• Greyhound Racing Victoria posts strong results
• Increases in prizemoney and attendances, and enhanced animal welfare
• Greyhound industry worth $315 million to the state, with 20,000 participants and employees

More prizemoney, an increased wagering market share and a strong focus on animal welfare and integrity are the highlights of Greyhound Racing Victoria’s (GRV) 2013/14 Annual Report, tabled in State Parliament today.

Premier and Minister for Racing, Denis Napthine said the annual report highlighted a tremendous year both on and off the track for Victoria’s greyhound racing industry.

“GRV has done a tremendous job representing the interests of the code, whether it be racing clubs, owners, trainers, breeders or the dogs themselves, particularly through animal welfare initiatives,” Dr Napthine said.

“GRV also strengthened its focus on integrity, including the establishment of the GRV Integrity Council to provide independent advice and recommendations to the GRV Board.”

The GRV Annual Report highlighted some significant achievements during 2013/14, including:

• a 3.1 per cent increase in wagering turnover on Victorian greyhound racing to $826 million.
• greyhound racing’s market share of wagering in Victoria has increased from 17.2 per cent in 2010 to 20.1 per cent in 2014;
• a $4 million increase in stakemoney and bonuses for a total $41.8 million (in 2010 total stakemoney was less than $25 million);
• a 6 per cent increase in attendances at Victorian greyhound racetracks; and
• 1,147 inspections conducted by stewards of kennels and training facilities as well as 4,289 samples (for prohibited substances) taken – an increase of 25 per cent.

Dr Napthine said animal welfare continues to be a high priority for GRV, with a record 536 adoptions through the Greyhound Adoption Program, a 40.7 per cent rise on the previous year.

“This is a fantastic result for the industry and the hundreds of families who have enriched their lives with these beautiful animals. This is supported by the Victorian Coalition Government’s $1 million investment in the Greyhound Adoption Program,“ Dr Napthine said.

“GRV and all involved in the industry can be justifiably proud of their involvement in the broader community through ongoing support of breast cancer research and the McGrath Foundation and the Great Chase Series that supports organisations helping people with a disability. More recently GRV’s support has also been extended to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia which is highly commendable,” Dr Napthine said.

Dr Napthine congratulated the GRV Board chaired by Peter Caillard and its staff led by Chief Executive Officer Adam Wallish in realising a net profit of $7.8 million.

“This strong financial position allows GRV to make the sport and industry even better than it is today,” Dr Napthine said.

“In particular, GRV and its member clubs are investing in upgrading racetracks and patrons’ facilities.

“With the financial assistance of the Victorian Coalition Government, major projects are now underway at Traralgon, the Meadows and at the industry Greyhound Adoption Program facility at Seymour.

“The Coalition Government is a strong supporter of greyhound racing. Through our Victorian Racing Industry Fund, we are helping to grow the industry through the building of new and upgraded infrastructure, the enhancement of integrity measures, support for the Greyhound Adoption Program and the marketing of greyhound racing to new audiences.

“Greyhound racing is important to the Victorian economy, providing an economic benefit of $315 million to the State with around 20,000 participants and employees involved in the industry,” Dr Napthine said.

The full 2013/14 GRV Annual Report can be found here