By Ben Pritchard

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we will not be seeing the usual 150+ people on course enjoying greyhound racing’s annual Great Chase Community Day in Shepparton. People from across the northern region and as far Echuca are normally seen at the Kialla racetrack for a fun day at the races.

A major player in 2019 was the group from PALS Inc who came along to the club with 32 people. This particular community group assists people with disabilities, the aged and disadvantaged, to participate in the community. They’ve been attending the Great Chase at Shepparton for more than seven years and love coming back each year.

“It is a great opportunity for our clients to get out and be in the public and enjoy a day out at the races,” Gary from PALS Inc said. “It is something that they don’t usually get to do, and it is just great for them.”

In 2019 Shepparton Access were back again for the fifth year and are always ‘blown away’ by the event. Wendy from Shepparton Access discussed the important role the Great Chase plays in her client’s lives and the support it adds to the organisation.

“They love coming to the Great Chase – they love socialising with others and they get a great deal of benefit from it,” Wendy said.

“It’s always a terrific day and we appreciate everyone who puts it on, and the support that it has given to our sector. We look forward to coming again.”

Groups that attend TAB Great Chase community days at their local racetrack and are randomly partnered with greyhounds competing on the day, with the best performing dogs amassing prize money for the organisations.

The Great Chase is Victorian greyhound racing’s number one community event, distributing almost $650,000 to the disability sector since 2003.

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