For the the first time in its history, Gunnedah Greyhound Racing Club has been allocated a permanent TAB roster.
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Club president Geoff Rose said they will host 13 TAB meetings during the 2017-18 racing calendar, as well as their existing 15 non-TAB meets.
“It’s the first time we’ve had TAB racing here on a permanent basis,” Rose said.
The TAB coverage is expected to generate a minimum $130,000 in extra prizemoney at the Gunnedah track and reduce lengthy travelling distances.
“At the moment, the closest TAB tracks are Grafton, Dubbo and Maitland,” he said.
“It’s saving people 200km in travel.”
He thought the televised meetings also enhanced the region’s presence in Australia and beyond.
“It exposes the north west around the world where people will be watching our greyhound races.”
The lucrative deal sweetened a long-running campaign by Rose and his Gunnedah staff to attract more racing to the region.
“We have been applying for years,” he said.
“It’s a little bit of justice.
“It’s been a lot of hard work but shows if you have a passion for something, you can achieve it.”
The next goal is to secure TAB racing in Gunnedah every week of the year, which would offer significant financial rewards.
“Within 3-4 years we’re hoping to have 52 meets,” he said.
“That would bring in $900,000 to a million in prizemoney.”
Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) announced earlier this week that Gunnedah was the successful tender to stage the New England region’s 13 assigned TAB meetings. The race meetings will be held on Sundays.
A GRNSW statement said the allocation was based on Gunnedah’s commitment to upgrade its racing, kennel block and veterinary facilities.
News of the TAB boost had a warm reception on social media.
“Congrats well deserved, that track is a testament to the hard work you all put in too it,” one club supporter said.
Another posted: “Great news, the savings in vehicle running and replacement costs for us will be substantial, not to mention the human and animal welfare. A welcome injection to this area and a great track to boot.”
