Stefan Bradley
THE Great Chase Community Day Wednesday last week brought more than 100 people with smiling faces to the Sale Greyhound Racing Club for amazing weather, racing, and a free delicious barbecue.
Eight local community organisations participated in the great day out: Yooralla Acacia Court (Sale), Opal Health Care (Sale), Ashleigh House (Sale), Ohana Services (Sale), Yooralla Topping Street (Sale), Mirridong Services (Yarram), Laurina Lodge – Heyfield Hospital and George Gray Centre (Maffra).
The event has been running since 2003.
Greyhound Racing Victoria regional promotions lead Brad Williams said over that period, more than $750,000 has been donated by GRV to local community organisations across the state.
“Pretty much all clubs across the state do the Great Chase, bar a couple,” Mr Williams said.
“The community groups really love coming out and seeing the dogs. They really love being a part of the community.
“It’s just a fun day, hence why everyone comes along. We’ve had more interest this year than ever before.
“We’ve had strong numbers at all the clubs we’ve done this at so far.”
It will all culminate in a race on a final community day at The Meadows in Melbourne on October 16.
Sale Greyhound Racing Club general manager Peter Johnston said the participants were very enthusiastic while watching the races and enjoyed the opportunity to pet the greyhounds.
“And we’ve got entertainment with clowns and music as well,” he said.
There were 12 races on the day, and the Great Chase groups competed for points over races three to six.
Just prior to those races, the groups picked a ball from a bucket with a number of it, with the number corresponding to the dog that they will support in the race for points, based on their ranking. After they tallied up the points, Opal Health Care emerged as the winner, earning $1000 in prize money for the organisation.
“Everyone who attended had such a great time and are really looking forward to next year already. Both GRV and Sale Greyhound Racing Club were rapt with the support shown by the groups and the future of this fantastic community initiative looks bright,” Mr Williams said.
GRV chief executive Stuart Laing said the Great Chase concept was a great way for greyhound racing clubs to engage with their communities.
“The Great Chase has been running since 2003 and the initiative has seen Greyhound Racing Victoria and our clubs give about $800,000 to Victoria’s disability sector over those 21 years,” Mr Laing said.
“The community days are a special part of the concept, providing a great opportunity for our local greyhound racing clubs, like the Sale Greyhound Racing Club, to give back to their communities and put on a free lunch and a day out for Gippsland’s disability sector.”
Results: 1st Opal Health Care $1000; 2nd Laurina Lodge $700; 3rd Ohana Services $400; equal 4th Yooralla Acacia Court and Mirridong Services $250 each; equal 5th: Yooralla Topping St and George Gray Centre $100 each; 6th Asheleigh House $100.
