The addition of two popular country cup finals headlines the highly anticipated schedule release for the 2025 Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase (MDC).
The Mid North Coast Cup at Taree and Bidgee Cup at Wagga Wagga are the newest stops on the world’s richest race series, which will weave its way around NSW later this year.
In total, 17 tracks will host qualifying races in 2025, with the series reaching a crescendo on grand final night at Wentworth Park on October 17.
“The Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase continues to grow in stature and prestige in our industry, and while that life-changing, one night in October is the centrepiece, we are always looking to make improvements to the series,” GRNSW chief executive officer Steve Griffin said.
“In recent years we have successfully embedded two of our iconic features, the Group 1 Ladbrokes Dapto Megastar and the Group 2 Sires on Ice Black Top, into the Million Dollar Chase schedule, a move which enhances the spotlight on those events, and a decision met with approval by participants, clubs, other key stakeholders, and the public.
“This year we have added two additional feature races to the series’ schedule, the Mid North Coast Cup and Wagga’s Bidgee Cup and we believe their alignment will add to the profile, promotion and interest in each club’s major event.
Blue Kermaro with connections after taking out the 2024 Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase
A strong regional focus will continue for the eighth edition of the MDC, with the first heats of the series set for August 13.
“It’s appropriate that we will kick off at our newest venue in Taree which joins the series for the first time in 2025,” Griffin added.
“I’m sure that as it has done around NSW in the seven years since its inception, the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase will not only generate much public interest and highlight our industry, but it will attract some of our best greyhounds to regional venues, and consequently bring fans - new and old – to the racetrack to see exciting and competitive racing.
“The Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase was a game-changer when it was launched and it continues to be the most talked about event in our industry, as anyone can chase the dream of becoming an instant millionaire.
Wagga Wagga Greyhound Club president, Ben Talbot, is confident the Bidgee Cup will attract some stellar fields following the announcement.
“I’d like to think some of the bigger Victorian trainers like Anthony Azzopardi and Paul Abela will see this as a good opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals of the MDC without having to travel too far into NSW,” Talbot said.
“The Grenfell kennel has won four of the last five editions of the race and they’ve nailed the type of dog that can have success here…maybe now they’ll get a bit more competition and that’s a great thing for the club and the people of Wagga.
“I could even see someone like Andy Lord trying to qualify at Wagga early in the series before tackling other group races like the Megastar and Black Top.
“There’s been a lot of clashing between feature races over the last few years so giving the Bidgee Cup a primetime slot in the biggest race on the calendar can only be a good thing.
The Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase final will be run on October 17, with the MDC Consolation, the Masters Meteor, the Sydney Cup, the MDC Maiden and the Young Star finals among a host of feature races also set to be contested at Wentworth Park.
The MDC honour roll includes Blue Kermaro, Jay Is Jay, McInerney, She’s A Pearl, Handsome Prince, Good Odds Harada and Mystic Riot.
