Greyhound Racing SA boosts funding for Track Injury Rebate Scheme and participant starter fees
Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA) has expanded its Track Injury Rebate Scheme, injecting an additional $150,000 per annum to cover participant veterinary care costs in the event a greyhound is injured on track.
The scheme, which has assisted in the rehabilitation of more than 60 greyhounds over the last financial year, will now absorb surgery costs of up to $3500 per injury with the scheme previously capped at $1200 per injury.
Coverage has also been expanded to include more injury types – surgery for dislocations, ruptures and other serious injuries will now be included alongside fractures – as well as injuries sustained during trials.
GRSA Chief Executive Officer Bodelle Francis said the initiative plays an important role in maintaining injury management standards across the sport.
“As an industry, we take our responsibility to care for dogs at every stage of their life and career very seriously,” Bodelle said.
“South Australia was the first jurisdiction to implement a Track Injury Rebate Scheme and we have now reviewed it to ensure it still achieves what we set out to do – to support our participants in pursuing quality, consistent veterinary care for every greyhound.
“We trust the expanded scheme will help even more greyhounds on their road to recovery.”
Alongside the expanded injury care initiative, GRSA has announced it will increase participant starter fees at all GRSA TAB tracks from $20 per greyhound to $40 per greyhound from 1 September 2022, representing an additional investment from GRSA of $300,000 per annum.
“This seemingly small increase will make a significant difference to our participants in the face of rising costs, allowing them to continue to engage with the sport, train and care for their greyhounds,” Bodelle said.
“The increased investment in both initiatives is designed to ensure all greyhounds are self-sufficient and support our participants in continuing the best practice care of their dogs.”
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“GRSA is committed to setting and maintaining the highest standards of safety and welfare for our greyhounds, throughout their racing careers and onto their life as pets through our dedicated rehoming program.”
The expanded Track Injury Rebate Scheme absorbs 100% of surgery costs up to the capped amount as well as set amounts for triage and recovery. Dogs that are supported through the scheme are prioritised through GRSA’s dedicated Greyhounds as Pets (GAP SA) program should they retire and need to be rehomed.
For more information about industry-led initiatives, visit greyhoundracingsa.com.au
Media enquiries: Alexandra Green, Michels Warren PR
[email protected] or 0418 608 038