Welcome to the third of our CEO’s Question and Answer Columns, where I respond to questions from participants on pertinent matters both on and off the track.
As some of us are entrenched in our second week in lockdown with potentially more to come, I want to repeat the premise behind this column is to keep the lines of communication open between Greyhound Racing NSW and those in our industry, be it participants, staff, clubs, or the general public.
We introduced this column back in 2020 at the start of the pandemic and decided this week that it should return while there are uncertainties around lockdowns and restrictions.
It will operate as it did previously, with participants with questions pertaining to the current COVID-19 situation and the lockdown, to email us at the following address: update@grnsw.com.au
As the case was in 2020, if there are any significant developments or announcements, they will be published in media releases across our GRNSW network as required, but the aim of this column is to answer any specific or generic questions participants may have.
Here are some of the questions our teams at GRNSW have been asked since the lockdown commenced.
1. Q: Tony the lockdown is due to end on Friday, I live just outside Bathurst, I should be able to nominate for the Richmond straight track meeting this Saturday as I will be allowed to enter the zone then, shouldn’t I?
A: Unfortunately no you won’t be able to. GRNSW has decided from a racing nomination perspective that our two zones will effectively remain in place at least until the race meetings drawn for Monday, July 12 at Bathurst, Maitland and Nowra. The reasoning was that there remains some uncertainty around a continuation of the lockdown, and as such that could severely impact fields if a lockdown was suddenly extended. As such we have considered it the best, and least disruptive option, to continue with the zoning until this date. Again, as GRNSW did over the first week of the lockdown, to offset the inability of participants in Zone 2 to enter Zone 1 and race for city prizemoney at Wentworth Park, a number of tracks in Zone 2 will race for city prizemoney this week. These details can be found at www.thedogs.com.au.
2. Q: Tony I read in last week’s column that you will look at Million Dollar Chase as it gets closer and if there are any restrictions in place, but I was wondering if you have an early tip for the series?
A: I tend to leave this to the experts we have at thedogs.com.au as I’m sure you’d find my record is not fantastic. NSW trainers have enjoyed tremendous success in the three years of the event, winning each of the grand finals, and it would be great to Again see some local success, and we have a number of very good dogs coming through the ranks at present, dogs like Zipping Kyrgios and Jungle Deuce and of course Wow who was back breaking records last week at Goulburn I saw. I am sure they, and others, will do NSW proud in 2021.
3 Q: Tony I am not sure what relationship you have with GRV (Greyhound Racing Victoria), but with the Maturity coming up in a couple of weeks, and the uncertainty around lockdown as so on, are you able to sort out some kind of travel exemptions so we can take our dog down there to race?
A: We have a great relationship with GRV and continually consult each other on various matters. In short, no we cannot organise travel exemptions. Much depends on the extent of the lockdown and of course whether you are inside the lockdown area or not, and whether people from your area are allowed into Victoria or not at the time. You will need to consult the restrictions the Victorian Government have in place around border entry into their State, and around quarantining. As the case was during the Victorian lockdown last year, there is also the opportunity to transfer your dog to a local Victorian trainer during the Maturity series. Obviously this is a constantly changing situation, and much will depend on what occurs over the next week or so in NSW. My suggestion would be to keep updated with the restrictions around travel to and from Victoria and make your decision based around that. I am also sure that GRV would be happy to help with any questions as Well.
4. Q: Not really a question but a compliment Tony. I wanted to say what an incredible job you have done in the rebuild of the Grafton track. I have been going to Grafton for many, many years, but I can tell you I was blown away when I went there last week for the heats of the Maiden. This track is amazing. Well done GRNSW.
A: Sincere thanks for your praise. We are extremely proud of the Grafton track, and credit should go to our General Manager of Tracks David Aldred and his team, and also to Club President John Corrigan and his club at Grafton for all the hard work that has been done. We can all be happy with the outcome, but to hear our participants heap praise on the track and many declare it the best in the country, is by far the most pleasing aspect of the project.
5. Q: I notice a lot of people who are out exercising that don’t wear masks, and some say getting COVID outside is very unlikely, so do we really need to wear them when we are boxing our dogs or walking our dogs to the boxes at a racetrack?
A: Yes. Everyone must abide by the restrictions and rules and regulations put in place by the NSW Government and NSW Health. Masks are mandatory on our racetracks.
6. Q: Tony I have a great idea. As there seems to be a few problems with COVID around Sydney, with the Million Dollar Chase coming up, what about holding the final at Grafton. Imagine that, the perfect way to christen the new track that everyone says is the best in NSW, by holding a $1 million race. Imagine the publicity it would attract. Let me know your thoughts Tony.
A: We always love another great idea here at GRNSW, and it would certainly attract plenty of media attention if we were to stage a $1 million race at Grafton. The track will get to host heats and a regional final of the Million Dollar Chase this year, but what we are hoping for is to be able to run the series as it has been in previous years, with everyone able to race at any venue they wish and the semi-finals and Grand Final of our showcase event, held at our premier track, Wentworth Park. Of course we will be guided by any restrictions which are put in place, but here is hoping we are back to some sort of normality very soon, and the series can go ahead as it is planned. But keep those ideas coming in.
7. Q: Tony if I have had a test but I am still waiting for my results, should I get someone else to take my dog to the races tonight?
A: It is recommended that you should not need leave home until you have a negative result from your test.
Good luck to all of those participants racing this week, and like I mentioned when this column was running last year, these will continue to be difficult times for all, and as an industry, we are all in it together, so I urge you to pick up the phone and call a fellow participant to make sure they are doing ok.
Do not forget if you are struggling with the circumstance at the moment, and you want to talk to someone, please do not hesitate to call and speak with a qualified counsellor at any time by calling 1300 687 327.
Everyone please adhere to all the restrictions and precautions put in place by the NSW Government and NSW Health, and please keep yourselves and your families safe.
