The future of greyhound racing in NSW has been finalised, aiming to set out a sustainable industry into the future.
Devised following industry collaboration at the Future Summit held in May, a cross section of stakeholders discussed and finessed key initiatives designed to dramatically propel the sport forward in the next two years. Now finalised, the blueprint will be implemented over the next 18 months.
“As an industry we couldn’t just continue as we were without definitive plans and pathways for the future,” Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin said.
“The idea of having the Industry Future Summit was so that as a combined industry we make important decisions and together develop a Blueprint that will see greyhound racing in NSW take giant strides forward.”
Mr Griffin noted that the planning involved the entire industry, crucial to setting a sustainable path.
“There is no doubt that the industry has taken some significant steps forward in recent years, particularly with welfare, but it is now time for us to begin to make major advancements and start to fulfil our enormous potential,” Mr Griffin said.
“The first future step was taken with the Summit, now GRNSW will again be working with key stakeholders and partners, our clubs across NSW, the State Government and of course our participants, to bring this Blueprint to life and begin the invigoration of the industry.”
The advantages of racing optimisation can be seen across the industry through maximising returns and profits for clubs and participants, organisers said.
A multi-national corporation was enlisted to examine data and criteria for all racetracks and will report back later this month with their findings, before the outcomes are implemented starting later this year and into 2026.
“We all understand how crucial to the industry’s future optimisation is and that’s why it was one of the first major initiatives out of the Summit,” Mr Griffin said.
“A substantial amount of work is being done on the project and we are looking forward to receiving the report and see exactly what optimisation might look like.
“I understand why some people are apprehensive but they shouldn’t be. This is what the industry needs, it’s vital, and when implemented, it will be massive for us all.”
Another blueprint item was be the growth of Public Syndication which, to increase investment in the industry through ownership and wagering.
“Public syndication is something which has been spoken about in greyhound racing for some time and it was clear from the feedback at the Summit, that it’s imperative that we can make it work,” Mr Griffin said.
“What is required in greyhound racing, as it is in the thoroughbred code, is a simple and easier way for individuals to invest in our sport.
“The benefits flow on through to the entire industry, firstly through investment and ultimately with syndicate members either adopting their greyhound or ensuring it is placed as a pet.”
The plan, Mr Griffin said, is to create Private Pet Placement Franchises to give participants a user-pay, fast-track option, substantially reduce demand for Greyhound As Pets placements, and reduce GRNSW rehoming program costs, which will in turn see additional funding for welfare programs flowing from saving and franchise fees.
“We are also in the process of introducing a Greyhound Welfare Scheme,” Mr Griffin explained. “This will allow us to build a sustainable model for funding all welfare programs, and in turn enable a greater focus on welfare initiatives.
Another initiative is the introduction of 10 Dog Straight Track Racing with a timeline of 2026-27, while Time Based Grading will also be introduced later this year.
Ten dog racing will provide a point of difference in the highly competitive wagering market and increase the share of wagering revenue, to secure the future sustainability of the sport, while the new grading system will further maximise racing opportunities for greyhounds.