Amy Loechel, Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) Special Projects Co-ordinator, was in Mount Gambier for last Thursday’s race meeting at Tara Raceway and to check out the ongoing clubroom refurbishment.

The $800,000 project includes upgrades to the toilets and bar, a new entrance with wheelchair access adjacent to the patrons’ car park and a revamp of the club office which also includes an area for the club manager.

The ceiling fans and wood heater will be replaced with reverse cycle air conditioning. And Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club (MGGRC) president, Noel Perry, is hopeful there will be sufficient funds and space in the complex for a committee room.

“This has been a really good project here at Mount Gambier and I’m very happy with the way it’s progressing,” Loechel said.

“The next project to follow down here will be a Greyhound Education Circuit (GEC). We are now seeking quotes for this project which we believe will serve as a valuable resource in the training process for industry participants.”

The first on-site GEC in SA is set to open at the Murray Bridge track on October 1. This will be for use by registered GRSA trainers and handlers who have attended one of three Toolbox Safety Talks.

And as far as projects are concerned, Loechel still has plenty on the go following her involvement with a proposed Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) facility to be established at Murray Bridge.

The Projects Co-ordinator, who has been with GRSA for the past 15 months on a part-time basis after having previously worked in local government, is certainly no stranger to greyhound racing.

“I grew up with greyhounds,” she said. “My father Neville has been active in the sport for as long as I can remember. These days he’s involved at the Murray Bridge Greyhound Racing Club and also continues to enjoy the racing side.”

In fact, Neville Loechel’s Weblec line could hold a strong hand in next month’s SA Country Cup (530 metres) final at Angle Park on Adelaide Cup night.

This follows the win of his brindle bitch Weblec Marquise, trained by Damien Smith, in the first 530 metre heat last Friday in 30.24 seconds.

Joining Weblec Marquise will be the Yvonne Maxwell owned and trained blue dog Dayne’s Calais who won the second heat in 30.12 seconds.

Interestingly, the heat winners – sired by Kinloch Brae and Sennachie – are out of litter sisters Weblec Diamond and Weblec Spice who are by Barcia Bale x Weblec Belle.

Meanwhile, Industry Engagement Forums (IEF) are to be held SA’s four greyhound tracks – Mount Gambier, Gawler, Murray Bridge and Angle Park – in October and November.

GRSA is extending an invitation to all registered participants – owners, trainers and breeders – to attend one of the four IEFs in order to look at the current challenges and plan ahead for the future.

The MGGRC’s forum will be held at Tara Raceway, Lake Terrace East on Monday, October 28, commencing at 7 p.m. All registered owners, trainers and breeders are encouraged to attend.

Registrations are essential with RSVP required by Monday, October 21 to marketing@grsa.com.au.