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From a punter’s club to greyhound 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.
Recent reports of diseases in dogs in Victoria
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
Chef Steve Rivers with Elisa Mineo (from Reaching Out Before We Can) and daughter Sierra at Sandown, with meals ready for distribution (note photo taken prior to mask requirement).
Community meals reaches 10,000 milestone
Sandown Greyhounds’ partnership with local charities Reaching Out Because We Can and Servants Of The Two Hearts reached a significant milestone this month with the 10,000th meal donated to the local community. The relationship between the charity groups and Sandown Greyhounds began during the second lockdown of 2020. Rather than disposing of stored food, the club reached out to the City of Greater Dandenong and was directed to the two charities who help distribute meals and other items to members of the community in need. “We are so privileged to be partners with Sandown Greyhounds. Thousands of meals are cooked by them that we personally deliver to our friends out there - we call them our friends because to us, they are,” said Elisa Mineo of Reaching Out Before We Can. “Working together with Sandown Greyhounds has given many people that meal they would never have had.” The charities’ outreach program covers Springvale, Noble Park and Dandenong, providing community lunches, dinners, delivery of food parcels, toiletries, clothing, blankets, doonas, sleeping bags, filling homes with furniture, white goods and much more.
“We help people from all walks of life. No discrimination regardless of culture, nationality, age or gender. We don’t look at a person for the situation they are in at the present, we see a human being that needs us and we are there with open arms,” said Sister Margaret Mary of Servants Of The Two Hearts.
The groups are planning a fundraising event in the coming months to raise money for their program. Sandown Greyhounds has donated the venue for the event and is keen to speak to anyone who is willing to contribute to the fundraiser.
Back-to-back McKenna Memorial champion Christo Bale has been retired.
BY JASON ADAMS
The popular 11-time group race finalist injured a back muscle at Warrnambool last night and given his age it brings down the curtain on what has been a tremendous career.
“He’s well over 3-years-old so it’d be difficult for him to come back at a level that we’re used to seeing him at,” said cotrainer Lisa Delbridge. He will now transition to the Delbridge family backyard and join some other well-known and beloved members of the team.
“He’ll still hang around with the race dogs for a month or so to wind down and then he’ll go into our backyard. He’ll join Penta Allen and Spring Hummer, as long as he behaves himself, which he should,” laughed Delbridge. She described Christo as one of a kind who conducts himself with class on and off the track.
“He’s quirky and he’s a gentleman. It’s the looks on his face, he’s just different to other dogs – it’s hard to describe. “At home he’s not an out-there dog, he’s a bit of an introvert. If he went to live with someone else, I’d be worried about him, not that anyone would treat him any differently, but he might fret because he’s been with us for so long.” Christo Bale has been one of the sport’s most admired sprinters throughout his career. While other greyhounds may have had higher profiles Christo Bale earned his share of fans with his brilliance, versatility and consistency. He won 29, placed in a further 22 and earned a tick under $300,000 in prize money. He competed in 11 group races and is the only greyhound to have won back-to-back McKenna Memorials.
“It’s been an exciting ride, but back-to-back McKennas is the highlight. He made so many group finals and always met a Simon Told Helen, Tiggerlong Tonk or Shima Shine but he’d give 110% every time he went around. “One of the biggest thrills was when he ran down Catch The Thief in Speed Star at The Meadows in sensational time. That was good.”
GREYHOUND WELFARE AND RE-HOMING REPORT
BY DR GAVIN GOBLE BVSC, GENERAL MANAGER, GREYHOUND WELFARE AND RE-HOMING
VACCINATIONS FOR GREYHOUNDS
The Code of Practice requires all greyhounds to have a current C5 vaccination. Please speak to your veterinarian about when your greyhounds are next due for a vaccination and ensure your Kennel Cough vaccine is up to date. Just a reminder that the vaccination requirements for acceptance into GAP are more specific, so please check with GRV if you are planning to get a vaccination for this purpose. These requirements are also on the GAP page of this magazine. In addition to recording your greyhound’s vaccinations in its Greyhound Record, please also provide GRV with copies of your vaccination certificates for GRV to upload into FastTrack so there is a permanent record. This is particularly important if you are considering, or are already, breeding from your greyhound. These vaccination certificates are required to keep the Pink Card active.
GRV’s NEW Desexing and Dental Scheme
GRV’s Desexing and Dental Scheme, where GRV will financially contribute to the veterinary costs, launched on 1 July 2021 has already received and approved nearly 100 applications.. The purpose of the scheme is to financially support participants to desex their greyhounds either after retirement as a pet to a registered participant (i.e. retained as a pet) or prior to rehoming (to a third party or a community rehoming group). It is important for the health of the greyhound that dental issues are dealt with while the greyhounds are already under anaesthetic for desexing. Eligibility criteria and all the relevant information are available at https://greyhoundcare.grv.org.au/rehoming/desexing-anddental-scheme.
In summary owners apply to GRV using the application form (or by phoning GRV if access is an issue) and GRV will issue a voucher to the veterinary clinic so they can invoice GRV directly. GRV will pay up to $500 (incl GST) for a female or cryptorchid male, and $400 for a male, with any costs over and above this payable by the owner. Both the desexing and dental treatment must be done.
FastTrack changes
GRV has recently made changes to FastTrack such that a greyhound’s high-level status on the Dog Details page shows the status as “Retired (Deceased)” where the greyhound died or was euthanased on or after 1 July 2021 (instead of just “Retired”). The changes are visible on the public-facing (non-login) website as well as the participant login portal and have not been applied for deaths and euthanasia prior to 1 July 2021. The changes do not affect any other functions in FastTrack.
