Grafton changes to support locals

The Grafton Greyhound Racing Club has unveiled a revamped racing program that boasts a ‘hyper local’ focus.

The changes include prizemoney for every runner and a new-look race calendar, all with the view to support local owners and trainers racing at Grafton.

Club CEO, Brennan Naidoo, said the club’s board was enacting the changes to ensure the spotlight continually targeted local racing.

“Since the track’s redevelopment this club in now rightfully regarded as one of the premier greyhound racing facilities in the country,” he said.

“We host many major race meetings here and attract some of the best dogs in Australia.

“The changes that are now occurring are to ensure that the support remains for lower tier dogs and events.

“So, there will be a focus on stronger support for local owners and trainers racing at Grafton. That focus will ensure attracting better race cards that are supportive of lower grade dogs.”

Naidoo said that the changes would ensure more revenue for local owners and trainers.

“The changes will reward those owners and trainers who continually support racing at all levels at Grafton,” he said.

“We need to create an environment that not only means the current crop of owners and trainers feel sufficiently rewarded for what they do, but also attracts new people to the industry locally.

“It is a case of getting the balance right so that enough prizemoney stays in the local area to support the local greyhound industry and all its participants.

“Then of course there is also a flow-on effect to the local economy.”

Naidoo explains that the first initiative is to ensure that all runners in every race receive ‘prizemoney’.

“Currently prizemoney goes down to fourth place in every race,” he said.

“What the Grafton club will be introducing will be a $40 payment to each of the remaining     

runners – fifth through to eighth.

 “So, with the $60 ‘travelling money’, each of those unplaced greyhounds will receive a total of $100.”

Naidoo said the revamping of the club’s racing calendar was an even more targeted benefit to local greyhounds.

The 2024 calendar would divide the year into three-month quarters, with each quarter hosting a ‘Ladbrokes League’ at the club.

Each ‘League’ would involve specific races where greyhounds would accumulate points. The first League, from January to March, would involve specific masters races.

 The dog that accumulates the most points across those races for the three months would win $5000 for connections.

Other Leagues in the following quarters would be focused on 5th graders and then possibly bitches and dogs.

“The whole idea is for those that race at Grafton on a regular basis to be rewarded,” Naidoo said.

“For these races, it won’t be a case of winning a heat and a final, it will be about racing consistently well across three months.”

However, Naidoo emphasized that the calendar alterations would not mean a change to the current features.

“The Winter Carnival, the Easter Maiden, the Thunderbolt, all the existing features will remain. In fact we will probably be adding a few more,” he said.

“What these changes mean is structured, continual support for our local greyhound fraternity.”

Naidoo acknowledged the help of GRNSW in bringing the new initiatives to fruition.

“We believe a stronger local greyhound industry can only be a positive from a state-wide perspective,” he said.

Share:

Facebook
Email
Print
FOR SALE

Greyhound Property
Avoca, Victoria

20 Acres of land

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 16 Car

$959,000 – $989,000

<< View Online Listing >>

Social Media

Chase News Subscribe (it's free!)
Scroll to Top