South Australian greyhound racing is in a good place, according to Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) Chairman Grantley Stevens who was back in Mount Gambier again on Friday night for the Future in Focus Industry Engagement Forum.

Stevens was joined on the night by newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer Brenton Scott, Ben Kavenagh (Chief Operating Officer) along with Amy Loechel and Heath Pocock, also of GRSA.

The forum provided an update on the progress of the Government Inquiry. It was the third of four to be conducted at SA’s greyhound tracks which also include Gawler, Murray Bridge and Angle Park.

He said 80 of the Government Inquiry recommendations had been complied with and the aim was to act as fast as possible on the remaining recommendations.

Among priorities are kennel standards and how many require upgrading along with the issue of surgical insemination.

“Ours is a great product and all about transparency,” said Stevens, who had also been at Mount Gambier only a few days earlier with Scott, Kavenagh and Pocock for the 44th running of the Cadillac Racing Mount Gambier Cup.

“We’re certainly looking to invest in the future to the extent of a Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) facility at Murray Bridge which will be complemented by a veterinary clinic specialising in greyhounds.

“And our aim is to be soon racing in the Tuesday night time slot at Angle Park on Sky Racing. Also, we are currently in discussions with corporate bookmakers Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and TAB so watch this space.”

Stevens also reminded those in attendance that the National Sprint and Distance titles will be conducted this year at Angle Park. This will be the first time since 2016 when Worm Burner (SA) won the sprint and Ring The Bell (Victoria) the distance that the finals have been conducted in SA.

Scott said he had a good level of smart thinking below him and with Kavenagh assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer local greyhound racing was in good hands.

“This will be all about mature management,” he said. “I’ll lead the team and together we’ll take stakeholders along for the ride.”

Loechel, who grew up around greyhounds, was back at Tara Raceway for the first time in some years and couldn’t believe the changes that have been made at Tara Raceway.

Among her current projects is the installation of greyhound education circuits (GEC) at Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier.

“Originally the plan had been to build Mount Gambier’s GEC in an area adjacent to the 512 metre boxes,” she said. “But after viewing the club’s slipping tracks area the better option may be to build the GEC slightly smaller and place it in that area to make a complete training area.”

GRSA’s Strategic Plan – its vision being that they will be recognised as a leader in the national industry and a model for best practice – was also made available to participants.

In summarising, the plan states that GRSA will strive to protect the investment that participants have made in racing and aspire to increase industry returns to the greatest extent that can responsibly be undertaken.

And initiatives will be introduced which make the sport of greyhound racing more accessible and appealing to attract a new generation of participants.

Meanwhile, racing will return to Mount Gambier tomorrow after a week of no racing or trials while Regupol flooring was installed in the kennel house.