It was a landmark day for Victorian greyhound racing yesterday with the implementation of a 6.9 per cent prize money increase.

The increases applied to 39 races across Wednesday’s four race meetings, totalling an extra $9,135 into the pockets of owners and trainers at an average increase of almost 14 per cent across those races.

This included a massive 42 per cent increase at Bendigo, where a half stakes meeting was held and equated to an extra $4,230 to participants.

“Participants seem to be really happy with the increase in races for lower class dogs, because it costs exactly the same to feed them as it does your better dogs, and you do just as much running around with them.”

Daisy Hill trainer Gary Hansen, who trained first starter to Blue Espearance to victory at Bendigo, said the prize money increases would make a noticeable difference.

“She (Blue Espearance) collected $825 for winning a maiden, where as previously it would have been only $500. That’s $400 for me and $400 for the owner which is great,” Hansen said.

“Participants seem to be really happy with the increase in races for lower class dogs, because it costs exactly the same to feed them as it does your better dogs, and you do just as much running around with them.”

Hansen said the prize money increases would encourage new people to get involved, and stay involved, in greyhound racing.

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