THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GREYHOUND RACING FEDERATION INC

FLYER

NO 37 DECEMBER 2003

AN APOLOGY…….

This is the first “FLYER” for some time and I apologise for the delay. The delay was caused by a number of circumstances that needed to be finalised but they have taken longer than expected.

……AND SOME EXCELLENT NEWS!!

We are pleased to announce that the SAGRF has now expanded the number of industry members that it will service. Not only will it include SAGRF members, but we will now also provide GOTBA members with a service on any issues related to ownership, training or breeding.

The full details are included in the attached page, but it means that the membership represented is now significantly larger. This will bring economies of scale, the wider sharing of common views and a larger representation when addressing issues.

We believe that this is a significant step forward and is excellent news. Any other clubs that wish to consider taking advantage of this arrangement for their members, are welcome to discuss the opportunity with the SAGRF.

NEW COMMITTEE

The SAGRF is pleased to announce that two new members have joined the Committee – Jane McNicholl and Mick Louth. It is really pleasing to have some new members on board and we look forward to their participation and their ideas.

We would like to thank Chris Cotton, Des Kain and Richard Magiera, who have retired from the Committee this year, for their contributions.

The Committee is now:

Judi Hurley - Chair Jane McNicholl

Peter Bothwell -Deputy Chair Mick Louth

Bob May – Secretary (1) To be finalised

In addition, we will meet regularly and work more closely with other interested greyhound participants, who do not necessarily wish to be on the Committee, but who can make a contribution to our aims.

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND RACING MANAGER

We welcome the recent appointments of Peter Ali and Peter Smith to the positions of CEO and Racing Operations Manager, respectively, of GRSA.

Some members of our Committee recently met with Peter Ali and Oliver Bott in an informal manner. It was pleasing to be able to put forward some views and have a general discussion about the sport, as we all seek to improve the operation of the industry for the benefit of all participants. A positive outcome was that we have arranged to meet with Peter Ali, on a quarterly basis.

GREYHOUND SEMINARS

The SAGRF decided to assist the industry by conducting an industry seminar. While the attendance was disappointing, we had two terrific presenters.

Terry Cahalan spoke about some of the history of the sport in SA, and included a short video on recent coursing events in Ireland. There were probably two main points to Terry’s address – one that we have a lot to be proud of with our SA breeding history, and that we shouldn’t be afraid to breed with some of our stock. The second thought was that dogs (and trainers) were a lot tougher and together with the industry, had to put up with a lot of hurdles.

Dr John Katakasi gave a very detailed address on the breeding cycle and the use of frozen semen. Even if you are not enthusiastic about the use of frozen semen, the information John gave on breeding was very practical and would have challenged most people’s thoughts.

We would like to thank Terry and John for taking the time to present.

GRSA ran a seminar during the recent National series, which was well attended. It covered a large range of topics and certainly was informative. We welcome the news that GRSA intend to provide further seminars, as you can always learn something from such presentations.

SOME NOT SO EXCELLENT NEWS - DIRECTOR’S FEES

Last year, we reported that a proposed increase in Director’s fees had been discussed. The Member Clubs were divided with a 50/50 voting split and the issue was deferred.

Well guess what? The issue was raised again, but this time APPROVED. Two clubs saw fit to change their decision and the increase has now been passed. We repeat our earlier position – we agree with the principle of rewarding results.

HOWEVER, WE DO NOT AGREE WITH REWARDING ONLY ONE SECTOR OF THE INDUSTRY, AT THE EXPENSE OF THE OTHERS! We are all in this together. There has not been an increase in the prizemoney rate for some time and yet we have had an increase in Director’s fees.

If you have a view, then make your Member Clubs aware of your feelings on this matter.

TOO MANY NOMINATIONS AND NOT ENOUGH RACES

Details are in the “GRSA Mail Box” below.

QUALIFYING TRIALS AT ANGLE PARK?

This issue was also raised as a concern at the AGRC AGM at Angle Park, at which I explained I had written this letter. Details are also in the “GRSA Mail Box” below.

