Victorian Government Leads Initiative To Boost Jobs In Greyhound Racing

A Victorian Coalition Government investment announced today by Minister for Racing Denis Napthine will provide significantly greater incentives to breed and race greyhounds in Victoria.

Dr Napthine said the new incentives in the Greyhound Owners and Breeders Incentive Scheme (GOBIS) would cement Victoria's reputation as the number one greyhound racing state in Australia, if not the world.

“The greyhound racing and breeding industry is worth $200 million to the Victorian economy and close to 2,000 jobs,” Dr Napthine said.

“These new measures will stimulate further growth in the industry by offering owners, trainers and breeders who race Victorian-bred greyhounds access to even bigger bonus pools,” Dr Napthine said.

The $2.8 million package is jointly funded by the Coalition Government through its Victorian Racing Industry Fund ($1.55 million over four years) and Greyhound ($1.25 million over four years).

The revamped GOBIS, which was first established in 1994, will now include the following additional incentives for registered GOBIS greyhounds:

  • A $500 Metro GOBIS Bonus for the winners of all races at main metropolitan meetings. This is in addition to existing bonuses.
  • A $10,000 GOBIS Bonus for the winners of all Victorian Group races.
  • If the winner of the above Bonus races is not a GOBIS registered greyhound, then 50 per cent of the bonus will be paid to the first GOBIS dog that finishes in the placings (i.e.2nd or 3rd).
  • 50 per cent of the existing bonus will also be paid to the first GOBIS dog that finishes in the places (i.e. 2nd or 3rd) for the existing 740 scheduled GOBIS races across the State if the winner of those races is not GOBIS registered.
  • Support of a ‘Ready to Race' auction series for young un-raced greyhounds, opening up greater opportunities for ownership. Special consideration to participate will be given to GOBIS registered and/or eligible greyhounds.

“These new GOBIS measures provide greater incentive to breed a Victorian greyhound to race in Victoria, whether it is at the top Group level, in races at the two metropolitan tracks or in races across the eleven country tracks,” Dr Napthine said.

“Each year, in addition to the existing 740 GOBIS races, there will now be more than 1,000 metro and 32 Group races conducted across Victoria offering GOBIS bonuses. This will provide enormous opportunities to collect these enhanced bonuses.

“The win of Zara Zulu in the recent proves Victorian bred greyhounds are amongst the best in Australia and I look forward to many more Victorian champions like her in the future,” Dr Napthine said.

GRV Chairman Peter Caillard said this significant government funding offered a tremendous boost for Victorian breeders.

“As of April 1, there will be a $500 bonus every time a GOBIS registered greyhound wins a race at either of the two main metropolitan weekly meetings. With more than 20 of these city races held every week, there are plenty of opportunities to cash in on this great incentive. The GOBIS incentives in country racing also increase,” Mr Caillard said.

“The Ready to Race Auctions will create a much easier pathway to enter the sport. Potential owners will be able to watch greyhounds trial before making an offer. This will drastically cut the waiting period between purchasing a greyhound and the time that greyhound races from about to just a matter of months.”

Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association President said the GOBIS scheme was one of the most successful initiatives ever introduced into Victorian greyhound racing and was recognised as being the best of its kind in Australia.

“These new incentives will continue to showcase the GOBIS scheme's value to Victorian breeders and offer just rewards for producing top class quality greyhounds,” Mr Collins said.

Dr Napthine said 2011 was a tremendous year for Victoria's greyhound racing industry, with strong growth in the industry, and this was reflected in the increase in market share for greyhounds.

“This financial year there will be a record $30 million distributed in prize money, which is 11 per cent up from the previous year. In addition, we have seen the opening of world class new racing and spectator facilities at , and most recently at ,” Dr Napthine said.

Download the complete GOBIS funding initiative announcement :
Victorian Greyhound Racing GOBIS Funding Initiative Announcement

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