Caption: Yachi Bale (4) takes out last year’s Melbourne Cup. The event looms large on the December calendar. (Photo: BlueStream Pictures)

By Greyhounds Australasia CEO SIMON STOUT

As the end of 2023 fast approaches, greyhound racing continues to embrace the opportunity to showcase events throughout Australia and importantly, across the Tasman.

In mid-November GA joined the broader NZ racing industry in Christchurch for the traditional NZ Cup week. The time in Christchurch included the final GA Board meeting for 2023 and presented the opportunity for representatives of GA and GRNZ to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders. A continuation of ongoing work to outline the progress being made by GRNZ and industry and ensure a sustainable future for greyhound racing in New Zealand.

The NZ greyhound industry spoke positively of recent engagement with National Party officials, despite the highly concerning statement on election eve by PM-elect, Nationals Leader Chris Luxon, when Luxon appeared to concede to support a greyhound industry shutdown. Luxon did qualify that a review was coming, but agreed with former PM and Labor leader Chris Hipkins’ statement that ‘it was time’ for a greyhound industry shutdown.

Following the finalisation of vote counting in the NZ General Election, the leaders from three parties are now working to form a coalition that will constitute the new Government, with the National Party to lead the coalition alongside the ACT Party and the NZ First Party.

The impending coalition Government appears to be a favourable outcome for the racing industry and greyhound racing. Coalition partners, the ACT Party, did note to industry sources that they had no intent of banning greyhound racing and the NZ First Party leader Winston Peters is a former PM and racing Minister, who may seek the portfolio again.

Race meetings throughout the week were a full display of the re-energised racing industry in the shaky isles, following on from the historic NZ TAB agreement with wagering giant Entain. Entain, more commonly known around Australia by their corporate labels Ladbrokes and Neds, are major supporters of greyhound racing and have made a significant impact on all racing in NZ.

Key promotions by NZ TAB and Entain, to invigorate the profile of racing in NZ and entice people to engage with racing, either on track or via wagering have been quite noticeable in recent months. This was witnessed firsthand in Christchurch, where good racing was met with good patronage, culminating in a sellout crowd at Riccarton Thoroughbreds on Saturday.

The November GA Board meeting also saw industry regulators join the Board to discuss key regulatory matters, including proposed GA Rule amendments and the cessation of the ear tattoo (brand) as part of greyhound identification requirements.

GWIC provided an update on recent advancements in canine nose print scanning technology. This technology, when positioned alongside current identification methods such as the microchip, will enable an efficient and advanced means of greyhound identification and traceability.

To facilitate the end of the ear tattoo as an identification requirement for greyhound pups, the Australian control bodies will initiate consultation on GA Rule changes in the coming weeks. It is worth noting that GRNZ took this step almost 12 months ago, having ceased the practice of ear tattoos from February 1, 2023.

December shapes as a great month on the track with feature race meetings aplenty, including the time-honoured Melbourne Cup and Hobart Thousand, along with Victoria’s Dream Chasers showpiece, The Phoenix. I look forward to seeing many of you trackside to witness these exhilarating events.

As the year draws to a close, I would like to personally extend my thanks to all within the industry for their efforts and support of greyhound racing and our team at GA in 2023. I wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and look forward to us all enjoying a winning year for greyhound racing in 2024.