Open invitations for Group 1 ‘Invitationals’
MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE MEADOWS
Open invitations for Group 1 ‘Invitationals’
Changes are coming to one of the biggest nights of racing on The Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association’s (MGRA) calendar.
The 2022 editions of the Group 1 Invitationals which include the TAB Temlee (525m and $100,000 to-the-winner), TAB Rookie Rebel (600m and $75,000 to-the-winner) and TAB Zoom Top (725m and $75,000 to-the-winner), will now be an open invitation for trainers to nominate.
If you think your greyhound is up to competing against the best Australia has to offer, nominations will need to be submitted to GRV Racing Services (03) 8329 1111, before 10am on Friday 28 January.
Following the close of nominations, the MGRA will post a full list of the nominations on their website. From there, a panel comprising of representatives from the MGRA will select the top 12 greyhounds for each of the three events and seek endorsement from GRV Grading Department.
On Tuesday 1 February the top 12 will be announced, with the final field revealed on Saturday 5 February.
MGRA Chairman Eddie Caruana noted the importance of maintaining the prestigious nature of the Group 1 events.
“The changes to the invitational process for the TAB Temlee, TAB Rookie Rebel & TAB Zoom Top are designed to enhance the prestige surrounding the invitational events during the TAB Australian Cup Carnival.
We believe the ‘Top 12’ element of the invitation process increases interest and will enhance the standing in which the races are held with the public”.
In changes to the TAB Australian Cup, a consolation race will also be introduced for second placegetters from the eight Australian Cup heats. The winner of the TAB Australian Cup consolation will take home $25,000 on TAB Australian Cup night (26 January 2022).
Key Dates:
• Nominations close: Friday 28 January 2022
• Top 12 announcement: Tuesday 1 February 2022
• Final field and box draw announced: Saturday 5 February 2022
• Race Day: Saturday 12 February 2022
For more information, please contact The Meadows - Phone: (03) 9355 5222 or Email: [email protected]