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  • Wednesday, 24 Apr, 2019,
  • by Greyhound Racing Victoria

Tier Three Races to return in early May

Tier three races will again be included in the Victorian Greyhound Racing Program as from early May following a meeting held at Greyhound Racing Victoria this morning.

Attending this morning’s meeting with GRV CEO, Alan Clayton, GM Racing, Vaughn Lynch and GRV Chief Grader, Andrew Mills were participants, Lachlan Scott, Trevor Whitford, Jason Sharp, Richard Boehm and Daniel Pell.

The meeting was scheduled by GRV last week, following direct contact by trainers about the changes to the racing program, in particular Aged Prize Money meetings.

The changes introduced in March 2019 were designed to reverse the rapid decline in the active dog numbers. Those changes have been successful in reversing the decline.

“We have listened to feedback and as an act of good faith we will be including three Tier Three race meetings into our program on a weekly basis while we take into consideration suggestions to improve the current racing schedule”, said Mr. Clayton.

At this morning’s meeting, Mr. Clayton said the changes to the race program were made because of a significant reduction in the Active Greyhound Population (AGP) which resulted in less races being conducted with less runners during December 2018 through to the end of February 2019.

“This in turn had a very negative impact on GRV’s overall wagering revenue which placed the projected financial result of FY2019 under pressure.

“Because of the current decline in the population of racing greyhounds’ changes were made to better align with the current racing populations needs”, he said.

Mr. Clayton added that the changes were discussed with the Racing Reference Group, the Industry Consultation Group, GOTBA, Greyhound Clubs Victoria and directly through meetings at race clubs.

“Having listened to what was brought to our attention today, and what we have heard over the past six weeks, we are now looking at how to further enhance our changes which appear to have had unforeseen consequences.

“Constructive detailed conversations such as we had this morning are informative and influential in assisting our decision making”, he said.

Mr. Clayton said consideration will be given to a hybrid approach to the racing program which will see as many dogs as possible able to race within Victoria.

“The Racing Department of GRV will take on board all the feedback and come back to the group, and the wider racing community, with further proposals to the program within two weeks”, he said.

A further review will occur at the end of June to develop a pathway forward.

Greyhound Racing VictoriaGreyhound Racing Victoria

Greyhound Racing Victoria

GRV regulates the sport of greyhound racing in the state of Victoria under the Racing Act 1958 (Act), which includes setting standards and ensuring they are met by participants.

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