Commencing June 23, nominations will be accepted from interstate trainers for all Victorian greyhound race meetings, GRV CEO Alan Clayton announced today.
“With governments easing border restrictions and the low prevalence of canine gastro, now is the right time to open our borders and allow greyhounds and their trainers from around Australia to come to Victoria to compete,” Mr Clayton said.
He said interstate trainers would have to comply with strict Victorian on-track health protocols.
“Hopefully, with the change in restrictions we will see some of the best interstate dogs and trainers competing in the Bendigo Cup heats on June 28 and the Cup final on July 3.”
Mr Clayton added that clubs’ on-track facilities would also soon begin opening to participants for food and beverages.
“All clubs will continue to comply with the Chief Health Officer’s advice and the biosecurity measures in greyhound racing, and each club has different challenges in doing that,’’ Mr Clayton said.
“We will not risk the thousands of jobs in our sport that have been protected because of the very strict biosecurity protocols that GRV and our clubs have put in place.
“So, each club will make an assessment on when and how they open, keeping in mind the advice from the Chief Health Officer.”
“Hopefully, with the change in restrictions we will see some of the best interstate dogs and trainers competing in the Bendigo Cup heats on June 28.”
Mr Clayton said the Chief Health Officer had advised that COVID-19 outbreaks were likely to continue and all participants should be mindful of their obligations to each other and the community.
“The pubic cannot attend our race meetings and attendance is restricted, in line with advice from the Chief Health Officer,” Mr Clayton said.
“If you feel unwell or have a temperature do not come to the track and contact your doctor.”
Mr Clayton said GRV would continue to take advice from the Chief Health Officer and work with Greyhound Clubs Victoria, our 13 race clubs, GOTBA, Governments, Greyhounds Australasia, all our interstate counterparts and other racing codes as we continue to navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19, protect our participants and care for our dogs.
“To date, the clubs and race day staff and participants have been doing an incredible job of keeping things literally on track and we all owe them a big thanks,” Mr Clayton said.
Mr Clayton said GAP facilities remain closed to the public but as soon as dogs are ready for adoption their details are posted on the GAP website. A modified adoption process has been implemented to keep everyone safe.
Prospective adopters should contact GAP by phone on 5799 0166 for more information.
WA star Vanderworp wins the 2018 Bendigo Cup. Nominations for this year’s event close at 10am on Wednesday 24 June.
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