Greyhound Racing Victoria, its 11 active race clubs and Sportsbet will contribute a combined $15,000 to the Victoria Police Legacy Remembrance Fund after close to 150 greyhounds won from the blue number four box through September.
Exactly 144 saluted wearing a blue bib last month, as part of the fundraising campaign initiated following the tragic loss of two police officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, killed in the line of duty at Porepunkah on 26 August 2025.
One hundred per cent of funds raised through the Victoria Police Legacy Remembrance Fund go directly to the Thompson and De Waart families.
“The greyhound racing community is deeply saddened by the loss of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart,” said GRV’s deputy chair Jack Blayney.
“Through this initiative, we hope to honour their service and support their families in a meaningful way.
“We’re proud to stand alongside Victoria Police and the broader community in remembering those who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe.”
Mr Blayney served with Victoria Police for over 40 years, retiring as an Assistant Commissioner in 2018.
“I know that serving and veteran police officers highly value expressions of support from groups, such as the greyhound racing community, following such tragic circumstances,” he said.
The fundraising efforts won’t end there, however, with Shepparton hosting its annual Blue Ribbon Cup night on Saturday 11 October 2025, with all of the proceeds raised on that night set to boost the industry’s total contribution to the Remembrance Fund.
Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the fallen officers, their colleagues in Victoria Police, and all who serve our community with bravery and selflessness each day.
A public affairs and communications specialist, working with Greyhound Racing Victoria after a career as an award-winning racing and sport journalist.
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