Kibble and Biscuits - Greyhounds Queensland

THE resolution of the long andbitter battle between Sky andTVN is welcome news to thegreyhound industry.Conservatively, it has cost the industryin Queensland in the region of $500,000.Greyhound turnover held its groundwithin the past year, but the loss in turnoveron southern thoroughbred meetings wassignificant and the reason our Product Cofee dropped.In future, there will be two channels,TVN dedicated to broadcastingthoroughbred racing and Sky which willbroadcast all three codes.Home viewers will also receive anexpanded coverage, that which is ondisplay in pubs and clubs.The GRA welcomes the news, andhopefully turnover will get back to levels ofa year ago and even better to enable us topass this on to greyhound clubs, andobviously then owners and trainers throughprizemoney.TRAINERS are once again remindedthe new grading policy comes into effect onJuly 1.The notable changes to the systemincludes:Distance EventsNow means an event raced over adistance of more than 590m.Novice EventsDarren BeavisMeans a greyhound as at the date ofthe proposed meeting which has not wonother than a maiden, maiden heat andfinal, or maiden heat, semi-final andfinal.A number of interstate tracks have beenreclassified (refer to grading policy on Page38).Trainers must make themselves awareof the transition rule in relation to thegrading of distance events after July 1.TRANSITIONRULEGrading of Distance Events1. For grading purposes a greyhound’sgrade on a Class 1 track in sprint events 520/600m as at 1st July 2006 will retain this grade,providing the greyhound’s grade in a distantGeneral Managerevent of 601m or more is not higher than itssprint grade at the same date.Eg: A greyhound’s grade on a Class 1 trackin sprint events 520/600m as at 1st July 2006 is4th grade and in a distance event at the samedate is 3rd grade, the greyhound will be gradedas a 3rd grade when nominating for 600/710mevents as of 1st July 2006.2. A greyhound’s current grade in DistanceEvents on Class 2, 3 & 4 tracks may be affectedby its Class 1 Sprint grade in accordance with“Grading Penalties” as at 1st July 2006.Should a greyhound’s grade in DistanceEvents on a Class 2, 3 & 4 tracks be higherthan its Class 1 Sprint grade as at 1st July2006, it shall retain this grade.Eg: A greyhounds grade in Class 1 SprintEvents 520/600m as at 1st July 2006 is 3rdgrade and in a Class 2 Distance Event is 5thgrade as at 1st July 2006, the greyhound will bea 3rd grade when nominated for a Class 2Distance Event as of 1st July 2006.Trainers should contact the GradingDepartment, prior to July 1, between 2-3pmto clarify the grade of their greyhound.We expect the grade of somegreyhounds racing over 600m to changewithin the first few weeks of July.Trainers should also be aware that fromJuly 1 the reserve right has been removedfrom Thursday night meetings (only) atAlbion Park.The Board was of the opinion Thursdaynight's meeting is the best this stateproduces and felt the best nominatedgreyhounds on form should obtain a start.Reserves with moderate form should notgain an advantage over dogs with betterform on that night.Danny RyanWasn't it great to see a relativenewcomer to our sport with a finalist in aGroup 1 race in Victoria?Trainer Lee Elgood had Mr Raudonikisin the time honoured Maturity final at theMeadows in May from box three.Mr Raudonikis took his place in thefinal after what many would see as anunlucky second to Collapse in the semifinal.Elgood's faith in his greyhound was notshaken by some pretty poor criticism incertain circles for venturing south, to takeon some of the country's best chasers.Strongly supported by rugby leaguelegend Tommy Raudonikis, the gang haveleapt ahead with great gusto.One of the most pleasing aspects camein a recent discussionwith Elgood was hisview of how much hehad learned from theexperience.Lee has been luckyenough to be stayingwith Len Ketelaar, atrainer with impeccablecredentials and Elgoodwas quick to praiseKetelaar for hishospitality andassistance during thecampaign.Even more pleasingis Elgood's efforts inflying the flag forQueensland.Mind you that willbe no mean featconsidering the effortsof Ron Ball, Tony Brettand way back to RegCrawford with the greatPretty Fearless inWestern Australia andChairman of StewardsSouth Australia.While on the subject of Lee Elgood, youmay have read the article by Gary Keep inthe Courier Mail regarding the attemptedbreak-in at Elgood's kennels prior to theMaturity Final.At this point police have not made anyarrests.However, it should be a stern reminderof those around who would break in forwhatever reason and harm your belovedpets.Security is an on-going problem forprofessional trainers and those who workand have to leave their premisesunattended.We have some great distance racing atAlbion Park courtesy of the Brisbane Club.Queensland will be well represented inthe big events and have a great chance forthe "big end" of the prizemoney to remainin QueenslandI look forward to seeing you at theraces!Sire:Dam:Tony's golf dayThe annual State of Origin golfchallenge will be held on June 9.It will be a four-ball ambroseformat at Windaroo club nearBeenleigh. Cost is $60 per personwhich includes lunch. Registration is8.30 for a 9am tee time.Organiser Tony Zammit can becontacted on (07) 32875927 or 0412134527. Women are welcome andTony will find every player a groupin which to play.Pups for SaleSURF LORIANNORTHERN ANGEL(Derryfoyle*-Molly Malone)Dam won 18 races, 6 at Albion Park.Best times: Albion Park 30.26, 35.75Capalaba 19.94Ipswich 37.83Gold Coast (grass) 25.74, 37.80She is a litter sister to HAPPY CHAPPYFirst litter by Bearability broken in well.$1500 each. Ph: Ian (07) 54246452The (June, 2006) Journal Page 3