1^st place –  Mawarra – $1,200
2^nd place – All Abilities – $600
3^rd place – Aruma – $200

Thursday 29^th August 2019
180 people on course

The Warragul Greyhound Racing Club was the place to be for the first event of the 2019 TAB Great Chase, which attracted 12 community groups and more than 180 people on course.

First-time attendees The Cassidy Crew were overjoyed at the opportunity to attend the day.  “It’s such a fantastic day out” said Sam and Alysha from the Cassidy Crew. “It’s a chance to bring the community together, and show we are all welcome”. The Cassidy Crew didn’t get to take home any winnings this time, but they’ve pledged to return in 2020. As Leanne, a client from Cassidy Crew mentioned ‘the money doesn’t matter, watching the dogs run is the best part!’.

Last year’s winners – the Yooralla group – were also out of luck. Their representative Trent said “We didn’t end up winning today, but the clients have had a fantastic day out. They love the decorations and always leave with a smile.” Yooralla will be attending the final at The Meadows in October where they have a chance to share in the $24,000 prize money on offer.

The champions of the Warragul Great Chase were the long-time attendees Knoxbrooke Mawarra. They’ve been attending the Great Chase since its inception on 2003 and this year walked away with $1,200.  Helen, who brought 30 clients along, explained what The Great Chase means to Mawarra. “The clients drive this; they love the day out and the chance to support such a wonderful organisation that makes us all feel so welcome”.

Sam, Gina and Matthew, clients from Mawarra agreed that the money was an added bonus and the best part of the day was ‘watching the greyhounds run around and cheering them down the straight’. Helen confirmed the $1,200 in winning will go towards the quality and improvement of all client services that Mawarra delivers.

Compiled by Phil Weir and Ben Pritchard.