Greyhound racing officials are hoping that the Million Dollar Chase can lift the profile of the sport in rural communities, ahead of four heats in Bathurst next Monday.
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Greyhound Racing NSW CEO Tony Mestrov and Minister for Racing Paul Toole were both on hand at Kennerson Park on Friday, for the official launch of the series.
The lucky winner of the grand final, which will be held at Wentworth Park on October 20, will receive $1 million, in what is the richest greyhound race in the world.
Mr Mestrov said greyhound welfare is the number one priority for the sport.
“While the winner may get $1 million, the real focus for us is welfare,” he said.
“We want to raise $1 million for the Greyhound as Pets program. It’s important to show how serious we are for welfare in greyhound racing.
“All entrants have to rehouse their dogs at the end of their career, either through Greyhound as Pets, a private provider or keeping them as pets themselves.
“It’s no secret welfare has to be at the front of everything we do. We need to support all aspects of the dog’s life. Part of this series is about showing how supportive we our of greyhounds and their welfare.”
Twenty-two qualifying events will be held in rural NSW, ahead of the semi-finals and finals in October.
Minister for Racing Paul Toole said the series is set to be a huge boost for rural towns and their economies.
“This series is seeing 22 events happening in rural NSW towns, which will be a huge boost for rural towns and local economies,” he said.
“There’s been a lot of changes [to greyhound racing] and I’m committed to see this an industry that is sustainable and viable.”
The state government committed $500,000 into the prize pool for the race.
“There’s always going to be people unhappy to see money go into the industry but I say it’s $500,000 well spent,” Mr Toole said.
“This money is seeing 22 events happening in rural NSW towns, which’ll be a boost to 22 towns across the state.”
Bathurst Greyhound Racing Club track manager Jason Lyne said the response from Central West trainers and owners have been fantastic.
“We’ve got some great dogs in the Central West, from Cowra, Forbes, Cudal, Lithgow,” he said.
“I’m hoping we can pull a strong crowd for the heats and especially for finals night. With the way the draw has panned out, we could have four track specialists going head-to-head. “
Mr Lyne said regional areas have proved to be the backbone of the greyhound racing industry.
“The hub of greyhound racing comes from regional racing,” he said.
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“A lot of the dogs have been bred in regional areas, so I think it’s a great recognition and great reward for the people who’ve put the time and money into the industry, to provide the dogs for NSW and Australia wide.
“Hopefully it can get interest in the next six to 12 months, for people to put a syndicate together, find a trainer and hopefully get a dog together to win the ultimate dream.
“Hopefully the prize can stay out here in the Central West.”