For industry comment
In July 2012, Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) commenced a review of the existing greyhound prizemoney distribution, grading procedures and other operational items. This review was conducted to revitalise the Queensland greyhound industry and to ensure the optimisation of existing resources and funding.
RQL released a consultation paper for stakeholder review and input and subsequently, received feedback from many industry sectors enabling RQL to develop the following strategy for implementation.
A number of items in the initial paper were met with overwhelming support and with minor changes are ready for implementation. Other areas, typically those most affecting South-East Queensland, have required significant modification as a result from feedback. Racing Queensland believes that the current strategy now captures the majority views expressed in the feedback we received.
RQL seeks additional industry feedback regarding all items outlined below. Any such comments should be submitted to RQL in writing prior to Friday, September 14, 2012. Additional comments will be considered and if appropriate, changes will be made prior to the implementation date on Monday October 1, 2012.
RQL appreciates the time and energy provided by the industry during the extensive rounds of consultation meetings and feedback surveys and looks forward to the implementation of the improvements.
Prizemoney Restructure
Group races
Group race prizemoney has been maintained across the board, with the exception of the Group 3 Gold Coast Cup and the Listed Superstayers Invitational. The prizemoney from these events will be filtered into the standard race schedule.
It is envisaged at the proposed termination of RQIS, the saved bonus payments will allow for the introduction of a new Group 3 race into the 2012/13 budget and schedule. RQL will advise the scheduling of this event shortly.
Feature races
No fundamental changes are foreseen for provincial and non-TAB feature race prizemoney distribution. RQL is optimistic that in some instances an increase can be achieved. This was deemed necessary by the RQL board given the inadequate allocation for previous seasons.
Monthly finals will continue to be scheduled in the Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club (BGRC) and Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club (IGRC) racing calendars, however, the finals will now carry scheduled prizemoney at the same levels as the heats. The Clubs will be encouraged to seek sponsorship to add to the finals prizemoney where they consider this appropriate. All other feature races will continue, with only minor changes to prizemoney levels in some instances.
Similarly to finals, race clubs and associations can, and are encouraged to, source sponsorship to contribute to feature prizemoney levels.
RQL is committed to the re-vitalisation of current feature race prizemoney levels and is optimistic that future levels can be increased through improved returns from wagering.
Unplaced prizemoney
Unplaced prizemoney will increase to $35 per greyhound for all clubs except the metropolitan Category A meetings and non-TAB meetings held at Capalaba. RQL understands that country trainers should receive an equivalent payment to that of the South-East Queensland trainers, especially given the distance travelled in those regions to support the greyhound industry and clubs.
The aforementioned changes to unplaced prizemoney will now be paid to eighth place as a result of industry consultation.
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2012/13 GREYHOUND PRIZEMONEY BREAKDOWN
Proposed from October 1, 2012
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|
Meeting |
FY1213 Mtgs |
Races |
Overall |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th-8th |
|
Brisbane Sunday |
53 |
8 |
5th - 1st |
$ 2,170 |
$ 1,465 |
$ 360 |
$ 170 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
2 |
Maiden |
$ 1,350 |
$ 860 |
$ 210 |
$ 105 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
Brisbane Monday |
52 |
8 |
5th - 1st |
$ 2,170 |
$ 1,465 |
$ 360 |
$ 170 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
2 |
Maiden |
$ 1,350 |
$ 860 |
$ 210 |
$ 105 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
Ipswich Tuesday |
51 |
8 |
5th - 1st |
$ 2,170 |
$ 1,465 |
$ 360 |
$ 170 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
2 |
Maiden |
$ 1,350 |
$ 860 |
$ 210 |
$ 105 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
Townsville Tuesday |
48 |
2 |
FFA - FNL |
$ 1,350 |
$ 860 |
$ 210 |
$ 105 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
8 |
Mdn - 1st |
$ 1,100 |
$ 675 |
$ 170 |
$ 80 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
