Champion Boxer Harry Garside, Ambassador and Owner

Champion Australian boxer Harry Garside is the latest high-profile personality to join the ‘kennel’ of sporting stars at Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW).

Garside, who won an Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo last year, and who recently defended his Australian lightweight title with a win over Layton McFerran at Newcastle, has taken on an ambassadorial role which will see the 24-year-old promote both racing and rehoming through GRNSW’s not-for-profit charity, Greyhounds As Pets.

Not only will the promising pugilist be an advocate and spokesperson for the industry, he now has skin in the game after this week entering greyhound ownership after choosing a three-month-old pup named Alice.

“They are beautiful dogs, greyhounds,” Garside said. “And I want to be part of the whole journey. 

“That’s a big part of this and the reason why I have wanted to do it. If I wanted to be an ambassador with Greyhounds As Pets, I really wanted to know the full process, from two months old like Alice - and I’ll be checking out how she’s going all the time and making sure I’m coming up here (to CESSNOCK) to see her – then through her racing career, and then of course after racing and the pet side of greyhounds.

“I am a softy at heart and I love dogs to cuddle up to. They are truly the most cuddly dog, and when she retires she will be curled up on my couch next to me.”

Any prizemoney earned during a racing career by Alice - who is by champion sire Fernando Bale out of Lochinvar Chic – will be donated to Greyhound As Pets.

GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Tony Mestrov was delighted with the latest acquisition to his organisation’s list of ambassadors, which includes Australia football legend Tim Cahill, rugby league superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen, Olympic gold medal winner Jess Fox and Paralympian star Rheed McCracken.

“Harry is yet another tremendous addition to our ambassadors,” Mestrov said. “We are very fortunate to have an array of wonderful ambassadors whose love of the animal comes first and foremost.

“Harry is not only a boxer with enormous ability and potential, but a very intelligent, respected and caring young man, and having spoken at length with him, I can add that he has wisdom beyond his years.

“Harry wanted to be involved in all sides of the industry and witness and experience first-hand through his new ownership, the full life cycle of the greyhound.

“Harry was a guest on grand final night of the TAB Million Dollar Chase at Wentworth Park, and he will be trackside on Saturday night at LADBROKES GARDENS for the inaugural running of The Ladbrokes 715, the richest greyhound staying race in the world with the winner collecting $500,000.”