“You don’t have to love greyhound racing. You don’t even have to watch it. But ask yourself this – when did it become okay for a government to tear apart people’s lives just to satisfy radical activists? Greyhound racing isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life for thousands of families, businesses, communities – all thrown under the bus without a second thought. Greyhound racing is legal, regulated and part of our heritage and culture. Now it’s being banned, not because it’s wrong but because it’s unpopular with the loudest voices in the room, because of “mob mentality”. Don’t stay silent just because it doesn’t affect you. One day it might.” Shooters, Fishers & Farmers Party of Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Government’s decision to ban greyhound racing from 2029 is a direct threat to the entire sport, according to Luke Gatehouse of Greyhounds Tasmania.
“This isn’t just a Tasmanian issue, it’s a dangerous national precedent,” said Mr Gatehouse. “If this ideologically driven policy is allowed to stand, it risks emboldening similar bans in other jurisdictions, thereby putting livelihoods, clubs and communities at risk.
“On behalf of Greyhounds Tasmania, I am contacting all clubs to stand with us in this fight. The strength of our collective voice will determine whether evidence-based policy prevails.”
He said clubs could also show their support for the Tasmanian greyhound racing industry by joining the Yellow Cap Campaign. Greyhounds Tasmania would soon be sending each club 20 complimentary caps to commence the national roll-out.
“This is our chance to stand together. Clubs’ involvement will not only help save the Tasmanian industry but will also send a powerful message that greyhound racing is a united, resilient and indispensable part of Australia’s sporting and community fabric,” Mr Gatehouse said.
Meanwhile, during the month of October, Greyhound Racing SA, through Racing Manager Shaun Mathieson, will allocate one race name per club to the Tasmanian cause.
For those particular races, participants will be encouraged (but not mandated), to wear the yellow caps. This has Chief Steward Des Jonas’s approval. And during October, GRSA will consider what support post-October may look like.
And last week, Mount Gambier’s charity-driven Tara Tipsters met to discuss a donation to the Greyhounds Tasmania cause.
Structured 6-dog racing policy to be introduced next month
As part of the Ashton Review, a structured 6-dog race policy was approved by the GRSA Board at its August meeting. This will mean an increase in 6-dog racing and provide some certainty to participants around these events.
From October 1, 2025, regardless of venue, all Maidens, Juveniles and Masters events will be 6-dog fields only. All Grade 6 events, 400 m or less – 6-dog fields only. And all Time-Graded and Pathway events – 6-dog fields only.
A good day for the grandkids
It turned out to be a good day at last week’s Tara Raceway time-graded meeting for Koroit-based Peter and Anne Keane’s grandkids – Jai, Byron, Freya, Clay and Grace – after Tested brought up her fifth win in the Da’Leni Meats TG1-4W Stake (400 m).
Away well from box five, the black bitch never looked like being beaten when leading all the way and defeating Bomb Rocky by 1½ lengths in 23.39 seconds.
And with the grandkids sharing the prize money, it was their second major payout this year after Tested had defeated Rob Gore’s Moonshine Comet back on May 1.
Ironically, Gore – among the winners last week with Moonlight Grand in the Greg Martlew Autos TG5+W Stake (305 m) – had also bred Tested, a daughter of Shima Shine and Lulumon which Keane had purchased as a three-month-old pup.
But as Keane tells it, Tested’s early days hadn’t been all plain sailing.
“I reckon at one stage she had the worst coat I’d ever seen on a dog,” he said. “Then she had an ongoing grass seed problem which necessitated a couple of operations. Anyway, we finally got her onto the track, albeit not until she was 2½ years old.”
Also among the winners last week was fellow Koroit-based owner-trainer Garry Anders who was successful in the Carlin & Gazzard TG5+W Stake (400 m) with Ollie Deeds.
By Sennachie out of Beaut Deeds, the black dog quickly found the front from box six and never looked like being beaten when running out a 2½ length winner over Blue To Burn in a best of day 23.15 seconds.