SA bred boost – SA classic entry fees to cease
Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA) is delighted to announce a further initiative supporting those supporting SA breeding with confirmation this week that entry for the premier SA bred futurities – the Howard Ashton and the Brian Johnstone – will no longer carry fees.
Since their inception, both the Howard Ashton (Breeders) and Brian Johnstone (Classic) have been restricted to SA bred greyhounds and have entailed entrance fees being paid at various stages from puppyhood to racing. The entry fees have averaged $200 per greyhound. Prizemoney for the final of both events will remain at $37,500, despite the entry fees being abolished. In addition, the lead in prelude events will be retained.
GRSA is aware that entry fees for the Breeders 2025 series have been finalised with preludes of this event kicking off in February 2025. Participation in this series will be restricted to greyhounds that have finalised the required entry fees. However, any entry fees that have been received by GRSA for the series, are to be refunded by the middle of January, 2025.
Some entry fees have also been received for Classic 2025. These fees will also be refunded by January, 2025. Eligibility for Classic 2025 will not be connected to entry fees and rather will simply be open to SA bred greyhounds whelped between 1st July 2023 and 31st December 2023.
All editions of Breeders and Classic Futurities beyond the 2025 events will be open only to SA bred greyhounds with normal age restrictions applying.
GRSA CEO, Brenton Scott, said that GRSA was pleased to continue supporting the local breeding industry and continue to invest in the long-term future for greyhound breeding in SA.
“GRSA is, and will remain, highly committed to rewarding those supporting the SA breeding industry and the no entry fee format for the premier SA bred futuritues is another positive indicator,” said Scott.
“SA already leads the nation in supporting breeders that are backing our industry with a $5500 support payment in place for SA bred litters and it is great to keep that ball rolling.”
Adelaide Greyhound Racing Club president, Petar Jovanovic praised the initiative.
“I believe in the future the SA clubs and GRSA are trying to build,” confirmed Jovanovic.
“Abolishing the entry fees is a small but significant confidence booster for those continuing to invest in our sport.”
GRSA and the Gawler Greyhound Racing Club have also commenced discussions concerning the future format and eligibility for the Produce Stake, a time-honoured age restricted event for locally trained greyhounds. Further details will be provided in the January edition of Kennel Capers.