February'09 - Greyhounds Queensland

GQL has recently undertaken a review ofthe grading policy.This was undertaken because it is arequirement that we review all our policiesevery two years.The review was attended by LukeGatehouse (Brisbane Club), Glenn Stephan(Ipswich), Tony Zammit (Gold Coast), PatMarchant (QGBOTA), Marilyn Collett(member rep for Capalaba, Bundaberg andRockhampton), Eddie Little (chief grader), andmyself.It was suggested Class 2 and 3 becombined into one Class to be known as Class2.It was felt by those who attended that itwould be easier for trainers, graders andpunters to have just one grade to deal withon most days of racing.From this it was suggested that only oneClass 1 race meeting be held a week, that atAlbion Park on a Thursday night … thepremier night of racing.Another option was to run the firstMonday night of the month as a Class 1 asDanny RyanChairman of StewardsBy the time this article hits the streetsthe “finish on lure” will be well and trulyestablished at headquarters.Ipswich will be right on the heels ofAlbion Park as the lures are at the track.With a bit of luck the committee will seethe light as many trainers who race atIpswich are demanding its instillation.The central argument from thecommittee of Ipswich is the possibleinterference to trials.Perhaps Ipswich should remember theyare a racetrack first and a trial track second.Maybe an Ipswich meeting could betransferred to a northern track and allowIpswich more time to trial.Don’t you wonder why Ipswich Fridayfields are short when the figure quoted byIpswich is 250 trials a week.Those who attend Albion Park could notbut help notice the Taj Mahal in front of thegrandstand has vanished.You beauty!However, the parade and previewsystem currently in place will remain as there-location of the preview area makes areturn to the old way too difficult.The combination of hot weather andkennel cough has certainly taken its toll onrace fields in recent weeks.Plenty have taken the opportunity toblame Greyhounds Queensland and theclosure of the Gold Coast.In a couple of weeks and when thecough goes all will be well.I must congratulate the rank and filetrainers on their great effort to keep theirgreyhounds racing despite the hot weatherand difficult conditions.While on the subject, I thank mysteward’s panel for their outstanding effortin recent times.You are all aware we have rebuilt ourDarren Beaviswell.It was also suggested that greyhoundswinning a heat and a final be classed ashaving won TWO races for future grading.Best 8 races to include fourth gradegreyhounds as well. This would bring us inline with WA and Victoria.Having three distance categories, a sprintup to 530m, middle distance 531-650m, anddistance 651m and beyond. The number ofwins allowed before going up a grade wouldthen be, sprint 2 wins, middle distance 2 wins,distance 1 win.panel and the new members have taken upthe challenge in fine style.The combination of youth andexperience will mold this panel into a fineracing machine.Pat yourself on the back? Of course, noone else will despite their fine efforts.General ManagerGQL to develop an order of choice forNovice events at Class 1 meetings.I felt the group believes the gradingsystem is working well, but these changescould assist. One of the aims is to bringthrough more top grade dogs.I point out that these are suggestions tobe put to the Directors of GQL at their nextBoard meeting. The industry will then have28 days to consider any changes. The full listof suggestions will then be advertised forindustry consultation via GQL's website.IN May, while the Ipswich club is in recessbecause of the Ipswich Show, Rockhamptonwill now get two TAB covered race meetings.These will be Sunday twilight May 3 andWednesday night May 6.The Rockhampton Cup will be broughtforward from June to be run on these dates.We would also like to thank the MackayClub who has agreed to put back its MackayPups For SaleTRAIN A JOURNEY-MY MISSY7 Bitches at $800 each, 3 Dogs at $1000 each(At 3 months on 20-3-09)Ear branded & vaccinatedDAM: My Missy(Cry Havoc-Hooded Talent)Won 20 races Townsville & Mackay,21 seconds, 8 thirds.Phone: Ron & Cathy Jackson(07) 54264276 or 0428 929228The (February, 2009) Journal Page 3Cup which will now be held on June 4 and 8.This is to avoid a clash with the nowmoved Rockhampton Cup.At time of writing, we are in discussionswith Townsville and Sky to conduct a TABSky meeting on Tuesday twilight May 5.We are waiting on the cost to providevision of greyhound racing at Townsville.This should be known early this month.IN the past two months I have attendedsix meetings with Product Co in regards tothe race fields legislation which is due tocome into effect from February 1.As you will all be aware, NSW hasundertaken to charge the rest of the statesfor the use of their race fields.Queensland, and the other states, havefollowed with similar legislation which will bemade retrospective to September 1 last year.Manly Road Vet Hospital100% Strike Rate219Average Litter Size 7.84(Qld stud dog stats Dec Journal )* Artificial Inseminations withfresh, chilled or frozen semen 24hours 365 days a year.* Greyhound Semen Bank withover 40 sires in stock for sale.* Pregnancy Ultrasounds,checking foetal health anddetermining litter size.* Semen FreezingManly Rd, Manly West,Brisbane. Phone(07) 33969733Frozen SemenPackage includes*All progesteronetesting* Surgical implant* Boarding* Regular client updates$545Contact Christine Kidd,Kelly Irving(07) 39066917