Chief Executive Officer

Greyhound Racing SA

Dear Peter,

The SAGRF wish to raise two issues that have some inter relation, with you for your consideration.

1. The SAGRF has been concerned for some time about the number of greyhounds that are nominating for race starts but not gaining a start due, to the excess of nominations received.

Until now we have relied on anecdotal evidence, but we have now analysed the nomination figures appearing in “Kennel Capers” and the official fields. These figures are attached.

For the month of October 2003, which we would assume to be representative of the current trend, a total of 3168 nominations were received for the 2300 race positions (including reserves) provided, ie there was a surplus of 868 nominations or 37.7% of the available positions. The “true” figure may differ because there can either be additional nominations made in the hope of gaining a start somewhere or alternatively not nominating, because it is perceived to be pointless.

If we only consider those meetings most accessible to the metropolitan area, (Angle Park, Gawler, Strathalbyn and Kulpara), then the figures become worse. There were 2251 nominations for 1470 race positions, a surplus of 781 nominations or 53.1% of the available positions.

If these figures are representative of the trend in nominations, then the excess nominations are far too high for the industry which is trying to retain existing participants and attract new ones. We believe it is time to consider some initiatives to provide some immediate relief to this situation, particularly as Kulpara and GOTBA are now or will be in recess.

We understand that GRSA has been looking at the possibility of programming an additional meeting per week. This needs to be considered immediately. Other options are to add races to existing meetings at Angle Park, Gawler and Strathalbyn, with any events at the latter two to be funded by GRSA. Some of the country tracks do not always attract full fields to contest the funded eight races, so perhaps some incentives such as a guaranteed start back in the city (or a change to the grading rules to more highly recognise country form), might be attractive to entice more nominations there.

2. For some time we have received complaints about not running of Qualifying Trials at Angle Park. This is inconvenient for some trainers for two reasons

· It may be difficult to requalify for a race start at Angle Park if the greyhound’s form has fallen off or it has been racing in the country

· Gawler becomes the only Metropolitan alternative and it is not always convenient for all trainers to access.

However the trialling situation has been exacerbated by the reported events at the Gawler trials on Wednesday 5 November. We understand that there were so many greyhounds there for trials, that Stewards asked trainers to remove those that were not in the qualifying trials. Apparently this request was not entirely successful and trainers became agitated. We also understand that for some, trialling at Gawler has become a very late night.

Therefore to take some of the load off the Gawler trials and to provide trainers with a better service, we request that GRSA immediately reintroduce Qualifying Trials at Angle Park. Increasing the number of additional races and meetings as raised in point 1, will also reduce the numbers trialling, as greyhounds will be racing instead.

We are confident that both requests would meet with wide industry support and we look forward to your positive response.

