Save Richmond Greyhound Racing's Friday Nights

The Hon. Kevin Greene MP, NSW Minister for Gaming & Racing.

GRNSW have put forward proposed changes to the TAB racing calendar as a result of additional meetings becoming available via a new channel - Sky Racing2. The proposed changes will come into effect on 30 March 2010.

In these proposed changes to the TAB racing calendar, Richmond Greyhound Racing Club will be moved from 29 twilight races on Monday and 51 Friday night races to 52 which are broadcast on Sky Racing1 Wednesday night and 26 Saturday twilight races broadcast on the new Sky Racing2 channel.

With a long history of Friday night racing at Richmond attended by a large number of families with children who can enjoy an evening where it is safe and appropriate for their children, the move to 29 Saturday twilight races has numerous impacts on the club not only in terms of secondary income but on-course betting from fewer crowds and off-course betting with the uncertainty of audience numbers and subscribers to Sky Racing2. We all know that if you can't see a race, then you're unlikely to bet on

I believe that Richmond Greyhound Racing Club is being unfairly treated with these proposed changes and request that any changes to the TAB race calendar be deferred until a truly independent board has been appointed.

I believe that these proposed changes will not meet GRNSW's objectives of increasing the core number of customers and maximise turnover. In fact, the loss of Friday night racing at Richmond which is aired on Sky Racing1 would achieve the opposite.

I urge you to save Richmond Greyhound Racing Club from going the same way as Cessnock and Wyong all for the betterment of The Gardens to facilitate the repayment of their debt at the expense of clubs that run profitably.