Greyhound Racing NSW unveils new Puppy Auction and Race Series
Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) unveiled a new venture by introducing a Puppy Auction and a corresponding Auction Race Series, which is set to become one of the most lucrative greyhound events in New South Wales.
The GRNSW Puppy Auction, scheduled for May 2024, will offer puppies born between July 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024.
The anticipated race series will take place in October–November 2025.
The Auction Race Series boasts a prize pool exceeding $200,000, and the winner of the race will secure $150,000 in prize money.
This significant reward ranks as the highest among greyhound races in NSW, following the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase ($1 million), Ladbrokes 715 ($500,000), and Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg ($350,000).
Reserved exclusively for greyhounds auctioned at the GRNSW Puppy Auction, the Auction Race Series is expected to generate interest from syndicators and potentially attract a new lot of owners.
Rob Macaulay, Chief Executive Officer of GRNSW, expressed his enthusiasm for this event.
Highlighting its perfect timing, alongside the recent announcement of a new syndication initiative,. Macaulay highlighted the opportunities for newcomers to get involved in the sport thanks to the high prize money and the upcoming introduction of a new syndication model.
He expects a surge in syndication participation, building on the growth seen in years. In the past 25 years, auctions have proven to be successful and popular in NSW greyhound racing.
Both Dapto and Richmond race clubs have hosted puppy auctions.
The recent auction held at Richmond in June 2019 called the Gold Muzzle Auction produced the superstar Flying Ricciardo, who went on to win the 2020 Greyhound of the Year.
Many dogs from NSW Auctions have achieved lucrative racing careers, including Thirty Talks, Mister Twister, and Flying Riccardo.
Macaulay acknowledged that there is support for the return of an auction after its hiatus due to COVID 19.
He mentioned that both potential vendors (breeders) and buyers have received it positively. Apart from racing prize money, GRNSW will also incentivise bonuses for breeders.
The breeder of the winning greyhound will receive $1,000, while the breeders of each finalist in the GRNSW Auction Race Series will be rewarded with $250.
Breeders are set to get benefits of $500 for the puppy having it's first start in NSW and an additional $500 for each puppy's that has it's first race in NSW.
Although the Puppy Auction will happen at Richmond Race Club, the location for the race series is still to be decideed.
The series will include heats, semi-finals, and a final.
The prize money distribution for the heats and semi-finals will align with the TAB Non-Graded class prize money schedule. Macaulay expressed confidence in the success of the Puppy Auction and Race Series, considering the levels of prize money in the sport.
He expects bidding on May 26 as participants aim to secure these greyhounds and potentially replicate past auction graduates achievements.
The GRNSW Puppy Auction and Race Series pledges to take greyhound racing in NSW to new heights, providing a spectacle for enthusiasts and a profitable opportunity for breeders and owners alike.