The Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) board this week announced the appointment of Bodelle Francis as its new chief executive officer (CEO).

She has extensive experience in the racing sector, having held the role of acting CEO and chair at the SA Jockey Club (SAJC), as well as other directorship roles within the organisation over a 10-year period.

During that time, Francis successfully recruited a new CEO, strengthened the relationship between the SAJC, the country clubs and the governing body, as well as helping to conduct South Australia’s first million-dollar races.

Before her senior leadership roles at the SAJC, Francis had been the group general manager at the Francis Group which included a portfolio of four hotels and Finniss Lodge – a 200-hectare horse training facility.

She also has strong family ties in both the thoroughbred and greyhound racing codes.

Her appointment follows an extensive recruitment process which attracted strong applications nationally from within the racing and sporting industries, as well as the business ommunity.

She will commence in the role on April 27 after resigning as the general manager of the Oval Hotel.

Francis is replacing Matt Corby who left in January after 11 years with GRSA to take up a position with The National Golf Club in Victoria.

In joining GRSA, Francis said she had always been a proud member of the racing community and was passionate about growing and protecting racing in South Australia.

“I feel privileged to be returning to a leadership role within that community and look forward to taking on the opportunities and challenges unique to the code,” she said.

“I expect to be spending a lot of time getting to know the main stakeholders – talking to owners, trainers and members and really gaining a sound understanding of the community, which obviously is the fabric of the code.”

GRSA chairman, Grantley Stevens, said the board of directors was very excited by the appointment of Francis.

“Her skill and experience in both racing and hospitality will be a great asset to the industry,” he said.

“She will be a great fit for the culture of the business and racing code, with strong stakeholder management and passion for the industry.

“We look forward to seeing her lead the greyhound industry to further growth.”


Second time lucky for visiting trainer


Melton South owner-trainer Daniel Harvey was back at Tara Raceway last Thursday, hoping to make amends with Mia’s Memory who some eight months previously had finished 2½ lengths behind Mary Bridget in second spot over 305 metres.

But according to Harvey, a 27-year-old leisure centre worker, the plan had never been to wait so long before returning to Mount Gambier in search of his first Tara Raceway win with his March 2019 black bitch.

“No, I had been keen to get back but seasonal and injury issues resulted in her racing on only three more occasions before today. However, she did win her maiden over 311 metres at Cranbourne last September,” he said.

Having her first start since last October, Mia’s Memory drew box eight in last Thursday’s Trackside Meats 1-4 Wins Stake (400 metres).

And she never looked in any danger of defeat when leading all the way to defeat Princess Warrior by 1½ lengths in 23.78 seconds.

By Adelaide Cup and Australian Cup winner Spud Regis out of seven-race Victorian provincial winner Little Sienna, Mia’s Memory was purchased as a six-week-old pup for $900 by Harvey.

A winner of 18 races and $460,000 in stakemoney, Spud Regis actually won his last race at Mount Gambier when defeating Twistex over 400 metres in 22.97 seconds in July 2014.

Little Sienna, whose dam line traces back to the legendary Flying Amy, has now produced winners in SA, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania from the mating to Spud Regis.

And there’s a nice touch as to how Harvey’s first Tara Raceway winner came to be named Mia’s Memory.

“At the time I purchased two pups from the litter but unfortunately the other one, whose kennel name was Mia, died before racing. And that’s how the racing name for today’s winner came about,” he said.

Harvey’s interest in greyhound racing goes back a number of years to when his parents were actively involved in the sport as owners.

“However, it was only about three years ago that I decided to take up training myself.

“Currently I have three racing dogs and a pup.

“As I work full-time it’s really only a hobby for me although, I have to say, a very enjoyable one.”