Author: Editor BOAY

Some of the Geelong’s most talented greyhounds will go head-to-head on Friday night in heats of the Group 2 Beckley Centre Geelong Gold Cup. Headlined by Simon Told Helen who is back in Victoria after his Million Dollar Chase campaign. Simon Told Helen breezed through the Temora regional Million Dollar Chase heats and final at the start of September but was unable to qualify when finishing fourth on Friday night at Wentworth Park – a shock to punters who had him one of the favourites. “He didn’t handle the boxes…

By Ben Pritchard From small beginnings the Healesville Great Chase saw more than 50 people from organisations from across the north-eastern suburbs enjoy a community day in sunshine last year at arguably Victoria’s most spectacular-looking racetrack. With views across the track and onto the Yarra Valley the Healesville Greyhound Association and their traditional Great Chase morning tea for groups was the place to be in September 2019. The group from Caladenia Friday Fellas were particularly excited, going to the extent of dressing in their finest ties and sparkly hats. This…

By Ben Pritchard The TAB Great Chase would normally be rolling out in Warrnambool and other greyhound racetracks around the state at this time of year, however because of the COVID-19 pandemic all Great Chase community days have been postponed until 2021. This means the regular fanatics from Warrnambool’s community groups will not be on course for the patented Rotary BBQ and race night that is a staple on the local events calendar. Rewind the clock to Warrnambool’s 2019 event and around 250 people from 15 south-west community groups that…

High profile trainer Jason Thompson has enjoyed the ‘sweet smell of success’ with Australian sprint queen Black Opium. The winning ‘scent’ may not be as strong – yet – with younger half-sister Immunity, but already there’s an ‘intense fragrance’ surrounding her future. “Immunity is a nice type, but she’s nowhere near as good as Black Opium who was runner-up in a Melbourne Cup at 20 months of age,” Thompson said. “But she’s doing everything right and is very strong.” Immunity (Dec ’18 KC And All x Captivating) – owned in…

Those that attended The Great Chase at Sandown in 2019 would recall a ‘footy finals’ theme. 120 participants turned out in their footy colours to cheer home the greyhounds on the track, but – unlike the AFL finals – this day was all about the dogs. Celeste, from the Wallara (Close Avenue) team, was excited for the chance to attend the Great Chase again. “It’s always a great day out, a fantastic atmosphere and the dogs… the clients love the dogs. They get treated like kings and queens and feel…

GRV is seeking expressions of interest from greyhound breeders, owners & trainers to join its Racing Reference Group (RRG). GRV formed its inaugural RRG in 2017 for the purpose of providing GRV with a platform to hear participant’s views on key issues to help the organisation gain a better understanding of racing-related matters. The RRG also allows GRV personnel to participate in ongoing conversations with participants while also providing an effective channel for participants to raise issues of importance. The RRG will be Chaired by Greg Kerr, GRV’s General Manager…

By Ben Pritchard As far west as you can get in Victoria for greyhound racing, the Horsham Greyhound Racing Club has seen their annual TAB Great Chase community days come ahead in leaps and bounds in recent years. Sadly, with crowds currently not allowed on course due to the COVID-19 pandemic, greyhound racing’s Great Chase community days aren’t a part of the 2020 series, but the annual event at Horsham has become an important staple on the town’s calendar. Drawing crowds in their hundreds, the day involves local community groups…

‘Unbridled enthusiasm’ is the enduring memory from last year’s TAB Great Chase community day at Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club. More than 200 people from 14 community groups packed the Ballarat Function Centre, surrounded by balloons, face-painting, and food. For many of the groups present it was a welcome return; some have been attending the Great Chase days since they started in 2003, and more than one carer said it’s one of the resident’s favourite day out. Debbie, a carer from 2018’s winner and 2019’s second-placegetter Eureka Village Hostel, looks forward…

The Bendigo Greyhound Racing Association is a pillar of its local community, with charity and community engagement events happening across the entire year. The Bendigo leg of the TAB Great Chase is one event on the calendar that nearly 100 community group members did not miss in 2019. Kalianna Specialist School has been coming to the Great Chase for many years and the staff and students wouldn’t miss it for the world. Josh, from Kalianna School, has been attending with his students for upwards of 10 years, and said the…

Victoria’s ‘special staying squadron’ made a clean sweep of the G3 Sydney Cup heats (720m) at Wentworth Park last night. The Rob Britton-trained Here’s Tear’s ($3.70) clocked the fastest heat time defeating Vic counterpart Sunset Bourbski ($1.70F) by three and a half lengths in 42.16sec. Here’s Tears has returned to the form which landed him the G1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers (725m) at The Meadows. He was also runner-up in the G1 Zoom Top and holds Sandown’s 715-metre track record (41.16sec). And just over 20 minute later, Britton saluted again…