In 2023, the Commission and Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) hosted the first Race Injury Reduction Summit in Bathurst. Experts from across jurisdictions gathered to share knowledge and experience on race injury causes and analysis, with the objective of developing an action plan that worked towards a reduction in greyhound race injuries.
A Race Injury Reduction Action Plan was agreed upon by all at the Summit with key actions to be implemented by relevant industry bodies in the coming months.
The Action Plan includes:
- Pilots of double arm lures and preferential box draws.
- A pilot of GWIC Veterinarians attending trials.
- Education for trainers in relation to injury prevention and treatment.
- New procedure of clearance to return to racing following long layoff due to injury; and
- Research into other race injury causations.
Download the Race Injury Reduction Action Plan.
Download the Guidelines for Preferred Box Draws.
Pilot - GWIC OTV's at Trials
From 1 May 2023, GWIC launched its pilot having a GWIC Veterinarian and Steward onsite at trials held at Richmond and Wentworth Park.
At the Race Injury Reduction Summit held in February 2023, data was presented suggesting some serious injuries that occur at trials are attributable to a greyhound having a pre-existing injury, and that greyhounds with pre-existing injuries may have an increased chance of further injury. It was decided a pilot may identify whether the attendance of a GWIC Veterinarian at trials could address this cause.
The GWIC Veterinarian would;
- vet dogs injured during trialling, and
- assess greyhounds and provide health and welfare advice to trainers.
A Steward would also attend to assist participants with eTracking check-ins. The pilot would run for 12 months from 1 May 2023, and if successful, may be rolled-out across the State.
Frequently asked questions
Race Injury Reduction Action Plan
Race Injury Reduction Action Plan FAQs
Double Arm Lure
Preferred Box Draws