Industry updates / Registration relief for greyhound racing participants

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission has today announced a 12-month registration fee reprieve for NSW greyhound racing participants.

Chief Executive Officer, Judy Lind, said that the unprecedented and challenging times caused by the Covid-19 epidemic has put a financial strain on many households across the state and rolling over greyhound racing registrations is one less cost participants have to worry about.

“These are challenging times and some people are finding themselves in difficult financial positions, this is one way we can help to alleviate financial strain in the racing industry,” Ms Lind said.

“This also means that there is more money in the pockets of trainers to maintain the welfare of racing and retired greyhounds in their care.”

Under the Greyhound Racing Regulation 2019 (Regulation), greyhound racing participants in NSW were due to renew their registrations and pay a renewal fee from 1 June 2020.

An amendment to the Regulation has been made in order to defer the re-registration in 2020.

“A new registration scheme will be rolled out in the 2021/22 financial year which offers participants the opportunity to renew their registrations online for up to three years,” Ms Lind said.

The current Racing Rules were also set to expire on 30 June 2020, the adoption of the current rules has been extended for another 12 months.

“Although a review of the National and Local Racing Rules had commenced, I think under the current circumstances there are other priorities that we need to dedicate our resources to,” Ms Lind said.

“The work on the rule review will continue next year and the reformed rules will be adopted at a more appropriate time.”

“In the meantime, I encourage all participants to look after themselves and their greyhounds and reach out to the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission if they require help and support.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the registration fee reprieve, can be found here.