News

There is currently concern among participants, and in some cases unnecessary alarm, with the current outbreak of canine gastroenteritis in Victoria.

What we know from our members’ own experience

This is not new.  It is the same or similar to gastro outbreaks that occur almost every year.  It is NOT related to the human outbreak of Covid 19.  The dog virus is not contagious to humans.

This virus affected greyhounds in WA around Christmas time and soon after in Queensland & NSW.  It is now surfacing in Victoria.

The experience of trainers affected in WA, QLD and now in Victoria is that  the majority of dogs are back to normal, in terms of no longer having evident symptoms, in 24 to 48 hours.

Importantly, all dogs in a kennel don’t get it at the same time. This means larger kennels may have it among their dog population for a number of weeks.

Symptoms  

Usually lethargic, don’t want to get off their bed, not interested in their meal or eat slowly, often vomiting up any food they have just eaten. Diarrhoea.

Usually they will run a temperature. This is often followed by scours.

GOTBA member experience advice based on previous outbreaks

No exercise, let the dog rest in clean, warm, stress free environment. Give very small meals more often rather than one normal meal.

Arofac 200 powder appears to be successful in avoiding or slowing the scours. Suggest it be given in each of the small meals once symptoms appear.  Have regard to any veterinary advice you may obtain.

Spray kennels with F10 Veterinary disinfectant.  Best put into spray bottle and applied to kennel area and bedding.

Clean and disinfect soiled kennels and bedding thoroughly.

Clean all faeces from kennels and yards after every let out. It has been reported to us that nose to faeces contact rather than from dog to dog contact is the main cause of the virus spreading.

Take temperature of any dogs suspected of coming down with gastro.

Isolate infected dogs if possible (and participants should actively apply their Code of Practice EHMP isolation protocols in this regard).

If a dog does not show signs of recovery within 2 -3 days, seek veterinary advice.

Racing and Trialling

According to members, a large majority of the dogs that come down with the virus will show the signs in the day or few days after attending trials or races (or completing other high impact exercise).

Even though most dogs will recover within 24 to 48 hours of first symptom, they should be given 10 days off racing or trialling after those symptoms have gone and the greyhound seems fully recovered.  This is both prudent health care for the individual greyhound and for the wider population.

Keeping a keen eye on your dogs and good kennel management, including isolation, can allow you to race fit and healthy dogs and care for those with, or who are recovering from it.

Take the temperature of dogs prior to leaving home to race or trial.  Remember that taking the temperature at the track often provides false high readings. 

Use your own ‘disinfected’ lure arm while trialling or only pen trials.

Avoid placing dogs into the holding pens outside catching pens.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, if in any doubt, leave your dog home - don’t race or trial – and consider seeking veterinary advice.

Other resources: GRV

Participants should note that GRV also has a number of resources available with more information on the virus and on actions to take or consider taking – see https://greyhoundcare.grv.org.au/ccv/

AND ANOTHER THING – avoidance of panic and respect in dealing with others

It is critically important that all participants avoid panic, remain civil towards one another and respect the efforts of those working in and regulating the sport in managing the current canine gastroenteritis outbreak.    Industry participants and GRV as regulator are taking prudent, nimble action for the benefit of individual greyhounds and the sport generally, including people who rely on it. 

Always treat participants and GRV personnel striving to respond in sometimes difficult circumstances with respect: by all means be constructive with input, but avoid actions that are intemperate, particularly any abuse – they only put barriers in the way of achieving the efficient, best outcomes.

 

THE COMMITTEE

Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association of Victoria Inc

All

GOTBA Vic has today updated some of the materials available on its website relating to the Code of Practice. The Code commences on 1 Jan 2020.

In particular, an example, largely complete EHMP (capable of being completed by participants for whom it is suitable) is available. This includes changes in certain areas of the GRV proforma EHMP material.

Also available are example individual EHMP protocols on topics such as retirement and rehoming, hygiene, risk assessment (among others).

The examples page is at Code of Practice: EXAMPLE EHMP and Protocols - a member only section of the site.  This should be viewed with materials available at Code of Practice - Additional member resources

Members unable to access this material and who wish to should get in touch by phone or email.

GOTBA Vic Committee

Nov 2019

The Greyhound Owners Trainers Breeders Association of Victoria Inc will hold its annual general meeting at Sandown Greyhound Racing Club from 6pm on Sunday 10 November 2019.

Meeting matters will include presentation of the president’s report, financial report, elections, and a presentation of example EHMPs for the upcoming Code commencement.

Attached is the AGM notice - 2019 AGM Notice.pdf - registration from 5.45pm.

