The Million Dollar Chase is the richest greyhound race in the world.
Camera IconThe Million Dollar Chase is the richest greyhound race in the world. Credit: News Corp Australia

Greyhound Racing NSW to host the richest race in the world, the Million Dollar Chase

PETER GLEESONThe Daily Telegraph

Topics

TWO years ago, greyhound racing in NSW was to be closed. The then premier, Mike Baird, was intent on shutting down the industry ending a tradition dating back to Harold Park in the 1920s.

A public outcry reversed the decision, and now GRNSW is about to host not only Australia’s first million dollar race, but the richest greyhound race in the world.

Resilience, perseverance and a desire to bring the industry back from the brink is the story behind the running of the Million Dollar Chase at Wentworth Park on Saturday, October 20.

Supported by a significant sponsorship deal from bookmaker Ladbrokes, the Million Dollar Chase is a triumph for those who, despite being subjected to the most visceral of campaigns, remain involved in greyhound racing.

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There are some interest groups that will always try to shut dog racing down. They also want thoroughbred jumps racing ended and the whip outlawed. That’s why racing integrity is so important and it’s appropriate to acknowledge the advancements made in animal welfare in all three codes.

The Million Dollar Chase is the richest greyhound race in the world.
Camera IconThe Million Dollar Chase is the richest greyhound race in the world. Credit: News Corp Australia

The concept of a million dollar first prize purse in greyhound racing has galvanised the industry. The symbolism of this race demonstrates to the naysayers that greyhound racing is back, bigger, brighter and better than ever.

From a wagering perspective, greyhound racing has never been more popular. Over the past five years, it has experienced significant exponential growth in bookmaker turnover. Wagering growth has jumped from 14 per cent of the three-code turnover to 21 per cent, an extraordinary increase.

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Ladbrokes commissioned research in 2017 which showed that younger punters — those known as Millennials or Gen Y and aged between 20 and 35 — nominated greyhounds as their preferred form of gambling.

Quick, easy and seamless were the reasons for betting on greyhounds. Over in 30 seconds, smaller fields and fun to watch. It is a wonderful product for wagering authorities and from a participant perspective, much cheaper to be involved than thoroughbreds or trotters.

The Million Dollar Chase will come off the back of the highly successful Everest thoroughbred concept, the richest turf race in the world.

Crucial to the Chase series was the regional qualifying, with heats held in places like Dubbo, Bathurst, Grafton, Lismore and Wagga. This has given the opportunity for country-trained greyhounds to compete and chase the million dollar first prize.

There is a misconception about the greyhound industry that needs to be corrected. The vast majority of greyhound owners and trainers are devoted to their dogs. Animal welfare is their number one priority. And they are fighters, a tight-knit group, especially in regional and country NSW, who look out for each other. The social fabric of greyhound racing should never be underestimated in this country. It brings people together, forges friendships and lifelong bonds. They may be battlers, but they are mostly decent, good people.

Get out and support the Million Dollar Chase. You won’t regret it.

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