Thursday, March 28, 2019
In association with SA’s other two-turn tracks – Angle Park and Gawler – the Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club is to commence a trial of six-dog racing from May at Tara Raceway.
To be labelled G-Six Racing, the three-month trial will also correspond with the introduction of weekly Thursday afternoon meetings at Tara Raceway which will replace the current fortnightly Wednesday afternoon fixtures.
The Thursday meetings, which are set to commence on May 2, will cater for time-graded greyhounds while the weekly Sunday meetings will remain as Category 3.
Following the introduction of six-dog races, greyhounds will jump from boxes 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8 and carry the corresponding rugs, with reserves remaining 9 and 10.
A Greyhound Racing SA spokesman said the introduction of six-dog racing would be an ideal opportunity for the sport to weigh up the outcomes which will arise from a different presentation of the sport.
“Tabcorp is supportive of the trial and will keep us informed of the wagering appeal of the six-dog format and the extent to which this type of racing is suited to particular race designs.
“There will be no reduction in stakemoney for the six-dog format, meaning that greyhounds will race against less opposition for the same stakes.
“If the format is adopted across a longer term it will generate overall stakemoney growth of more than $1m annually for owners and trainers.”