Greyhound racing historian Neil Brown’s recent post of when the terribly named SA Dog Racing Control Board (SADRCB) assumed control of greyhound racing may bring back memories for some long-time participants.

That was back on February 1, 1977 when the SADRCB took over all matters relating to South Australian greyhound racing.

That included registration of persons and greyhounds registered with the former controlling body – the SA National Coursing Association (NCA). Also, current suspensions, disqualifications and other penalties that had been imposed by the NCA came under new supervision.

However, the board had decided that officials and staff of the NCA would continue in their respective positions despite the takeover.

They included Phil McCarron (secretary), Colin Viney (chairman of stewards) and Jim McMurdo (grader and also deputy chairman of stewards).

Chairman of the board was Jack Dunsford while Howard Ashton and Reg Chapman represented the Adelaide Greyhound Racing Club. Bob McGee represented Gawler and Strathalbyn and Harry Nicholson the Whyalla and Port Pirie clubs.

At the time, the South Eastern Greyhound Racing Club had still been more than two years away from conducting its first race meeting at Glenburnie.

In the early 1980s an Act to amend the Racing Act, 1976-1980 came before the SA Parliament.

“Section 3 of the principal Act is amended by striking out the word ‘dog’ and substituting the word ‘greyhound’.

“Section 5 of the principal Act is amended (a) by striking out paragraph (c) of the definition of ‘controlling authority’ and substituting the following paragraph: (c) in relation to greyhound racing, means the Greyhound Racing Control Board.”