By Ben Pritchard

Wangaratta’s Rangeview Nursing Home collected a top prize of $10,000 at the 2019 TAB Great Chase Grand Final and, 12 months on, they’re hoping for a similar payday this Wednesday.

While crowds currently aren’t allowed on course because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 22 groups which attended last year’s Great Chase Grand Final are in the running to draw a greyhound in Wednesday’s finale, which will be run at 5.24pm.

The draw will take place at around 5.15pm on Wednesday via a private zoom link for all 22 groups, who will be greeted by GRV Chair Peita Duncan, CEO Alan Clayton and TAB General Manager Wagering, Trevor Parkes.

The eight groups selected are sure to be cheering frantically for their greyhounds from afar, with the organisation matched to the Grand Final winner to receive $10,000, while the other seven groups will collect $2,000 each, equating to $24,000 in cash giveaways.

The Great Chase traditionally involves groups that care for the intellectually and physically disabled attending their local racetrack for a free day at the races, where they are randomly partnered with greyhounds competing on the day for the chance to win prize money.

As a result, residents at Rangeview Nursing Home won $700 last year at Shepparton, which they put towards their trip to the Great Chase Grand Final at The Meadows in Melbourne, where they were ultimately matched to star greyhound Simon Told Helen who went on to win the Grand Final, earning them $10,000.

“We couldn’t believe it, it was a great way to top off to a fantastic day out,” recalled Sandi Beel, a carer at Rangeview Nursing Home.

“We created a survey for all the residents to provide suggestions on how we would spend the money, and so far we have purchased a digital piano, eight sets of specialised exercise pedals, a memorial wall and fountain for residents who have passed away, and we have updated our outdoor furniture.”

Should Rangeview Nursing Home be drawn a greyhound again in this year’s Grand Final – they will receive a minimum $2,000 – and the money would once again be welcomely received.

“We are aiming towards getting a virtual screen for our dementia residents that can assist with their therapy,” Sandi said.

While they can’t be at the track this year, Rangeview Nursing Home will be decked out with balloons and finger food on Wednesday to ensure residents are enjoying the spirit of the Great Chase, an event which has seen almost $650,000 donated to Victoria’s disability sector since it was first run in 2003.

Community groups to share in $24,000

Group 3 TAB Great Chase Grand Final
Wednesday 21 October, 5.24pm
The Meadows (525 metres)
1 EQUALIZER (Jason Thompson, Pearcedale)
2 JEPARA (Angela Langton, Anakie)
3 CARRY ON MAXWELL (Tim Britton, Lara)
4 SOVEREIGN WIND (Des Douch, Maffra)
5 DR. TUCKER (William McMahon, Darriman)
6 EARN THE ANSWERS (Lyn Smith, Nambrok)
7 MEPUNGA SPARKLE (Samantha Hooke, Bushfield)
8 PAINT PEELER (Jason Whybrow, Wangaratta)
Reserves
9 ALAMOSA BILL (Glenn Rounds, Devon Meadows)
10 CAPTAIN DYNAMITE (Kelvyn Greenough, Pearcedale)

How to follow Wednesday’s TAB Great Chase Grand Final:

• Watch LIVE and FREE on The Watchdog app or on Sky Racing.
• Tune into Midweek Meadows on SEN TRACK (1593 AM) from 4-6pm.
• RSN Racing and Sport (927 AM).
• Live Twitter coverage with ‘Watchdog Racing’ and ‘The Meadows Dogs’.