For trainers like Brett Tooth, GRNSW’s new Masters series is a real boon.
The new series, which starts at Gosford on Tuesday night, offers races for greyhounds aged three-and-a-half and older.
It aims to help extend the racing life of greyhounds and provide more opportunities for participants in the sport.
Tooth, who has experienced 66-race campaigner Forrest starting from box eight in the first race of the series at Gosford, the Crestscaff Stakes (515m), is a big fan of the concept.
“I think it’s a good idea to prolong the racing life of a dog,” he said.
“At this age greyhounds have got good racing left in them. With the age range, there should be good fields for races as well.
“I’m in favour of it.”
The series, which has been created after consultation forums GRNSW conducted with industry participants and stakeholders across NSW, offers races for greyhounds aged 42 months and older.
Throughout the consultation process, industry participants said they would support initiatives that would provide more opportunities for older greyhounds to continue their racing careers.
Races are taking place at nine clubs during the first two weeks of September via a co-ordinated race program at TAB tracks, with further meetings also planned.
Prize-money will be standard across the series, with $850 on offer to winners, $280 to runners-up and $160 for third.
For experienced greyhounds like Forrest, who are still up to Wentworth Park class, the series offers more competitive racing opportunities.
The scheme is also aligned to GRNSW’s commitment to greyhound welfare by maximising the racing opportunities for all NSW greyhounds.
“With my job I cannot travel more than two or three hours for racing,” part-time trainer Tooth, who works out of the Hunter Valley, said.
“I’m restricted by work where I can travel so any time I can get to a race it’s good.
“It is hard to win races at the best of times so this should hopefully give trainers more of an opportunity.”
For more information on the Masters concept, click here.
For Gosford Tuesday form, fields and expert tips, click here.
