Mark Dwyer, club manager of the Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club, believes the three local racing codes are looking at an outstanding window of opportunity in March and April in regard to cross-code advertising and promotion.

His comments this week follow the Mount Gambier Racing Club announcement of the Gold Cup cocktail evening on Wednesday, March 30 which will be followed with a Calcutta the following night and the Gold Cup on Friday, April 1.

On the night of April 1, the Mount Gambier Harness Racing Club will conduct its Calcutta before the running of its Gold Cup, in conjunction with heats of the SA Derby, on Saturday, April 2.

Then on Sunday afternoon (April 3), heats of the Carlin & Gazzard MG Mount Gambier Cup for greyhounds will be decided at Tara Raceway.

“Quality-wise, this will be our best day’s racing of the year,” said Dwyer.

“With the upgrade to Group 3 status, the 512 metre cup heats will attract some of the best greyhounds and trainers in the land chasing the $25,000 to the winner of the final which will be run on Sunday, April 10.”

Dwyer said producing Facebook pages could work in well for the three codes, as would liaising with the local papers.

“We should be trying to get front and back page stories of the events with the three codes all having input.

“Updates on horses and greyhounds of note that may be coming to participate would also be of interest.

“This could be the start of annual event if the three codes can come together on dates.

“Summing up, for not much cost there could be a lot of bang.”

Industry recognition for local volunteer
Local sporting identity Kevin “KD” Douglas recently received recognition from the SA greyhound racing industry when receiving an award for Outstanding Service to the Industry.

The award was presented by Greyhound Racing SA Industry Director Ray Fewings at the Angle Park 2021 Greyhound of the Year awards night.

While it’s fair to say that Douglas certainly would not have been chasing any awards, his voluntary contribution in terms of assisting at feature race meetings and social functions at the Mount Gambier track over a number of years has been outstanding.

Also well known for his local charitable work, back in 2020 he introduced the “Catch for Cash” scheme at Tara Raceway.

“This resulted in trainers placing a donation in the charity jar in lieu of paying catchers who were supportive of the initiative.

Complementing “Catch for Cash” has been the twice-weekly tipping competition known as the Tara Tipsters.

“Since Douglas’s initiatives have been introduced at the track, the Sunset Community Kitchen, Foodbank, and the Visually Impaired Club of Mount Gambier collectively have received $6000.

Next month, representatives from the Grantville Court Salvation Army Thrift Shop will be on track to receive a cheque after the running of the Tara Tipsters Thrift Shop Stake.

And in what was a really nice gesture, Fewings, in recognition of Douglas and his fellow Mount Gambier participants’ charitable efforts, donated $200 to the charity jar.

The final update
After more than 11 years with Greyhound Racing SA, CEO Matt Corby’s recent final update to stakeholders really summed up what greyhound racing is all about.

For those who missed it, this is part of his farewell message.

“It’s my most sincere hope the sport in SA will continue to flourish and the foundation we have built together in this state will readily sustain a new generation of trainers, breeders and owners.

“Despite the fact that I would occasionally suggest racing shuns change, our own stakeholders have arguably tolerated more change (pound for pound) than any other racing jurisdiction in recent years.

“And have done so resiliently and uncomplainingly . . . for the most part.

“After more than 20 years of standing with connections, on and around the dais at the exact moment when all of their hard work has paid off and the trophy is theirs, I can truthfully say the infectious nature of their joy and relief has never worn off.

“For many trainers, breeders and owners, a lifetime’s dedication is largely vindicated by the experience of one champion dog having crossed their path, allowing them to stand on top of the world for a fleeting moment.

“Some never quite climb the mountain, making their persistence and unshakeable optimism all the more commendable.

“Whatever the outcome, I wish nothing but prosperity for all those who ‘put on the show’.”