Presented to
Racing Queensland – Gary Heath, Lachlan Murray
Racing Minister – Alex Nolan Racing Policy Advisor
QGRC – Ashley Baker
QRIC – Awaiting invitation
Support for the introduction of a new LR rule for time gaps between event races
LR## There will be a minimum of a 20-minute gap, and a maximum of 25-minute gap (Note; maximum optional) between greyhound races held in Queensland.
This rule may not be required for every event, however this gives stewards and available option to put to use when assessing temperatures, staff stress and handler health and wellbeing at any time during a race meeting.
This rule recognises and reduces stress caused by short gaps to trainers, handlers, staff and stewards on race days, and
To ensure adequate cool down time and rehydration of greyhounds before being returned to the confines of the kennel bay.
Racing Queensland acknowledged the reason for the request, however are mindful of the Sky Racing Program.
A phone discussion with Alex Kitching, Greyhound Development Manager did not show any support for the concept, confirming that the program is set by Sky and that “it is the responsibility of the trainer to ensure dogs are presented to stewards on time”.
While this is technically correct we presented the following arguments
There is a reduction in licensed participants and that every track at the Q will require two licensed people, a boxer and a catcher, for every race. There is currently no program for the introduction of additional handlers. The Q infrastructure has taken and average of one handler (395, 331, 288 catch your own) to a demand for 2 and 3 per race per dog during a short gap.
The Q infrastructure has created extensive distances across all tracks.
Walking to boxes, delay in access to the catching pen, a return to the wash bay, the required time to adequately wash and cool dogs down (without the use of the pool) and return the dogs to the kennel area. These are all time consuming tasks that cannot be reduced and must be considered for all involved.
RQ is either a commercial body or an Animal Welfare body? Alex agreed that RQ requires a balance of both, However could not accept the concept that the Q infrastructure is unique as explained above and the construction plans and design must take some type of responsibility in creating additional time requirements.
Alex expressed that this would effect the national tri code industry, was disputed that QLD Greyhound Racing is not interested in the rest of the nation, or world, but only for the benefit of Queensland as a state and as a code that often has spit screen broadcasts and sometime without audio. The wagering closes at the 00 time to race and to delay 5 minutes can allow for betting to reopen or have no impact at all.
The QGBOTA pressed the point that the industry participants have never asked for any rule changes for their own (both human and greyhound) benefit. To give this one rule would support trust and goodwill towards the greyhounds industry from Racing Queensland.
The QGBOTA highlighted the constant time delays for thoroughbred races in Queensland. For Sky Racing to plan three months in advance must be beneficial rather than adapt without notice.
The QGBOTA and QGRC – Ashley Baker, discussed the option to investigate local community groups who can gain an economic opportunity as a paid catcher, supporting their own organisations. This would also involve license approvals.
The acknowledgment of the pool infrastructure built as an animal welfare requirement, especially during Ipswich heat, that will never be used due to time constraints.