Recent reports of diseases in dogs in Victoria
notify GRV of any suspect cases by emailing vets@grv.org.au or by phoning (03) 8329 1100. ACUTE HEPATOPATHY (LIVER DISEASE)
There has been a large cluster of cases (many fatal) of liver disease in Victorian dogs (including pet greyhounds), especially in Gippsland. While still under investigation, the cause has been found to be a toxin called indospicine which is found in many Indigofera plants, a lupin-type native plant. There appears to be a link to feeding contaminated raw pet meat. GRV has information available at https://www.grv.org. au/news/2021/07/22/primesafe-and-agriculture-victoriastatement-dog-liver-disease-cluster/ but the investigation is being conducted by PrimeSafe and Agriculture Victoria. If any greyhounds begin to show signs of poor appetite, vomiting, excessive thirst, or jaundice (yellowing of eyes and gums) participants need to seek veterinary treatment urgently and notify GRV as soon as possible. ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS (‘GASTRO’)
A cluster of cases of highly contagious gastro was reported in media recently centred around a dog park in Melbourne. Vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, poor appetite and lethargy were observed. Greyhound Racing New Zealand also confirmed infectious gastroenteritis (canine coronavirus) cases on two greyhound properties in late June. These cases are similar to the large gastro outbreak experienced by the industry in early 2020, and participants should ensure they undertake cleaning and disinfection routines to prevent a broadscale outbreak. Further information is available here:
being/preventing-and-managing-disease-throughhygiene-and-cleanliness/
NEOSPORA
Neospora is a parasite which is widespread in Victoria. Greyhounds usually get Neospora by eating raw meat or offal from livestock infected with the parasite. While most adult healthy dogs with the parasite are symptom free (asymptomatic), severe infections do happen in
young puppies and can be fatal, affecting an entire litter. Symptoms in puppies include hindlimb weakness, that can progress to complete paralysis, muscle wastage and rigid hyperextension of the hindlimbs (forelimb symptoms are less common). Nerve and muscle damage can develop later and affect a greyhound’s racing career. Adult dogs typically show neurologic signs, including seizures, head tilt, staggering gait, and partial or complete paralysis. Inflammation of muscles, pancreas, skin, liver and lungs can also occur. There is no vaccination for Neospora, however preventative measures include:
■ Always ensure water and food bowls are clean and not located near toileting areas. ■ Ensure kennels and yards are clean; faeces should always be removed as soon as possible. ■ Avoid feeding raw meats and cook meat thoroughly, as heat destroys Neospora. ■ Freezing meat is recommended, as freezing should destroy Neospora. ■ Avoid feeding placental tissue or aborted materials from livestock, or other raw offal. If you suspected that your greyhound is infected with Neospora, promptly contact your veterinarian. They can provide you with information about diagnosis, treatment, prevention and management options for the affected greyhound(s) and any other dogs on your property. For more information visit the Care and Standards website.
GRV has some resources on feeding premium kibble diets to support participants wishing to move away from raw meat diets https://greyhoundcare.grv.org.au/health-and-well-being/ feeding-medication-supplement-guidelines/#kibble.
Dental Health and Your Greyhound
It is oral health month for dogs! Routine dental care throughout a greyhound’s life is a vital part of ensuring their health and welfare. Poor dental and oral health are the number one medical issue in greyhounds and affects the bones, gum tissue and surrounding structures that hold the teeth in place. Poor dental and oral health causes pain, but if severe enough, can affect a greyhound’s racing performance. It can also lead to significant costs for you in addressing significant dental issues on retirement where a simple clean and scale undertaken by a veterinarian is no longer sufficient. ■ Lips and jowls should be equal with no signs of thickening or swelling. The skin should be clean. ■ Gums and the mouth lining should be pink with no signs of redness or swelling. Some dogs will show areas of darker spots which can be normal.
The surface of the gums and mouth lining should be moist and glistening. ■ Teeth should be white with minimal or no tartar accumulation and the gum-tooth margins should not be reddened, thickened or inflamed. ■ No bad breath.
SIGNS OF BAD ORAL HEALTH
Early signs: ■ Tooth discolouration ■ Appearance of mild dental tartar or plaque on teeth ■ Bad breath ■ Mildly red or swollen gums More developed signs: ■ Tooth wear or crown fractures ■ Tartar or plaque build up ■ Rotten teeth ■ Gum redness or receding gums ■ Sores in mouth ■ Blood in mouth ■ Drooling excessively
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
There are many things you can do to avoid significant dental issues later in life.
It is recommended that as part of your annual health check and vaccination (mandatory under the Code of Practice for the Keeping of Racing Greyhounds) you ask your veterinarian to check your greyhound’s teeth and undertake any necessary dental treatment/implement any oral health management recommended. It is also recommended that you provide: ■ greyhounds with raw bones to help them clean their teeth naturally ■ dental chews
■ dry dental kibble (not moistened) ■ chew toys ■ oral rinses, gels and toothbrushing To find out more on oral health in greyhounds, please visit: https://greyhoundcare.grv.org.au/health-and-well-being/ preventative-health-care/#DentalHealth and the Oral Health Fact Sheet (https://fasttrack.blob.core.windows. net/fasttrackpublic/stewardsHearing/2020/oral health faqsd4f35f8b-cafa-4828-8289-bba80fece09d.pdf).
