While some may think it’s merely a greyhound racing series, the TAB Million Dollar Chase will provide significant benefits to regional centres, severely struggling due to the impact of “the worst drought in history.”
That was the consensus of local councilors and the local member, the Minister for Better Regulation and INNOVATION, the Hon Kevin Anderson who attended a regional launch of the event in Gunnedah on Friday.
At the launch, it was also announced that country music star Travis Collins will perform on the opening night of the series, August 31 at Gunnedah, a venue which will make its debut in the Chase in 2019.
“To have Gunnedah as part of the TAB Million Dollar Chase series is exciting,” Anderson said. “They will be coming from everywhere, to get a slice of that coin.
“We’re in the worst drought in history so what we’ve got to do is think outside the square as to how do we get people to come to regional NSW, and invest, and drop some money and help local businesses, that will be a real boost for the economy.
“And to have Trav play at the Million Dollar Chase on August 31 is going to be fantastic. He will bring people as well. It’s a great package and what you’ve got to do with things, is value add, and obviously the greyhound race is going to be a big drawcard, but to also have Travis Collins playing … I think people will come from everywhere.
“This is fantastic for me to be involved with. I’m a big racing fan and I really like the direction Tony Mestrov the CEO is taking Greyhound Racing NSW and welfare and integrity sit at the top of everything this organisation does.”
Gunnedah President Geoff Rose said the community is already feeling the positive effects of having the series.
“We have already got people travelling from as far away as Goulburn, to race and trial here, and they are doing it because they want to come for the Million Dollar Chase,” Rose said.
“If you live in Gunnedah, you’re going to get benefits from this race. The economy is going to take up. The drought has hit the towns - all the regional centres and all the little towns, and I think it’s great that GRNSW have brought this race here.
“I believe it will be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars which will be brought into the town and the economy.
“Already with people we have had come here to trial or race, from Maitland or CESSNOCK or Newcastle and even Goulburn, they have got to fill up with fuel to get back home, so even now it’s generating income.”
Rose said the entire town and local greyhound industry is excited with the news that cult hero Feral Franky may be heading to Gunnedah for the opening round of heats.
“Feral Franky coming here is very exciting. I’ve been in this game for almost 55 years and here alone in Gunnedah, this will definitely be the biggest race we have ever had. I would say this Million Dollar Chase has stimulated the industry’s interest to the best I have ever seen it.
“I’ve got people now saying “I might get a dog”, and it’s because the rags to riches stories that this race can provide, plus the overall increase in prizemoney.
“Our Cup next year is worth $15,000 and that’s up from $5,000. GRNSW are doing a great job.”
GRNSW Chief Executive Tony Mestrov was delighted with the launch in Gunnedah and the tremendous positivity around the event from all in the region.
“This is what the TAB Million Dollar Chase is all about,” Mestrov said. “Going to the regional areas, where you can see the excitement and we saw that today from the Minister, the Mayor, Geoff Rose the Gunnedah President, and all who attended our launch.
“And the prospect of Feral Franky coming to Gunnedah, coupled with Travis Collins performing, it is going to be the perfect way to kick off our series on August 31.
