Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club is set to become the latest addition to Sky Racing after confirmation it would be added to the national broadcast schedule next month.
Racing Queensland says hot on the heels of the recent Capalaba conversion from non-TAB to TAB, Bundaberg will do likewise and has been allocated a Monday afternoon timeslot on Sky Racing from 13 May.
Bundaberg’s long-coveted desire for national coverage has become a reality over the past month with the installation of DVN technology to support Sky Racing’s broadcast requirements.
Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed Bundaberg’s conversion from a non-TAB to TAB club.
“Bundaberg’s conversion to a TAB club aligns with the State Government’s vision of creating a more commercially focused racing industry,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“This is great news for racing in Bundaberg, with the real potential to deliver increased sustainability and greater industry returns.”
Prize money increased
Prize money will be increased at Bundaberg in line with the $3.5 million funding package announced by Racing Queensland for the greyhound code late last year. This includes:
- Total prize money of $1575 for Maiden/Graded Races 460m (1st $1050, 2nd $300, 3rd $150, 4th $75).
- Total prize money of $1840 for Open/Finals 460m (1st $1225, 2nd $350, 3rd $175, 4th $90).
- Total prize money of $2100 for Maiden/Graded Races 550m (1st $1400, 2nd $400, 3rd $200, 4th $100).
- Total prize money of $2365 for Open/Finals 550m (1st $1575, 2nd $450, 3rd $225, 4th $115).
Tabcorp Executive General Manager – Media and International, Darren Pearce, said his organisation was equally excited to be adding Bundaberg to the national broadcast schedule.
“Greyhound racing continues to thrive across Queensland,” Mr Pearce said.
“Just as we look forward to showcasing Bundaberg on Sky Racing, I’m sure this new and exciting racing product will be warmly received by our TAB punters in much the same vein as Capalaba.”
Over the coming weeks, a range of works including testing will be conducted by Sky Racing ahead of the inaugural broadcast.
Racing Queensland Chief Operations Officer Adam Wallish said the announcement had been a long time coming but would be warmly received by participants and punters alike.
Watershed moment for greyhound racing
“This is a watershed moment for the greyhound code in Bundaberg and Queensland,” Mr Wallish said.
“The conversion from non-TAB to TAB will provide a wide-range of benefits including increased prize money for participants, enhanced revenue opportunities for the club and greater wagering returns back to the industry.
“We’re grateful for the ongoing support of Tabcorp and Sky Racing to turn this desire into a reality.”
Having successfully hosted last month’s Bundaberg Cup, club president David Plummer said the announcement was an historic moment.
To mark the occasion, the first TAB meeting will include two feature events. They are:
- A ‘Best 8’ over 460m: total prizemoney $5250 (1st $3500)
- A ‘Free For All’ over 550m: total prizemoney $5250 (1st $3500)
“The elevation to TAB is exactly the boost our club and Central Queensland greyhound racing participants needed,” Mr Plummer said.
“And I am sure it will stimulate further growth in participation and greyhound numbers and cement our region as a major player in the wider industry.
“I thank RQ for the commitment and dedication demonstrated in taking Bundaberg to TAB status and I extend my appreciation to the Sky Racing team for their help and support.”
The Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club hosts greyhound racing most Saturdays. A bar, food, TAB and a local bookmaker are on site.
It's a family-friendly environment and can cater for groups of any size. Gates open at 11am and the first race begins at 1.30pm.
The greyhound racing track is located in the racecourse complex at 20 Maynard Street, Bundaberg.
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