21/03/20 GRNSW CEO UPDATE – COVID-19

With the constantly developing issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Greyhound Racing NSW believes it is crucial to keep all participants up to date on all news involving the industry.

As such, we are encouraging all participants with questions pertaining to the COVID-19 situation, to email us here at GRNSW.

Each day I will do my best to answer questions from participants and publish them across our website and social media platforms around lunchtime.

If you have any questions, please email them to the following address: update@grnsw.com.au

Any important developments - such as this week’s rescheduling of the Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg - will also be published in media releases across our GRNSW network as required.

Here’s what our teams at GRNSW are being asked right now, with the responding answers (and please keep in mind that this is both an unprecedented and fast-moving situation).

1.Q: Are bookmakers permitted to attend race meetings, in particular Potts Park?

A: No. We announced yesterday afternoon that given recent Government advice, GWIC has taken the decision to prevent bookmakers from attending any racetrack – TAB and Non-TAB. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, however given the quickly evolving nature of information relating to COVID-19 this decision was considered necessary at this time.

2. Q: I am an owner and I'd like to become an attendant so that I can attend and play an essential role at a race meeting. How long will this take?

A:  An owner can apply to become an attendant by completing the application form on the GWIC website and submitting it with a copy of their driver’s licence and a passport style photo to GWIC. This process takes approximately two (2) business days. You can apply online here. 

3. Q: Can owners attend the Gardens on Saturday to watch their dogs run?

A: No. Owners should not attend the track, unless they are the trainer as well. We have thought carefully about this, and in conjunction with GWIC we have established this protocol to try to ensure continuity of racing. The less people who are at the track to run a race meeting, the better it is for the whole greyhound community. My request is that people are thoughtful and considerate - if you don’t have to be there to handle a dog, don’t go. We announced last Monday that no members of the general public are to attend, with only trainers, handlers, and officials to be on track.

4. Q: Will track safety audits and pre-race inspections continue to be carried out during the COVID-19 challenges?

A: Yes, the safety and welfare of our greyhounds and participants is paramount and these vital procedures will continue as normal with safety audits conducted regularly by GRNSW’s track and infrastructure team and the pre-race inspections of the track and racing equipment carried out by GRNSW and/or the Club’s track curators. All data collected from inspections is monitored in real time by GRNSW with preventative action taken to remedy any issues as required.

5. Q: With your announcement the other day that National Adoption Day has been postponed, is there some way to have a look at some of the dogs who are available for adoption?

A: Yes, absolutely there is. And next week we will also be making an announcement about a huge initiative we have planned around greyhound adoption for the month of April. For the time being you can also head to our website www.gapnsw.com.au and there you will find photos and bios of the greyhounds who are ready to be your next pet.

6. Q: What impact has COVID-19 had on your organization on a day to day basis? While we are keen to keep racing, is there any danger that could be upset if GRNSW is forced to close as many businesses are expected to?

A: Our priority is our staff, and their health and safety is paramount, but at this time we are continuing to operate. It’s not quite business as usual, as we have split the staff, and one week one half works in the office while the other works from home, then they swap the following week. We will be doing everything in our power to make sure the industry keeps going.

7. Q: Are there still reserve trials being conducted at racetracks before the first race?

A: No. I have been advised that there are no reserve trials before the first. In regards to trials, please check if with respective clubs whether they are conducting trials after the last event.

Keep your questions coming in and everyone please stay safe and be vigilant and have a good weekend.

Tony Mestrov.