Sport
Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club celebrates community inclusion as part of statewide series of meets
Another series of Shepparton greyhound racing events is in the books following a successful week of action.
Last Thursday saw the Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club play host to one stop of Greyhound Racing Victoria’s Great Chase community series.
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Coconut Oakland tears up the track during race seven. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 16
Arandt About speeds down the straight en route to winning race eight. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 16
There was plenty of crowd interest in the community race event. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 16
Demoness breaks clear of the pack during race seven. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 16
Connect GV's Julie Oldfield, Karen Parr and Rosemary Glover were the day's biggest winners. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 16
Some fast and furious action on the track during race seven. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 16
Demoness continues her breakaway during race seven. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 16
The field takes shape during race eight. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 16
Shepparton Access' Danika Andranico, Lucy Sullivan and Chevy Edwards took home a second-place prize. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 16
The competitors in full flight during race eight. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 16
Connect GV's Julie Oldfield, Rosemary Glover. and Gabby Poustie (seated) enjoy the festivities. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 12 of 16
The field evens up during race eight. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 13 of 16
All smiles for Shepparton Access' Geoff Morris, Chris Baldi and Nathanael Jessup. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 14 of 16
Connect GV's Brendon Showel is enjoying himself by the track. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 15 of 16
Connect GV's Sam Cook, Isaiah Briggs, Wayne McPoyle and Rosemary Glover take home the winning cheque. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 16 of 16
Plenty of excitement involving Connect GV's Ben Sissions, Sam Cook and Isaiah Briggs. Photo by Rechelle ZammitThe Great Chase, which has been in operation for over two decades, prioritises community initiatives for local organisations, with five Goulburn Valley-based groups walking away from the meeting with various grants.
The action on the track was as fast and frenetic as one would expect, with additional meetings on Saturday and Monday.
The primary focus laid in the community outreach aspect, however, according to Greyhound Racing Victoria regional promotions lead Brad Williams.
“The Shepparton event went really, really well,” Williams said.
“More than $750,000 has been donated since 2003 to local community groups through the Great Chase, primarily disability groups.
“It’s really great to connect the groups together on a wonderful day out where they enjoy themselves thoroughly. They all turn up and have a great time, so it’s a real coming together of the community.”
The groups all competed for points between races five and eight on Thursday night, with Connect GV ultimately taking home the top prize totalling $1200.
Riding for the Disabled Shepparton claimed second and an $800 grant while Vivid out of Echuca and Kyabram nabbed $500 in third.
Nobody walked away empty-handed, however, with Shepparton Access and Scope Benalla each rewarded to the tune of $250.
“They all walk away with a very happy heart after being there for the day. They just love it,” Williams said.
“That was the second in our series across the state with towns like Sale, Warragul, Bendigo and Ballarat to come before the last of the community days at The Meadows on October 16.
“We look forward to doing it again next year and GRV loves to support these community organisations.”
Two-year-old racers took out honours in three of the four races on which points were at stake for those groups.
With $1950 on the line for each winning runner on the day, outsider Paw Quail saluted in race five before Red Shiraz took out race six from third-favourite status.
Clear favourite Demoness got the job done in race seven with the fastest time of any 450m runner that afternoon in a blistering 25.41 seconds, before three-year-old $9 starter Arandt About provided another boilover in race eight.