Racehorse TALK

Catching pen to be re-introduced at Albion ParkFriday, 5 November 2010 2:53 PM5 November 2010
Catching pen to be re-introduced at Albion Park

Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) has completed its review into the operation of the finish on lure system to pull up greyhounds at the completion of races.

As previously foreshadowed, after making certain improvements to the catching pen (including changing the design and operation of the gate and the method of entry for catchers), the Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club was allowed to re-introduce catching in the pen.

Since that time, RQL has maintained records of greyhound injuries at Albion Park (finish on lure) and Ipswich (catching in the pen).

The record shows that injuries attributable to the manner of completion of the race have now reduced at Ipswich to the extent there are significantly less such injuries than at Albion Park (even taking into account the number of races held).

Suspension rates at Ipswich for the period since the return of catching in the pen are also lower than those at Albion Park.

Given that the welfare of the greyhound is RQL’s primary concern and the modifications at Ipswich, coupled with the new lure design, appear to be producing the best results.

RQL will now commence modifications to the pen design at Albion Park with a view to re-introducing catching in the pen at that venue from January 1, 2011.



Massive boost for Queensland greyhound industryFriday, 5 November 2010 2:41 PM

Queensland’s greyhound industry will receive a massive financial boost after the Board of Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) decided to inject a further $1.5 million into the sport.

Racing Queensland chairman, Bob Bentley said $1.2 million will be allocated to raise minimum prizemoney levels and a further $300,000 directed towards the feature race schedule.

“Although only operational since July 1, 2010, RQL has worked hard to deliver a revised prizemoney strategy for the greyhound industry, which has been previously disadvantaged by the Product and Program agreement under the three separate control bodies,” Mr Bentley said.

“During the past five years prizemoney has grown in the harness industry by in excess of 21 per cent and in thoroughbreds in excess of 19 per cent, but greyhounds have largely missed out only growing by around 2 per cent.

“This announcement provides a direct increase of 19 per cent to the greyhound industry, bringing them into line with the harness and thoroughbred codes.”

Mr Bentley said the prizemoney increases will take effect from April 1, 2011.

Listed below are the revised minimum prizemoney levels.

Class 1 – Metropolitan (Per Meeting)
 Three races at $6000 and seven races at $5000

Class 2 – South East Queensland TAB (Per Meeting)
 10 races at $1630

Class 3 – North Queensland TAB (Per Meeting)
 Two races at $1200 and eight races at $1000

Class 4 – Non-TAB (Per Meeting)
 Capalaba – 10 races at $500
 Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Cairns – eight races at $500

Mr Bentley said prior to the April 1 increases, RQL will resume responsibility for the allocation of prizemoney and setting of programs from the greyhound clubs to ensure the delivery of integrated and innovative programming strategies.

“To ensure the delivery of a robust racing program the decision has been taken to combine the previous two lower classes utilised at Albion Park and Ipswich,” he said.

“This previously saw minimum prizemoney levels range from $2320 to $1000.

“Under the revised distribution strategy, minimum prizemoney levels will be consistent at $1630 per race, providing a better distribution of prizemoney to all levels of competition.

“The significant increase in prizemoney levels at the northern TAB meeting will also ensure the ongoing viability of greyhound racing throughout North Queensland.”

Mr Bentley said this announcement is testament to the benefits of the three code merger and RQL will continue to look for efficiencies within its business to improve returns to stakeholders.

“Each of the three codes needs to work with RQL to ensure the delivery of an appealing product that stimulates wagering interest,” he said.

“With this in mind, RQL will ensure Queensland’s greyhound feature race schedule remains in touch with other jurisdictions.

“A comprehensive review of the existing greyhound group and feature race schedule will be undertaken, with a revised schedule expected to be available for publication in early 2011.

“From July 1, 2011, a revised greyhound feature race prizemoney distribution strategy will be implemented.”

Ends.

Media Contact: Shari Armistead at Sequel Communications on 07 3251 8134.




The above news is very positive for greyhound participants and should hopefully shut up the whingers on Greyhound Data site......