Year to everyone across the industry, as we look forward to a wonderful 2023 on and off the racetrack.
A personal thanks to all who have provided me such a warm welcome, in my first month at Greyhounds Australasia.
At the outset, I was privileged to be in Sydney for the announcement of an industry first program that will see NSW Greyhounds as Pets provide priority access to current and former NSW police officers.
The brainchild of GA Chair Robert Vellar, the scheme is the first tri-party initiative between Police Association of NSW, Greyhound Racing NSW and GA.
Police Association NSW members will not only be given immediate priority to be matched with retired greyhounds, but GRNSW will pay for all retired greyhounds to be desexed, fully vaccinated and undergo pre-adoption dental treatment in line with its Homing Assistance Scheme.
GRNSW will also supply six months of pet insurance, and, in partnership with the Real Pet Food Company, will also supply six months of their Ivory Coat brand food, for those PANSW-adopted greyhounds.
We look forward to the rollout of similar schemes with Police Association and first responders in the other states, in 2023.
It was wonderful to get the opportunity to be trackside in the second half of December for some fantastic Group 1 performances.
The win of Fernando Mick in the Hobart 1000 highlighted a busy couple of days in the Tasmanian capital, with both Greyhounds Australasia and Greyhound Clubs Australia holding meetings while in the city. It was good to have the Chairs of the respective organisations join both meetings, ahead of a busy year working together.
The positive sentiment on race night was mirrored by Tasmanian Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie MP, who warmly welcomed all visiting industry participants and administrators, reassuring locals of the incumbent Liberal Government’s commitment to greyhound racing.
On a personal level, Hobart Thousand night was made even more memorable as the Hobart GRC, recognised the efforts of recently retired Administrator Peter Wesley. A stalwart of Tasmanian racing for the past 50 years, I had the good fortune of having Peter as a colleague in my time at Tasracing, and you would not find a more dedicated or genuine individual. Enjoy retirement Boss!
A note of thanks to the Club on a great night, in particular Graeme Barber and Steve Lockley for their efforts and hospitality.
Finally, what better way to round out 2022 than witnessing the second of Wow She’s Fast outstanding back-to-back victories in The Phoenix. The atmosphere at The Meadows was electric and a credit to all involved at Melbourne GRC, GRV, the slot holders and the participants, in creating such an engaging spectacle.
Recent efforts in the media from anti-racing groups to focus unwarranted attention on the industry have served as a timely reminder that we cannot rest. GA remains committed to working with its members and the industry to deliver the best outcomes for all – dogs, participants, stakeholders, and regulators alike.
