Platinum Paws Just One Part Of NZ Centenary Celebrations
In less than four weeks Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) will commemorate 100 Years of Governance with a three day celebration in Christchurch.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the $250,000 Platinum Paws held 17 October. This will be New Zealand's richest ever greyhound race.
On the 15th October the NZGRA will hold a Recognition Dinner to honour those who have made a difference to New Xealand greyhound racing. The dinner will reflect upon how far greyhound racing in New Zealand has come, and the challenges encountered along the way.
The event will look back at the history of greyhound racing and GRNZ, and will include:
- a visual history of greyhound racing in New Zealand
- Hall of Fame for Dogs. Photos and histories of outstanding dogs
- ‘Unsung heroes' – photos and information about people who have worked behind the scenes to make it all happen
- a selection of historic media clippings
- greyhound racing curios
The Platinum Paws Series Final will be run on October 17th at Addington Raceway, one week after the Platinum Paws Semi Finals on October 10th,
The $250,000 Platinum Paws will be the most important race to hit the New Zealand tracks in the history of greyhound racing. Never before have New Zealand greyhounds run for such a stake!
Up to four of the eight finalists could be any of the Australian representatives that have been seeded on to the October 10th Semi Finals.
As a part of NZGRA's partnership with Make-A-Wish New Zealand, the box four finalist in the Platinum Paws Final will be wear a Make-A-Wish vest, and GRNZ has pledged to give a financial donation to the charity if the dog finishes in the top three!
Make-A-Wish New Zealand creates hope and happiness by granting the wishes of children and young people living with life-threatening illnesses.
One night later on the 18th October, NZGRA will hold the “The GRNZ Centenary Awards Gala Dinner”.
The Awards Gala Dinner will include special guest speaker Dick Taylor. Dick is best known for his triumph in the 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch in 1974. He won gold then, and still holds a game record for his time of 27 min 46.4 sec.
Masters of Ceremonies for the evening are John Tamihere and Willie Jackson. Guests will also be treated to a centenary DVD, showcasing the history of greyhound racing in New Zealand.