Brisbane Wednesday |
52 |
7 |
5th - 1st |
$ 2,170 |
$ 1,465 |
$ 360 |
$ 170 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
1 |
331m |
$ 1,730 |
$ 1,100 |
$ 305 |
$ 150 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
2 |
Maiden |
$ 1,350 |
$ 860 |
$ 210 |
$ 105 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
Rockhampton Wednesday |
52 |
2 |
FFA - FNL |
$ 1,350 |
$ 860 |
$ 210 |
$ 105 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
8 |
Mdn - 1st |
$ 1,100 |
$ 675 |
$ 170 |
$ 80 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
Brisbane Thursday |
52 |
1 |
FFA |
$ 7,920 |
$ 5,148 |
$1,584 |
$ 792 |
$396 |
$ 0 |
|
9 |
5th - 1st |
$ 4,920 |
$ 3,560 |
$ 910 |
$ 450 |
$ 0 |
$ 0 |
|
Ipswich Friday |
51 |
8 |
5th - 1st |
$ 2,170 |
$ 1,465 |
$ 360 |
$ 170 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
2 |
Maiden |
$ 1,350 |
$ 860 |
$ 210 |
$ 105 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
Capalaba Saturday |
51 |
10 |
Mdn - 1st |
$ 500 |
$ 300 |
$ 90 |
$ 45 |
$ 25 |
$ 10 |
|
Bundaberg Saturday |
45 |
10 |
Mdn - 1st |
$ 810 |
$ 450 |
$ 125 |
$ 60 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
|
Cairns Saturday |
40 |
8 |
Mdn - 1st |
$ 730 |
$ 400 |
$ 105 |
$ 50 |
$ 35 |
$ 35 |
Please Note: the above meetings are indicative of a standard racing week.
Meetings within a particular day and timeslot may be moved between venues.
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Racing Queensland Incentive Scheme (RQIS)
RQIS will cease from Monday, October 1, 2012. The scheme has not met the expectations of the industry and accordingly RQL believes that stakeholders would benefit more from increased prizemoney.
In recognition of funds committed by stakeholders to this scheme RQL will refund payments to those who have not received RQIS bonus prizemoney at a greater or equal value to that of their initial outlay for registration.
RQL in the coming months will begin discussions with the industry regarding the need for a possible replacement of the scheme, and if so, new possible formats.
Grading Procedures
The Queensland greyhound racing industry has logistical considerations that must be considered when comparing the grading procedures to that which exist in New South Wales and Victoria, given it is also limited by number of racing venues. Following industry feedback, RQL will implement a day of meeting grading policy rather than the previous class of meeting policy.
For example a greyhound that wins a 5th Grade event at Albion Park on Monday will not affect its grade at Albion Park on any other day of the week, or for that matter, any other track in Queensland.
It is proposed the new grading policy will provide for:
- Potential to win additional 5th Grades wins per distance, per Category B, C and D meeting
- Two non-consecutive unplaced runs at the same day of meeting and same distance after its last win will see a drop of one grade
- The ability to win a maiden semi and final event without penalty.
- The protection of young greyhounds from moving through the grades too quickly
- Increase the opportunity for greyhounds to win more prizemoney earlier in their career
-
- The ability of better greyhounds to advance directly to the main prizemoney nights
- Work in cooperation with Northern Rivers clubs in New South Wales
RQL will conduct information sessions to help clarify the proposed changes. Industry stakeholders will soon receive an invitation to these sessions held by RQL across the state.
Racing Venues and Facilities
New track location
RQL understands that various options exist for the conduct of greyhound racing in South-East Queensland in particular. RQL has received significant industry feedback and are clear on the industry’s requirements for a new one turn track and a straight ‘educational’ track. Various options have been mooted by various parties for new and refurbished tracks.
RQL will therefore establish a small industry based group that will be charged to conduct an industry venue analysis and develop the strategic direction for greyhound racing venues and infrastructure requirements.
This group existing of four or five members will be selected by the RQL board shortly and will be representative of Queensland’s industry, clubs and associations. This group will be charged with bringing together the many divergent views, and developing strategic conclusions that will be ready for implementation by the time the new greyhound racing statutory board is established.
Bli Bli Club - Sunshine Coast trialling track
RQL has granted $15,000 to the Club for the establishment of a new Glass House Mountains facility that will be used in much the same way as the previous facility.