Yours sincerely,

Secretary

TOTAL NOMINATIONS FOR RACES - OCTOBER 2003
	Nominations	Race Positions	Excess	% Excess Noms
	Received	Available	Nominations	to Race Positions
				available
Thurs 2^nd Angle Park	165	110	55	50
Mon 6^th Angle Park	155	110	45	40.9
Thurs 9^th Angle Park	176	110	66	60
Mon 13^th Angle Park	173	110	63	57.3
Thurs 16^th Angle Park	172	110	62	56.4
Mon 20^th Angle Park	182	110	72	65.5
Thurs 23^rd Angle Park	162	110	52	47.3
Mon 27^th Angle Park	159	110	49	44.5
Tues 7^th Gawler	179	110	69	62.7
Tues 14^th Gawler	151	110	41	37.3
Tues 21^st Gawler	157	110	47	42.7
Friday 24^th Port Pirie	102	80	22	27.5
Sunday 12^th Strathalbyn	133	80	53	66.3
Sunday 26^th Strathalbyn	149	90	59	65.6
Sat 18^th Kulpara	138	90	48	53.3
Sat 4^th Mount Gambier	88	90	-2	-2.2
Sat 11^th Mount Gambier	81	100	-19	-19.0
Sat 18^th Mount Gambier	95	90	5	5.6
Sat 25^th Mount Gambier	97	90	7	7.8
Sat 6^th Port Augusta	73	80	-7	-8.8
Sat 11^th Whyalla	73	70	3	4.3
Sat 18^th Whyalla	56	70	-14	-20.0
Sat 4^th Barmera	119	80	39	48.8
Sat 18^th Barmera	133	80	53	66.3
	3168	2300	868	37.7
NOMINATIONS FOR RACES (NEAREST TO METROPOLITAN AREA)- OCTOBER 2003
	Nominations	Race Positions	Excess	% Excess Noms
	Received	Available	Nominations	to Race Positions
				available
Thurs 2^nd Angle Park	165	110	55	50
Mon 6^th Angle Park	155	110	45	40.9
Thurs 9^th Angle Park	176	110	66	60
Mon 13^th Angle Park	173	110	63	57.3
Thurs 16^th Angle Park	172	110	62	56.4
Mon 20^th Angle Park	182	110	72	65.5
Thurs 23^rd Angle Park	162	110	52	47.3
Mon 27^th Angle Park	159	110	49	44.5
Tues 7^th Gawler	179	110	69	62.7
Tues 14^th Gawler	151	110	41	37.3
Tues 21^st Gawler	157	110	47	42.7
Sunday 12^th Strathalbyn	133	80	53	66.3
Sunday 26^th Strathalbyn	149	90	59	65.6
Sat 18^th Kulpara	138	90	48	53.3
	2251	1470	781	53.1

***Please note - At the time of publication, a response had not been received from GRSA.

THE HEAT, KENNELLING AND RACING

One issue that is now current with the start of summer, is kennelling and racing in the heat. Not only should we be thinking of the greyhounds welfare, but also that of the handlers.

We have already had some feedback and ideas, but if you have an opinion or concern on any aspect of this matter, please contact us, preferably in writing.

A THANK YOU TO MEMBERS

Thank you to the members who took the trouble to respond to the changes to our Constitution. We are now implementing those changes.

DISTANCE RACING – A GOOD MOVE

We are pleased to see the introduction of regular races for distance greyhounds at Angle Park. There is no doubt that well contested distance races add spectator interest to an all sprint program.

The SAGRF strongly suggested to GRSA (SAGRA) about four years ago, that distance racing needed to be reintroduced. We even suggested formats that would encourage participation. However, this seemed to fall on deaf ears, so it is now pleasing that the new administration has taken the initiative with this issue.

TRACKSIDE AT THE MELBOURNE CUP

I had the opportunity to attend the last week’s Melbourne Cup night. This was the first occasion, so I was interested in comparing the race with major events at Angle Park.

I thought our presentations were at least on a par with Sandown – in fact ours are probably a little better. Caps with suits on the handlers, didn’t really look great for such a prestigious event. One big plus for Sandown, is the close proximity of the front of the stand to the track, which really highlights the greyhounds powering around the final turn. Angle Park looks very distant to the track in comparison. On the other hand, the sound system at Sandown was almost inaudible outside and in the stand, something that is better at Angle Park.

From my observations on this night, SA rates pretty well on feature events.

It was a fascinating night, with everyone wishing that they had a “Bombastic Shiraz” in the back yard – it was a great run. One disappointment for me – I didn’t look through the fields well enough and went home before the last race, the winner being prepared by members Angela and Ray Modra.

SOME OUTSTANDING ISSUES – YOUR VIEWS

We have a number of issues that are still unresolved, some going back over a long period. Now that we have a significant number of new participants joining with us, we will seek your views as to whether you wish us to still pursue them, in the New Year.

FINAL ISSUE

This will be the final edition of the “FLYER” that is sent to SAGRF members only. From the New Year, a joint SAGRF and GOTBA publication will be sent, which we hope will have added content to that we have provided individually in the past.

We would welcome your ideas and your contribution, either on a regular or individual basis.

STUD DOG WEBSITE

http://www.ozstuddogs.2ya.com/

ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO THE SECRETARY PO BOX 2104 REGENCY PARK 5942

Ph (08) 8261-8527 EMAIL sagrf@bigpond.com

http://www.communitywebs.org/SAGreyhoundRacing