ALMOST two years after the NSW government backed down from its controversial ban on greyhound racing it is pumping $500,000 into the prize pool for richest race in the world.
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Greyhound Racing NSW CEO Tony Mestrov and Minister for Racing Paul Toole were both at Bathurst’s Kennerson Park to launch the Million Dollar Chase series.
While the winner of the final – to be held at Wentworth Park on October 20 – will receive $1 million, according to Mr Mestrov, “the real focus for us is welfare”.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“We need to support all aspects of the dog’s life.”
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.
- Jason Lyne
In October, 2016 then-NSW premier Mike Baird backed down from his government’s controversial policy to ban greyhound racing in the state, a plan which was initially conceived after revelations surfaced of live-baiting practices among trainers in the industry.
The change of policy directly led to Mr Baird resigning from Parliament, and also spelled the end of member for Dubbo Troy Grant’s time at the head of the NSW Nationals party.
Orange’s Jason Lyne, who manages Bathurst Greyhound Racing Club track, said the response from the same Central West trainers and owners who had raged against the initial decision to outlaw their sport had been fantastic.
“The hub of greyhound racing comes from regional racing,” he said.
“We’ve got some great dogs in the Central West, from Cowra, Forbes, Cudal, Lithgow.
“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.
Minister for Racing Paul Toole said the series would 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.”
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