Today, the second TAB Great Chase event for 2021 was held via Zoom, in support of Victoria’s disability sector.
More than 30 community groups based across Gippsland logged on to watch the races, and for the chance to share in $2,500 in prize money.
In 2021, the Great Chase is being conducted virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic did not stop groups sharing in the fun, including cheering on greyhounds that had been randomly allocated to them.
The community group that walked away with the top prize of $1,200 was Ashleigh House, an elderly citizens village located in Sale.
Chris Beckham & Donna Quine from Ashleigh House were both on the Zoom call and expressed their joy about the win.
“We had around 30 – 40 residents and staff watching the races. We organised a takeaway lunch and face painting, so we could replicate the days at Sale which we have attended on many occasions,” Donna explains.
“Our residents really got in the spirit of the day, and we gave away beanies for the best cheering. We have a staff member who races greyhounds and she bought in photos, leads and muzzles that we put on display. Thank you once again as I am sure you are aware it has been very tough for our residents in aged care with so many restrictions on visitors etc, it was nice for the residents to have something different to look forward to and participate in today.”
The team at Ashleigh House is unsure of what they will put their prize money towards, but they will inform us once they do.
Coming in at second place was Interchange Wonthaggi who scored themselves $800 and third place went to Wilson Lodge who now have $400 to do with what they please.
We also awarded the community group that came last with a consolation prize of $100 which on this occasion was Moe Life Skills.
There is one more TAB Great Chase event to come for 2021 on Wednesday 13 October, and that is for the community groups associated with The Meadows, Sandown and outer metro clubs Healesville and Geelong.
All groups involved in the 2021 TAB Great Chase will be invited to the ‘virtual’ TAB Great Chase Grand Final, to be held virtually on Wednesday 20 October.
Eight lucky groups will be randomly drawn and allocated a greyhound in the Grand Final and share in $24,000 in prize money courtesy of GRV and the TAB, including $10,000 to go to the group matched to the winning dog.
Read about the first TAB Great Chase event that took place on 29 September HERE.
