Preferential Box Draw greyhound races set to begin in Victoria
Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) and the Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club have announced the launch of a pilot program to experiment with Preferential Box Draws (PBD).
This program aims to improve racing conditions by reducing interference and injuries on the racetrack.
Initially planned to begin this year, the pilot was delayed to gather feedback during the consultation process for new Local Rules amendments, which have now been expanded to include three race categories: railer, middle runner, and wide runner.
PBDs involve categorising greyhounds and conducting box draws for each of the three categories.
The pilot program will start in late October, beginning with Wednesday race meetings at Traralgon over distances of 350m and 395m, alternating at each meeting.
It will be exclusively available for Grade 5 greyhounds, with an event advertisement created on race meetings through the Fast Track calendar to accommodate the pilot.
The first five meetings at Traralgon, where there will be PBDs, are scheduled as follows:
GRV Traralgon Preferential Box Draw Schedule
- Wednesday, October 25 (Graded on Monday, October 23) – 350m
- Wednesday, November 22 (Graded on Monday, November 20) – 395m
- Wednesday, December 6 (Graded on Monday, December 4) – 350m
- Wednesday, December 13 (Graded on Monday, December 11) – 395m
- Wednesday, December 20 (Graded on Monday, December 18) – 350m
To simplify the process for the pilot phase all nominated greyhounds will be initially considered as ‘railers'.
However trainers have the option to request approval for their greyhound to be designated as an wide runner.
To do so trainers can send an email with the information to GRV.
Once approved by the GRV panel and reassessed by the trainer if needed this designation will remain in place.
GRV Stewards will randomly conduct three manual box draws—one, for each category—to assign eight boxes.
The number of greyhounds allocated to each box draw depends on how many greyhounds are assigned to each category for that race.
In some cases where one or fewer nominations are received within a category a separate box draw may not be necessary.
Please be aware that during the pilot phase reserves will not be drawn for PBD races.
The introduction of PBDs is inline with GRV's dedication to promoting the wellbeing of greyhounds and ensuring the integrity of greyhound racing.
This initiative aims to reduce interference and minimise the risk of injuries creating an more competitive racing environment for greyhounds.
Ultimately it seeks to enhance the racing experience, for participants, spectators and the dogs.
PBD greyhound races are already underway in New South Wales, West Australia, and Queensland.