Weekend Trials
RQL has identified a concern that a number of trial sessions are being conducted at what could be considered an unreasonable and unsafe time of the day. RQL aims to avoid a requirement for stakeholders to commute long distances at night to and from late evening trials. RQL has also received feedback from stakeholders concerned that trainers working midweek are unable to attend a trial session and give their greyhound the best racing opportunity.
Accordingly, RQL can announce that the BGRC have agreed to hold a morning trial session on at least two weekends a month. Similarly RQL will address the proposal with the IGRC to conduct a Saturday morning trial session on the other weekends to that of the BGRC.
Club Development
South-East Queensland Clubs
Proposed changes will see Queensland greyhound racing achieve a competitive advantage over interstate racing jurisdictions by offering Australia’s leading mid-tier prizemoney.
Changes include five meetings per week in South-East Queensland that will offer $1465 to the winner for a minimum of seven races per meeting.
Following industry feedback, RQL will maintain prizemoney at metropolitan Category A meetings for first, second, third and fourth placed greyhounds; however fifth to eighth-placed appearance subsidy will be removed for these meetings.
Cairns Greyhound Racing Club (CGRC)
The CGRC has struggled to attract nominations in recent years which has resulted in pressure to justify the existence of a small non-TAB club that returns little to the industry. Low prizemoney ($299 per win and $10 unplaced) has not encouraged trainers to undertake nine hours in travel time from its closest racing centre (Townsville) or further afield.
RQL propose :
- An increase of prizemoney to $400 per win,
- unplaced prizemoney of $35 to eighth placing,
- to increase the number of meetings to 40,
- to finalise TAB status negotiations with Sky Racing and TattsBet,
- to provide the capital required for Sky Racing coverage, and
- to provide capital assistance for canteen renovations.
RQL has taken on board and acted upon the advice of trainers in north Queensland. It is hoped that those trainers will support the club to ensure its long term sustainability. The performance of the Cairns strategy will be reviewed in six months, and determination made at that time as to whether further changes are required.
Townsville Greyhound Racing Club (TGRC)
Prizemoney for standard races will be increased to $650 to the winner and $35 unplaced to eighth placing for eight races at each meeting. An increase to $825 to the winner will also be realised for the two feature races of each meeting. Feature race prizemoney allocation has been maintained.
The revitalisation of Cairns meetings will provide a second alternative for Townsville trainers to race greyhounds.
Rockhampton Greyhound Racing Club (RGRC)
Prizemoney for standard races will be increased to $650 to the winner and $35 unplaced to eighth placing for eight races at each meeting. Further, there will be an increase to $825 to the winner for the two feature races of each meeting. Feature race prizemoney allocation has been maintained.
RQL has begun a review of the feasibility and location of works surrounding the removal of the existing grandstand and the construction of a new raceday facility which will encompass kennelling and veterinary services.
Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club (Bundaberg GRC)
The Bundaberg GRC continues to enjoy strong nominations despite relatively low prizemoney on offer.
RQL views Bundaberg as a growth opportunity for our central Queensland strategy in association with Rockhampton, who have also experienced significant growth since obtaining TAB meeting classification. The trainers in that region will now have the opportunity to race twice weekly with fair recompense for effort and travel.
RQL propose :
- to increase prizemoney to $450 per win,
- to provide unplaced prizemoney of $35 to eighth placing,
- to finalise TAB status negotiations with Sky Racing and TattsBet, and
- to provide the capital required for Sky Racing coverage.
RQL has taken on board the advice of trainers in central Queensland and it is hoped that those trainers will support the club to ensure its long term sustainability. The performance of the Bundaberg strategy will be reviewed in six months.
Capalaba Greyhound Racing Club
Due to the location of the Capalaba greyhound track, there have been ongoing problems caused by flooding after heavy rain.
RQL will seek further specific industry insight into the future direction of the club before any further strategies are implemented regarding Capalaba racing.
Summary
RQL is confident that the initiatives above reflect the majority of views of the industry however, remains open to further written comments until COB, Friday, September 14, 2012. Please note though, to ensure that the industry can begin to reap the benefits from these strategies, and any modifications stemming from further submissions, implementation will take place from Monday, October 1, 2012.
RQL thanks the Industry for its patience and diligence in the formation of these exciting changes.
