Following on from Victorian greyhound racing’s new prize money increase on November 15, there is further good news for participants, with GRV’s new VICGREYS support package now in full swing.

The VICGREYS program focusses on supporting and rewarding sustainable and successful breeding in Victoria, by allocating up to $1.4m in annual VICGREYS payments over 1900 selected Victorian races for owners and breeders of Vic Bred greyhounds.

Vic Bred greyhounds of all ages will be eligible for the VICGREYS program immediately with no nomination fees payable to be eligible and no restrictions applicable on the location of the owner or breeder of the greyhound.

Not all Victorian races carry the VICGREYS bonus, from the 1900 selected races for owners and breeders of Vic Bred greyhounds 24 will be held on the Metro circuit, 624 Provincial, two Super Metro and 11 Super Provincial (please see table below).

In the Greyhound Monthly’s racing calendar and on Fasttrack, VICGREYS races will be labelled (VICGREYS).

All standard Metro races carry a $500 VICGREYS bonus and are open to all greyhounds. In the instance a non-Vic Bred greyhound wins, the highest placed second or third Vic Bred greyhound receives $250.

Greyhound Racing Victoria CEO Alan Clayton said the changes to the new breeding support package were indicative of GRV’s focus on ensuring a strong and sustainable industry for many years to come.

“These changes mean there has never been a more lucrative time to be involved in Victorian greyhound racing. The industry is headed in the right direction as shown in our recent Annual Report.”

“The package is designed to acknowledge breeding excellence, and this is for both large and small breeders.”

Eligible greyhounds will receive up to a $500 bonus for every full stakes metropolitan race, which commenced with The Meadows on Saturday December 2. VICGREYS Advertised Events will be scheduled around the state from December 19th.

50 per cent of the bonus applicable to the winning greyhound will be paid to the breeder, and the other 50 per cent will be paid to the owner. The Trainer does not receive a share of the bonus money.