Bring On The National Championships
The Nationals is Australia's most prestigious Greyhound Racing Event on the Annual Calendar, attracting the very best chasers from around Nation. State pride is always on the line and participants love nothing more than to represent their state in the National finals.
This year for the first time since 2002 the events will be held in sunny Queensland at Albion Park.
Last time the Nationals were in Brisbane it was an all Victorian affair with Boomeroo victorious in the distance final recording a track record. While in the Sprint In The Frame won the title for long time Sandown director David Gleeson.
This year's finals carry the highest prizemoney ever paid with both winners receiving $75,000 after the elevation in Group prizemoney took effect from July the first 2011.
Held in August-September each year, the month of August is devoted to state heats and finals that in turn determine the grand finalists from each state. A finalist in both the sprint and distance has received a wild card entry since 2009.
The golden ticket goes to the highest AGRA ranked greyhounds in sprint and distance at the end of July, which makes their state finals without winning.
Rankings are determined by points accumulated from competing in Group races throughout the year.
It was introduced by the Brisbane GRC and has proved a popular innovation.
Prior to the wild card entry the final finalist was the runner-up from the New South Wales or Victoria state final and alternated yearly.
The host state always has two runners in each final and also provides the reserves.
The National Championships is also a time when many yearly friendships are re-kindled as the greyhound fraternity from each state assembly for almost a week of conferences, socialising and of course outstanding greyhound racing.
Two more stars will entry the honour roles this year after the finals are decided next Thursday night August 25th.