Given recent events, which include the closure of the Dapto Club, the NSW Government’s announcement regarding our exit from Wentworth Park and club optimisation, I can understand how some people feel that the industry is in decline.
While this is what the anti-racing activists are saying because it suits their narrative, nothing could be further from the truth, and here’s why:
Our racing product remains very popular with punters. We hold 33% of the national greyhound racing market ($2.8 billion) and 24% of the NSW wagering market
We are about to commence negotiations in relation to new media rights deal which will increase revenue to the sport
We are increasing prizemoney this year by $2m and, optimisation and a better media rights deal, could see a further increase prizemoney
We are in negotiations with the NSW Government to obtain better compensation for leaving Wentworth Park
We are in discussion with the NSW Government to fix the unfair and unjust redistribution of our revenue
We are commencing the planning for a new Sydney Metropolitan Racing precinct in Western Sydney that will become the new premier track for the sport
This year we will see a revitalised Lithgow Club commence racing again
Over the next 12 months the Dubbo, Temora, Goulburn, The Gardens and Gosford Clubs will undergo modernisation rebuilds
A new straight track will be built at Goulburn at the same time the existing track is upgraded. Both tracks will be fitted with lights so we can race there at night
Changes to regulation later this year will see public syndicates move into the sport bringing more participation and revenue
Serious racing injury rates are the lowest in the sport’s history
Greyhounds As Pets is on track to rehome 1800 greyhounds this year, the highest level ever
I ask that you not get distracted by what is happening in New Zealand and Tasmania. We have strong Government support in New South Wales.
We are now proactively addressing every untrue thing said about the sport by the anti-racing movement and taking action against these people when legally possible. We will no longer allow them to get away with it!
Our industry is now in the best position it has been for a number of years. We are now ready and well placed to explore innovative ways to attract more punters to our sport in addition to increasing how we are viewed by the community.
I want you to be assured that every decision we make on your behalf is guided by our desire to do three things:
Increase the industry’s revenue and returns to clubs and participants
Improve the welfare and rehoming of our greyhounds; and
Lift community perceptions about our sport
I know a lot of things have changed over the past year. I just ask that you stay the course as all of these changes will pay off for us in the long run and ensure that we have a strong and sustainable future.