Attached is a committee nomination form - GOTBA Committee Nomination Form 1.pdf.  Completed forms must be received by the secretary 14 days prior to the meeting.

GOTBA Committee

The Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association of Victoria Inc congratulates Ray Bartolo on his appointment today to the GRV Board. Ray is an excellent appointment and we wish him well.

WE are the reason this appointment occurred.  GOTBA Vic lobbied hard for the appointment of a current, ongoing participant to GRV’s board. There was resistance.  Earlier this year, we met with the Minister and the head of the Office of Racing and presented the case for why having active participants on GRV’s Board - something specifically allowed in the Racing Act - was necessary and well overdue to promote GRV decision making that gave more thought to participants.  We then provided a list of potential candidates.  We followed up. We followed up again. 

To the Minister’s great credit, he listened and acted decisively to make the appointment.

One of GOTBA Vic’s 3 focus areas this year was enhancing the participant voice in the making of decisions that affect participants. This is an example of us working effectively for all.

GOTBA Vic Committee

GOTBA Vic now has a Member only page on its website with additional resources to assist members to be ready for Code of Practice commencement on 1 Jan 2020.

Resources include:  

• A summary of what to do before 1 Jan 2020 if you keep non-retired greyhounds to assist you in being Code compliant;
• Tips and possible amendments to consider making to GRV’s Establishment Health Management Plan proforma;
• A Code-adapted Vet Agreement that you could consider using;
• Individual Greyhound Record proforma; and
• Establishment Record proforma.

We encourage members to visit the page. It contains important information, including explanation of some of our material.

The page is called ‘Code of Practice: Additional Member Resources’ and is located within the  ‘Members’ section - a link: Members.

Tip: You will need to log in to access the material.

You should regularly visit in the lead-up to 1 Jan 2020: we will be updating and adding material to the page.  If you have suggestions for additions that may help you, please let us know.

Members who are unable to access the log-in only section should get in contact with us. 

GOTBA Vic Committee

August 2019

The Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association of Victoria Inc has filed a submission with Greyhound Racing Victoria on its Traralgon track design consultation.

It is here - GOTBA Vic - Traralgon consultation - Submission final.pdf  The submission relies on consideration of information and feedback from a variety of sources.  If you have the opportunity to, read it in full.

A short summary of the submission:

GRV has consulted on 2 track design options, excluding a 2 bend track.

Of the options given, GOTBA Vic expresses a preference for the ‘U track’. It is more functional from the perspective of a greyhound racing participant. In the submission, we note some racing matters that will need to be monitored if a one bend design is ultimately implemented.

GRV’s consultation says nothing about track base, drainage and surface. This was a, possibly the, major issue with the previous track – the Traralgon complex was redeveloped at a total cost of $6m to GRV’s budget in 2014/15. Much of that expenditure was wasted. Such waste cannot recur.

Development of any preferred design must settle on a carefully considered base, drainage and surface design solution, including “best for purpose” sand type before tendering, to avoid repeating past mistakes and impacts for the greyhound.

Finally, as a matter of fairness to participants, GRV should also, after considering submissions by us and others, summarise key feedback items, and publish a summary of GRV’s consideration of them, to close the consultation loop.

GOTBA Vic Committee

July 2019

GRV has sought feedback on two new Traralgon track design proposals – a J-shaped track and a U-shaped track, each one turn, see https://www.grv.org.au/feedback-traralgon-track-designs/.   Feedback period ends 12 July 2019.

We are considering the consultation version material.  GOTBA Vic has, on various committees, seen that each of GRV and the Traralgon club has carried out a significant amount of work to date for a new Traralgon track.   GOTBA Vic and its members identified severe issues with the old (well, 2014) Traralgon track (eg early 2018 member survey):  properly considered investment by GRV in safe racing and track infrastructure is an unequivocal benefit for the sport. 

GRV and the Traralgon club's preparatory work is to be commended.  Any repeat of the most recent rebuild must, however, be avoided at all costs.

Both new designs would result in very different racing to any current Victorian track, for the dogs and visually for participants and punters.  The racetrack experience will not be the same.  Participants should consider potential issues they may see.  You may see things that may not have been considered and that might make a difference.

Some things to think about:

·         J track:  this has a 300m straight track within it, and 400m/500m starts that use the ‘J’ bend.  It does however have 2 different catching pens (one for 300m straight run, one at the end of the ‘J’ for the 400/500).  Do you think that this creates a potential issue (ie could greyhounds ‘switch’ from one to the other safely)? If it does, what might be done to address the risk?)

