The QGBOTA can advise members that the 300m QST is currently in the process of some alterations.
Racing Queensland has been in discussions with the QGRC about the lure, trialling different lures and the inclusion of additional of items such as tassels and squeakers.
The QGBOTA has followed up with the club for an update on their progress.
A company called Steriline has been engaged on the project and have already completed initial design work for the box positioner and gate. Additionally, Racing Queensland is also in the process of sourcing a local contractor to carry out the works which is taking longer than expected.
Racing Queensland intends to resolve these issues as soon as possible, however when relying on 3rd party designers and contractors we must wait for them to accept a contact for the specific works, be available, to start, and complete this work.
We will advise more details as they become available to us.
The QGBOTA has been working behind the scenes to gather data and present proposals to Racing Queensland for the betterment of the industry. The following points list our efforts and the reactions of Racing Queensland
The Drake Report
The QGBOTA has asked Racing Queensland if they intend to follow the principles of the Drake Report and the NSW response to the Drake report for future infrastructure build’s.
At this publication RQ have not responded in any way.
Prize money increase for grass roots trainers
The QGBOTA submitted a detailed proposal for the redistribution of prize money from future extravagant carnival events to fund increases to the country, QST 300m and QOT 352m to bring the amounts inline with other short course event amounts. An approximation of $600 per race.
Denied
Starter Fee payments
The QGBOTA lobbied for the travel appearance money to be a flat fee of $80, increasing the $60 and reducing the longer distance amounts. We feel that those races with a prize pool of over $10,000 to $15,000 plus can afford a $20-$30 reduction.
This would benefit all lower grades and country races with an estimated annual increase of $555,000 when compared to the 2024/2025 financial year starts.
This would put more money towards a greater number of runners, rather than more money to a select few. We feel this approximation of $555,000 is a minor amount given the profits generated by the Greyhound Code each year, every year.
These payments are set to be halved under the Next Lap-Racing Review recommendations as endorsed by Lynette Keep on the review panel.
Denied
Change of name from Starter Fee to Welfare Payment.
The QGBOTA explained to Racing Queensland the importance of this payment and a financial necessity for greyhounds not yet raced, injured and unable to race and retired waiting for rehoming.
At this publication RQ have not responded in any way.
Invitation to other meetings
At several meetings with Racing Queensland it was expressed that an invitation would be extended to the QGBOTA to other industry related meetings, including the monthly club meeting. This would enable a better flow of communication to participants and industry.
The invitations have never been sent or received.
Grading
Racing Queensland’s senior executives and board members insisted that the QGBOTA meet with the Grading department.
We were hesitant due to past negative experiences, but initiated a meeting out of respect for their request.
During this meeting grading executive staff gave assurances that policy documents would be forwarded as requested. This basic document would explain the process required when making changes to procedures (including the Grading procedure) however on follow up, this request was denied citing “internal confidential policies”.
The meeting cited a document of an agreed type of understanding to be signed by both parties. This is a general agreement that applies to every other association. We assume that this includes confidential clauses. This document has never been forwarded to the QGBOTA for review at the time of this publication.
Grading “suggested” that emails to RQ board members and/or CEO are best for strategic matters only and not to highlight failed actions by RQ staff. However;
Threats of prosecution have been made for publishing email responses from RQ staff.
Sand Toe Survey
The QGBOTA has been discussing the issue of Sand Toe after RQ’s welfare department, who was contacted by a trainer concerned about track and sand surfaces. These discussions were initially positive, including the benefits of data collection. At the final step Racing Queensland would not host the survey. The QGBOTA would have to host, monitor, collect and collate the data without the backing and support of RQ. The QGBOTA has decided that this would not be possible with limited volunteer time and no guarantee that RQ would accept the findings from the data.
RQ initiated this project and then removed their support for the concept.
Future of the Queensland Greyhound Industry
Several members have contacted the QGBOTA asking for advice on the future of the Queensland Greyhound Industry.
RQ has not released any strategic plan specific to the greyhound code other than the generic tri code model that supports the three codes as a collective.
RQ has not released any details relating to the current and future infrastructure projects. All details listed on the “flagship projects” are, at this time, out of date.
At this time the QGBOTA is not in a position to make determinations for the industry due to the current vacuum of information.
The QGBOTA can only suggest that each owner/trainer make their decisions using current infrastructure available, without the influence of “unspecified future” projects, applying available details specific to their own individual needs.
The QGBOTA is a volunteer organisation and is not influenced in any way by paid employees of Racing Queensland, QRIC or the Clubs. Our allegiance is to its members and the trial tracks operated by the QGBOTA.
We understand that this information update may be disappointing to members, however this disappointment is shared by its committee members who have spent hours, days and weeks of their volunteer time dedicated to gaining a better outcome for the Queensland Greyhound Industry.
We will continue to act as requested by members and keep members informed of all state government policy changes as they occur.
The QGBOTA had a sit down with Racing Queensland yesterday (May 21st) focusing on Grading Procedures with; Executive General Manager Racing – Mr. David Brick Senior Racing Manager – Mr. Alex Kitching Greyhound Operations Manager – Mr. Doug Lutherborrow
The foundation for the grading department is governed by the Racing Act 2002 and the Racing Regulation laws allowing for the Handicapping and Gracing policy 1may2025. The relevant laws are listed at the bottom of this post.
It is a reminder that Racing Queensland is a tri-code control body and must act in the best interests of the three codes and cannot give any preference to one code over another under the law.
“To provide a competitive wagering product (across all three codes) with the aim of generating increased wagering revenue, allowing for prizemoney increases and other returns to the participants.” (when asked to define the role of the grading department)
Race fields are designed to be as competitive as possible to encourage wagering interest. RQ also balance other factors including opportunity for all participants, sustainability and welfare.
