Contribution to Million Dollar Chase comes in the wake of aborted attempt to ban the sport in the state

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

The New South Wales government is handing out $500,000 in taxpayers’ money to help fund the world’s richest greyhound race.

Two years after the state tried to ban greyhound racing altogether, the racing minister, Paul Toole, said on Tuesday that the ruling Coalition government would contribute the funds to the inaugural Million Dollar Chase at Wentworth Park in Sydney.

Heats of the race – which is only open to dogs that will be re-homed after the event – will be held in 11 regional centres with the final being staged at Wentworth Park on 20 October.

“The Million Dollar Chase will generate new interest in the sport across NSW and will provide a welcome boost to the economy in regional centres,” Toole said.

'Heartbreaking': nine greyhounds found in mass grave in Sydney Read more

The government commitment comes two years after the former premier Mike Baird attempted to ban the industry – out of concern for animal welfare – before backflipping on the decision.



The announcement of “the world’s richest greyhound event” comes less than a month after the latest mass grave was discovered in western Sydney.

The RSPCA found nine dogs rotting in a single grave at a property owned by a registered and licensed greyhound trainer in Marsden Park in early July.

Another 12 emaciated greyhounds were also seized at the property.

When asked about the most recent mass grave discovery, Toole pointed to tougher restrictions placed on the industry.

“Those things will go through a proper investigation process and at the end of the day, if someone is found to be doing the wrong thing, I can tell you they won’t be there,” Toole told reporters.



“I actually think the guys have done a really good job in actually setting the pathway to ensure that this is going to be an industry that is going to be around for a long time.”

Greyhound Racing chief executive Tony Mestrov said the funding proved the industry had a future.

“This is the biggest announcement ... the industry has had, at least in the past 20 years.”

The state Greens MP and animal welfare spokesperson, Mehreen Faruqi, said it was a “sickening” decision.

“Barely a week goes by without deaths on tracks, people being charged with severe animal cruelty and neglect or someone being pinged for doping their dog,” she said.

“The greyhound racing industry is behaving with impunity and the government is rewarding this.

“In just the last two weeks, there have been seven deaths and 91 injuries on racing tracks. People would be horrified to know that their tax dollars are propping this gambling industry, rife with animal cruelty.”