Drag Lure To Be Trialled At Richmond Straight Track

Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) will conduct trials of a new prototype drag lure system at the Richmond Straight track in early December.

Trials of the new lure will provide vision and data for GRNSW’s racing and track maintenance teams to analyse for comparisons to the existing Safechase lure system.

The trial of a drag lure, which is being manufactured by Dubbo-based company E-Tek, follows feedback from participants and greyhound racing industry stakeholders.

“Since the opening of the Richmond straight track last year, participants who race their greyhounds regularly at the venue have given feedback, including about the option to switch to a drag lure,” GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Rob Macaulay said.

“After discussions with respected parties, and with an underlying focus on safety and ongoing improvements, GRNSW has decided to trial a drag lure at Richmond.

“It is our intention to analyse the data and vision gathered from these trials and further review data and records from drag lure racing events conducted interstate.

“We will compare data sets and measure several statistical factors against existing data from racing at Richmond’s straight track behind the Safechase lure, which has been in operation since the track opened.

“The results of these trials, and further analysis, will inform us regarding a decision on the best lure for the Richmond straight track into the future.”

Delivery of the lure is expected in the first week of December with the trialling period scheduled to take place across December 6, 7 and 8.

It is expected that trials will begin with solo and two-dog trials, gradually increasing to full field trials later in the testing period.

GRNSW and the Richmond club will inform participants closer to the trial dates about how they can nominate greyhounds to trial.