Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) has today announced a temporary increase in starter fees to provide additional support for participants facing rising costs of participation.

From 6 April to 31 May, starter fees will increase by $10 per starter, delivering more than $150,000 in additional returns to participants across the Victorian greyhound racing industry. The measure is subject to review.

Under the temporary arrangement, the travel and starters package will provide trainers with a $50 travel fee and $60 per starter.

GRV chair Tom Salom said the decision recognises cost pressures currently affecting the industry, including higher fuel and transport costs influenced by global factors.

“Participants are experiencing increased costs associated with fuel, transport and other essential inputs,” Mr Salom said.

“This temporary increase is a practical step to provide some immediate assistance while broader economic conditions remain uncertain.”

The starter fee increase forms part of a broader range of recent adjustments aimed at managing participation costs and travel requirements, following consultation with industry stakeholders.

Recent changes include:

• The removal of hybrid racing at provincial meetings at Sandown Park and The Meadows, and
• The introduction of additional hybrid meetings at country tracks, where nominations allow, to potentially reduce travel requirements for participants.

These changes to hybrid race meetings have followed meaningful engagement with the Industry Consultative Group (ICG), the Greyhound Owners, Trainers and Breeders Association (GOTBA) and Greyhound Clubs Victoria (GCV).

“Our focus has been on identifying practical measures that support participants while maintaining the long‑term sustainability of the industry,” Mr Salom said.

GRV will continue to monitor operating conditions and participant costs, with the temporary starter fee increase to be reviewed after 31 May.