·         U track:  350m, 420m and 500m starts.  No straight track distance.  Single catching pen for all distances.  A 350m one turn run is unusual in Victoria (though not unheard of – 347m old Geelong for eg).  The next distance up - 420m is close (though 390m to 450m is common).  Comparing the distances for the ‘U track’ and ‘J track’, which set would you prefer to race on with your dogs? Why?

·         Of the J or U track – which would you prefer to trial on?  Which would you prefer (if any) to educate or pre-train on? Why?

·         No 2 turn track option:  a 2 turn track would likely have had to use the exact same shape as previously, but be entirely rebuilt too (ie surface, drainage etc).  Data suggests that 2 turn tracks can struggle to produce better safety outcomes than one bend tracks, particularly if there are issues with the surface.   A one-bend track is seen as a safety matter.

There are other important matters for a new track that impact on safety, including sand/surface profiles etc.   Surface and track profile was a huge issue at the old Traralgon track.  GOTBA Vic continues to follow up on this across all Victorian tracks. Also, costing for the proposed designs has not been released.  We will follow these up separately.

But on the design proposals, let us know what you think, including by email at gotbav@gmail.com

GOTBA Vic recently surveyed participants about grading of Level 3 races in Victoria.  Aged Prize Money (APM) Level 3 grading is very clearly not supported. It results in greyhounds being denied opportunities to race, reduced viability and premature retirements.  Revision of Level 3 grading needs to occur. Participants expressed views on alternatives.

These are the high level survey results from almost 100 participants asked a range of questions about Level 3 grading before and after use of Aged Prize Money as an exclusive grading method.

Key survey findings, summarised:

• Exclusive APM Level 3 grading is not supported - 63% of respondents rate it poor or very poor.

• Before full APM 65% of respondents said their Level 3 greyhounds averaged 3 or more starts per month.

• After full APM, 70% of respondents said their Level 3 greyhounds averaged 2 or less starts per month.

• Nearly 60% of participants have retired or moved on dogs since full Level 3 APM.  70% of respondents say that since full APM Level 3 grading, their Lvl 3 greyhounds have not had the opportunity to race at a level that gives them a fair chance of earning prize money.

• Participants support the reintroduction of grading at Level 3 based on holding Ranking meetings and Tier 3 meetings and including options for ranking races to be programmed within other meetings.

A slideshow of the results - see GOTBA Grading Survey - results.mp4

These results show that participants want strong consideration of a return to earlier forms of Level 3 grading to best cater for needs of participants and to assist retention in the racing program.

The results will inform our actions going forward.

GOTBA Vic Committee

May 2019

Increases in costs and stagnant returns are endangering participation in Victorian greyhound racing.  Those are the clear messages of GOTBA Vic's 2019 costs and future participation survey of more than 100 Victorian greyhound racing participants.

Key survey findings, summarised:

• Average cost of keeping young or breeding greyhounds per week: about $72;
• Average cost of keeping greyhounds in training per week: about $76;
• However 1/3rd respondents put weekly costs of keeping greyhounds at $90 pw or more;
• 94% of respondents say keeping greyhounds is more expensive now than in 2017;
• Most respondents say costs of keeping greyhounds have increased by at least 15% in the last 2 years;
• 50% of respondents indicated an intention to participate less in 2020 and beyond than they do now.  Reasons: rules and regulation, Code and costs/prizemoney.

For a presentation of the results in PDF, see Member Cost Survey 2019 - Results - pdf.pdf

A slideshow of the results - see Member Cost Survey 2019 - video.mp4

These results show that serious attention needs to be paid, now, by GRV to addressing costs pressures.  When combined with our 2018 report on GRV's own financials from a participant perspective - 2018 Report  - it shows much must be done.  Soon.

The results will inform our actions going forward.

GOTBA Vic Committee

May 2019

GOTBA Vic's 2019 Supanite is coming up soon, on Wednesday 24 April (night meeting) at Sandown.  A night for members and sponsors to meet, discuss and catch up on issues in what has been a busy time in greyhound racing.

The committee would love to see you there.  Here's the flyer - GOTBA SupaNite Flyer 2019.doc

Book a dining package through Sandown to attend and we'll see you there!

Cost - Buffet: Adult $40, kids 6-14yrs $15, 15-17 $25.  Buffet with drinks package included $65.  For trainers with greyhound racing on night, buffet is $15.

There are a number of prizes and opportunities for members on and before the night.  One of the big events is a silent auction of  breaking-in and education spots - 2 from each of Keyon Kennels, Doctors Kennels and Casbrakay Kennels and one each from each of Catch Me If You Can kennels and Manning’s. Members can participate in the auction by sending in bids before 19 April 2019, but then also on the night itself, by filling in and returning the GOTBA SupaNite Auction 2019.doc

GOTBA VIC COMMITTEE