The world's best racing greyhounds will line up tonight over 520m to win $1 million in prize money in the world's richest greyhound racing event, the Million Dollar Chase (MDC).
Minister for Racing Kevin Anderson said this important event puts the industry on a world stage and is a great opportunity for trainers and owners from Sydney and regional NSW.
"A record 17 regional greyhound tracks have hosted qualifying events for the 2022 Million Dollar Chase as momentum builds for a top-class finale tonight," Mr Anderson said.
"Regional NSW plays a pivotal role in the greyhound racing industry and its contribution to the State's economy, supporting tourism, more than 3,000 jobs and other economic activity in local communities.
"The NSW Government's support for greyhound racing is ongoing as the industry is in the best position it has ever been in. Prizemoney is at an all-time high, welfare standards are amongst the best in the world and the industry has seen a range of track and infrastructure upgrades, with many more to come in the near future.
"Congratulations to GRNSW and all owners, trainers and connections who make this event possible."
Mr Anderson said the MDC is a great example of the strength of the greyhound racing industry with the latest registration figures showing an increase in industry participants.
"Following a slight decline in growth during COVID restrictions, the number of industry participants grew by 14% in 2021/22," Mr Anderson said.
"This is great news for the industry, which has also shown a continuing increase in younger participants, something that will contribute to the long-term sustainability of greyhound racing in our State."
GRNSW CEO Rob Macaulay congratulated participants and thanked the Government for its support.
"The success of the 2022 Million Dollar Chase series, especially in regional grass-roots towns of NSW where more than 70% of our participants reside, has been a credit to everyone involved.
"I thank participants and volunteers and further commend the NSW Government, and in particular Minister Anderson, for their continued support of this family-based sport.
"The launch of this event in 2018 was a catalyst to build momentum to further improve the sport for our animals and our participants, bring more awareness to our Greyhounds As Pets programs, attract new people to our sport, and have the event benefit those at the grassroots level of greyhound racing, and their communities, in regional NSW."
Racetracks that hosted 2022 MDC events: Bulli, Gosford, Temora, Casino, Gunnedah, The Gardens, Bathurst, Dapto, Wagga Wagga, Grafton, Taree, Goulburn, Richmond, Dubbo, Broken Hill, Nowra, Maitland.
