What you may have missed: GRV trial, Girls on Track
Greyhound Racing Victoria will employ a new kenneling procedure from next month that will allow trainers with runners in races 9-12 to briefly access their greyhounds.
After many requests from participants, Geelong and Sandown Park will trial the new procedure for three months, with a permanent solution expected in May.
Trainers with dogs in race nine can remove them from the kennels after race six for a toilet break and a drink of water. Greyhounds engaged in race 10 will be allowed out after race seven; race 11 runners after race eight; race 12 runners after race nine.
A steward and kennel attendant will supervise all trainers during this process.
This trial is another step in the right direction for GRV's strong stance on animal welfare, helping greyhounds which could become distressed while in the kennels for a long time, to perform to the best of their ability, and also assisting with recovery.
Road show making inroads
The highly successful road show by GRV's Compliance and Education team will make four stops in coming weeks at Shepparton, Ballarat, The Meadows and Warrnambool.
The seminars assist participants with council requirements for housing greyhounds, along with providing education and information on minimum standards in caring for greyhounds.
RQ promotes women in racing
Racing Queensland will recognise and promote the achievements of women in greyhound racing, with the launch of the Girls on Track racing series in March.
Heats for the OMW Women In Racing Classic will be at Ipswich, Bundaberg, Townsville and Rockhampton, with the final at Albion Park over 520m on March 26.
Incorporated into a tri-code series, which is expected to become a regular feature on the racing calendar, it is for bitches which haven't won a metropolitan race.
Another incentive is a $500 bonus for any female trainer who wins the series final, along with a first prize of $7000.
Heats of the Winged Runner Trophy will be conducted at Albion Park over 600m on March 19, with the final a week later. This event is open to bitches of all classes, with the winner taking home $5250. If the winning trainer is female, they're eligible also for the $500 bonus.
That is an excellent move by Victoria racing and lets hope its a success. Its good to see a state leading the way in animal welfare which more than can be said for another states who seem to enjoy burying their heads in the sand.
That is an excellent move by Victoria racing and lets hope its a success. Its good to see a state leading the way in animal welfare which more than can be said for another states who seem to enjoy burying their heads in the sand.