Facilities and racing changes


Following continued consultation with trainers and participants, the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club is proud to announce a range of changes to the club’s facilities and racing program.

 

Facilities and services

 

The club is committed to ensuring that racing, trialling, dining or simply spending a night out at Sandown Park with your friends is a positive and enjoyable experience. To this end, over the next six months Sandown will be working towards the following:

· Shorter race meetings for an earlier finish on Thursday nights during winter
· New track irrigation system and maintenance plan
· Cool down pool near the catching pen
· New procedures at the catching pen
· Escalator entrance to grandstand
· Shop with a full range of greyhound products, open during race meetings and trial sessions
· Free coffee and new food offerings for Sunday racing (implemented from July)
· Totally revamped entrance from Lightwood Road (limiting car travel in front of grandstand for patron safety)

 

2015 Launching Pad

 

For the 2015 Launching Pad, we will be offering $2000 entry forms that fully transferable up until just prior to close of nominations. A total of 64 forms will be available for purchase from 1 September until sold out (early bird special – the first 16 at $1800). Entry forms can be purchased by any registered person or Club in the industry. Owners, trainers, Clubs etc may purchase and either hold for personal use or transfer at an agreed market price. The Sandown Greyhound Racing Club will set up an eBay type market opportunity to buy or sell.

 

The final will be run on Easter Thursday (2 April 2015) and prize money for the final will be $200,000, consisting of $140,000 for first, $40,000 for second and $20,000 for third. The eight heats will be run at standard FFA prize money. Greyhounds entered must be 1 to 30 starts with 1 to 6 wins at close of nominations.

 

Furthermore Sandown has mapped out its own four year plan in regards to Group and Listed prize money that will see some exciting increases phased in over that period.

 

$600k Melbourne Cup – Friday 21 November 2014

 

In consultation with GRV, we have made the move to shift the 2014 Melbourne Cup to Friday.

There are a number of compelling reasons for the change including the ability to maximise wagering turnover and continue to grow the crowd with a non working day the next day. The Cup will also be run approximately 30 minutes earlier at around 9.30pm, again with turnover and customer interest in mind.

The Friday Melbourne Cup is on a one year trial basis.

Additionally, the club has increased the prize money for the race to $600,000 (1st – $420,000, 2nd – $120,000, 3rd – $60,000).

 

The club is always keen to hear participant feedback. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Mick Floyd, Racing and Media Manager at mfloyd@grv.org.au.