Recent reports of From a punter’s club to greyhound diseases in dogs in Victoria success BY TONY HOMFRAY
New GRV Board member, Daniel Nugent’s first introduction to the greyhound industry was through the winnings from a punter’s club. Having experienced a very rare win, he and a few mates decided to do something substantial . . . like buying a greyhound. Then came the hard part. Daniel admits that none of them knew anything about the industry and the journey was just beginning . . . from buying a pup, locating a rearer, finding a trainer, and ultimately racing the dog. “It was definitely a learning experience, with our future retirement fund even living with a friend for a few weeks in a Fitzroy flat eating Pal – hardly the best preparation for a racing dog,” Daniel said. After plenty of twists and turns, Mr. Nigel finally made it to the racetrack. He won on debut with about 15 members from the syndicate cheering him home up the Warragul straight, and would go onto win 12 races, including a couple in the city. Daniel and his mates were hooked. Daniel was working at KPMG at the time, and plenty of colleagues started asking questions about getting and racing a greyhound and out of it all he saw the opportunity to set up a syndication business. So, in 2010, he and three mates started a syndication service, The Golden Paw, which ultimately became so successful that it was interfering with their day jobs, so it was wound up a few years ago. But for Daniel it was an eye opener into the potential for greyhound syndication, and it was through his personal involvement that he became a member of the GRV industry consultative group subcommittee. Daniel combines that experience with extensive transactional and corporate development experience at both KPMG and EnergyAustralia, where he currently heads the Portfolio Development team, which is responsible for delivering the energy transition at one of Australia’s largest energy companies. Daniel sees his Board position as an opportunity to work with GRV on key commercial priorities and unlock the potential for greyhound racing syndication in Victoria. “Syndication in greyhound industry has such incredible potential, with low entry costs for new participants . . . but to be successful, it is important to open up access to the best breeders, breakers, trainers and owners to provide an endto-end delivery model for syndicates,” he said. Daniel expects that his Board focus will be on the commercial and marketing areas to assist in growing the sport in a sustainable manner, for the benefit of all participants.
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GRV advises participants of recent reports of different diseases amongst pet dogs in Victoria, and to notify GRV of any suspect cases via vets@grv.org.au or (03) 8329 1100.
Acute hepatopathy (liver disease) cases in dogs: A cluster of cases of acute hepatopathy in Victorian dogs (particularly in Gippsland) that were fed pet meat were recently identified. While GRV is unaware of any racing greyhounds being affected, several pet greyhounds have been in the 21 dogs that have died so far. While it still being investigated, the meat has been shown to be contaminated with a plant toxin called Indospicine. Dogs that have eaten pet meat and have acute onset of vomiting, inappetence, excessive thirst, or jaundice should be referred to a veterinarian as soon as possible and GRV notified. It is critical that any dog with an acute hepatopathy receives intensive supportive care.
Acute gastroenteritis (gastro) cases in dogs: A cluster of cases of highly contagious gastroenteritis was reported in media over in July centred around a dog park in Melbourne. Acute onset of vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, inappetence and lethargy were observed. Greyhound Racing New Zealand also recently confirmed infectious gastroenteritis (canine enteric coronavirus or CECoV) cases on two greyhound properties in late June. These cases have similarities to the large gastro outbreak experienced by the industry in early 2020. As such, participants should ensure appropriate biosecurity precautions, and should signs develop, seek advice from their veterinarian as soon as possible and notify GRV. Further information is provided in this Infectious Gastroenteritis Fact Sheet https://tinyurl.com/448b3nrc
