A: From GRNSW’s perspective you are able to attend a track to trial on the proviso that it is within the Zone you are designated. We do however strongly suggest that you contact the club you intend trialling at, to determine what their protocols are.
A: In terms of race meetings to be drawn next week, I have had a number of discussions with our racing department, and we are currently considering our position on these meetings. As I am sure you would understand if for instance we opened up that Wentworth Park meeting to all participants, then the lockdown was extended, those fields would be severely impacted. We will be monitoring the situation and will make an announcement about next week’s racing, possibly as early as Sunday.
A: What we have done is scheduled another meeting for the region. Ladbrokes Gardens will now race during the day next Wednesday, July 7.
A: I would suggest that you contact your nearest race club who should be able to provide a list of recommendations.
A: Thank you for your question and while predominantly racing, this column is about all things in our industry. Our Greyhounds As Pets centres are still operating, however naturally not in the usual way. We have taken great care to protect the health and safety of our staff and the community and have implemented strict measures to ensure that the process is easy and as contactless as possible. The way to start the process is to head to www.gapnsw.com.au and fill out an online application form.
A: Yes, it is very unfortunate that the event had to be called off due to lockdown restrictions, I personally was looking forward to heading to Grafton and seeing the wonderful new track and a great night of racing. But while we will miss out next week, the plan is that we will reschedule and we plan to have that official grand opening that the new track deserves when we are able to.
A: The money was paid as a one-off due the situation and circumstances, to trainers per greyhound they had engaged. Owners should contact their trainers then if they have prior prizemoney arrangements?
A: I’m glad you’re pleased about the extra meeting at Ladbrokes Gardens next Wednesday, and I hope that allows more trainers to gain a run with their dogs. Don’t ever think that my focus or that of GRNSW is solely or predominately on our city tracks. We are focused on all of our tracks and all of our participants, and never do we underestimate the importance our regional participants and clubs. These are difficult times for all, and we are trying to deal with the circumstances the best ways we can.
A: We are in the midst of a lockdown, and those inside the lockdown area of Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong and the Central Coast are locked down so that we as a State do not risk the people outside that area with the COVID-19 virus. There are five tracks inside that locked down region and we are racing at all of those for full prizemoney, including our main track at Wentworth Park. The reason for adding prizemoney to some of the tracks in Zone 2, is because people in that region are not permitted to come to Wentworth Park and race for city prizemoney. We are all disappointed that the Grafton Carnival has been severely impacted but thankfully unlike last year it has been able to go ahead in 2021 on their new track, and has been very successful, and I even saw that there were a couple of fortunate trainers from inside Zone 1 who were able to compete as they were in Grafton prior to the lockdown. Many people are like yourself and look forward to a holiday in Grafton for their carnival, but this lockdown is not simply a GRNSW decision of splitting the State into two zones. Nobody in the lockdown area is allowed to venture out into regional NSW, and I know the lockdown has also created havoc with the holiday plans of thousands during this school holiday period. Please remember that it is not just yourself who is impacted, there are millions of Sydneysiders and others on the Central Coast, in Wollongong and the Blue Mountains who are doing it tough. Thankfully we are continuing to race and those in our industry have the opportunity to continue to earn a living. Many, many people are not as fortunate during the lockdown. Like I regularly have said in this forum, if you are struggling with the circumstances at the moment, and want to talk to someone, we have a qualified counsellor available by calling 1300 687 327, and please be kind to one another and help each other where you can so we can get through these difficult times.