The current trial phase as listed on the grading website has been extended from Jan 31 2026. The trial period has been extended indefinitely. (This includes elevating 4th grades into FFA as opposed to the grading procedure definition of FFA only 3rd grade and above. Elevation was accepted by participants from the last survey) This trial is part of a larger framework for future changes and is governed by the policy change procedures (RQ Handicapping and Grading Policy). This will include future industry consultation.
RQ maintains a Grading and Handicapping Policy (This is a requirement of the Racing Act). As per the Policy, the RQ Grading System is managed in accordance with the Greyhound Grading Procedure Grading Procedures, including the trial variations mentioned earlier. The following process is undertaken when updating the Grading Procedure (or Handicapping). RQ are currently in step 3 of the process. 1. Request for feedback/input from industry (as per the survey/in person discussions in November/December 2025). 2. Review of feedback (some of the feedback included suggested programming changes which were implemented in January 2026 (Programming Update). 3. Changes to Grading Procedure drafted and investigate any IT system changes required (i.e. to Oz Chase). This assists by informing timing of changes as they may not be able to be implemented until system changes are made. 4. Draft Changes are issued to industry for feedback, this process is managed by the Rules and Policy team (consultation is generally 28 days, which is in line with Qld Government Standards). 5. Any feedback is assessed and if required further revisions made. 6. Approval – Procedure is then approved in accordance with RQ’s Delegation of Authority Guideline – In this instance the CEO.
The current NSW point score system is not an immediate priority for the QLD industry until after other factors have been implemented with the required assessment time.
Randomisation. To increase fairness, transparency, integrity, efficiency and reduce the risk of human error, the OzChase system has an automated process called “randomisation”. The order of entry process determines the runners. Randomisation then systematically splits the fields into each race for maiden, grade 6 and grade 5. Each race is then entered for the box draw and as broadcast on Facebook.
Masters races will remain restricted to 5th grades only. Queensland run the highest percentage of Masters races of any state. Restricting to only 5th grades (and elevating winners) protecting and creating racing opportunities for older, slower greyhounds, in line with the MacSporran Report.
Grade 6 (novice) cannot be nominated in 5th grade events under the current system. If a Grade 6 wins a 5th grade event that greyhound forfeits the grade 6 win and is recorded as one 5th grade win before elevation to a 4th grade. Grace 6 (novice) will continue to be programmed on Tuesdays at the Q1. If these events are programmed for the Wednesday Q1 (with similar distances) that reduces the number of available races for other grades on the Wednesday. With both Tuesday Gr6 and Wednesday Maiden and Gr5+ experiencing full nominations, this is a best effort to give each greyhound an opportunity to race.
Grading is currently exploring options with the following topics as part of their ongoing grading development plans. – Timed Grading formats – Pathways and how this can be expanded without reducing current events for other grades – The total number of 5th grade wins is being revised
The topics covered were very broad and the QGBOTA intends to have follow up meetings when more details are available.
Racing Act 2002
102 Policy for code of racing (1) A control body may make a policy for a code of racing because (a) the policy is required under this Act or a Ministerial direction; or (b) the control body believes it is good management to have the policy. (2) The control body must make a policy for a licensing scheme for its code of racing. (3) A regulation may prescribe that a control body must make a policy for a particular matter and the provisions to be included in the policy for the matter.
Racing Regulation
Item 6 Matters for policy for code of racing Act, s 102 (f) handicapping, including handicapping licensed animals for the control body’s code of racing and the appropriate qualifications for handicappers;
Racing Act 2002
84 Obligation to have racing calendar for code of racing (1) A control body for a code of racing must prepare a program (the racing calendar) that includes the following matters for the period in relation to which the racing calendar is published (the calendar period) (a) the dates on which, and places at which, race meetings are to be held for the code of racing during the calendar period; (b) information about the races to be held at each race meeting, including, for example, the length of the race, the types of animals eligible for the race and the prize;
A petition was lodged with the Queensland Parliment to follow Wales (UK) and ban greyhound racing.
Acting Racing Minister has been quick to embrace his role in Racing to confirm the state Governments strong support of Greyhound Racing in this state, highlighting the $331 million in value added contributions to the Queensland economy and close to 2000 supported by the industry.
The QGBOTA thanks Mr. Andrew Powell MP for his quick and decisive reply and the only shut down is the petition and the 1216 repondence from unknown origins.
The QGBOTA requested further details from Greyhounds Australasia regarding their comprehensive injury risk factor study. GA welcomed our interest into this important long term work for the betterment of the greyhound industry australia wide.
While they cannot provide any specific details at this time due to this early stage of the study, they have provided the following statements for us to pass onto members.
We will follow up and advise details when available.
From Greyhounds Australasia
Greyhounds Australasia continues to work collaboratively with all member jurisdictions, together with external industry experts, to identify opportunities to reduce the incidence of serious injury in racing greyhounds and to strengthen animal welfare outcomes across the industry.
Greyhounds Australasia is midway through a multistage, comprehensive Injury Risk Factor study. It has collated over 8 years of race data from all Australasian tracks, with close to three million data points, and is being examined by leading international veterinary epidemiologists. It will provide an unparalleled resource for all jurisdictions to model and test current and future initiatives to continue the reduction of risk and racing injury.
As this project remains ongoing, Greyhounds Australasia is not in a position to provide further information at this time. However, as the project progresses towards conclusions, there may be opportunity to engage with QGBOTA, alongside RQ and QRIC to provide some Queensland related insights.
We appreciate the QGBOTA’s support for this important work and its continued commitment to the welfare of racing greyhounds.
