Greyhound Racing Victoria

Last updated
Greyhound Racing Victoria
Greyhound Racing Victoria Logo.png
SportGreyhound Racing
JurisdictionVictoria
AbbreviationGRV
Founded1873
Location1/46-50 Chetwynd St, West Melbourne VIC 3003
ChairpersonThomas Salom [1]
Board members
  • John (Jack) Blayney (Deputy Chair)
  • Biagio Buccilli
  • Carly Dixon
  • Andrew Giddy
  • Lisa Tripodi
[1]
CEO Stuart Laing
Sponsor Sportsbet
Official website
www.grv.org.au

Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) is the statutory authority responsible for the promotion and regulation of greyhound racing in Victoria, Australia. [2] It was established under the Racing Act 1958 (Vic). [3] The organisation is headquartered in West Melbourne.

Contents

History

Origins and early regulation

Organised greyhound coursing in Victoria dates to the 1870s, with early public meetings using live hares held in Melbourne and regional areas during the late 19th century. [4] [5] Early regulation was limited, with oversight handled by individual clubs and informal associations until a post-World War II shift towards statutory control.

Establishment of statutory control

The modern regulatory framework began in 1958 with the enactment of the Act, which established the Greyhound Racing Control Board (GCRB) as the controlling authority for greyhound racing. [6] The Act created a statutory structure overseeing all three Victorian racing codes—thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound—with Part III specifically addressing governance, licensing, registration of participants and greyhounds, and enforcement of rules. [3]

Following evolving regulatory needs, [6] the Act was amended in 2001 to restructure the governing body into its current form, expanding its responsibilities in integrity, governance, and operational matters. [7]

2012 governance and conflict-of-interest scandal

In 2012, the Victorian Ombudsman released a report into governance and conflict-of-interest failures at Greyhound Racing Victoria, finding a long-standing culture of staff betting on greyhound races during business hours; the report stated that members of senior management, including CEO John Stephens, were active participants over many years. The findings were tabled in Parliament and prompted intervention by Minister for Racing Denis Napthine, who dissolved the GRV board (except for recently appointed members) and accepted the resignation of John Stephens. [8] The episode led to strengthened conflict-of-interest policies and a ban on staff betting on greyhound races.

2015 live-baiting scandal and integrity reforms

The industry faced significant scrutiny following the 2015 live-baiting scandal, which came to light through media investigations. [9] A subsequent independent review by then Racing Integrity Commissioner, Sal Perna, led to major reforms, including the resignation of senior officials, strengthened integrity measures, and expanded regulatory powers for animal welfare oversight. These reforms included the introduction of the Greyhound Racing Integrity Code and increased funding for stewarding and welfare programs. [10]

Post-2015 welfare and regulatory reforms

Subsequent amendments to the Act further broadened GRV’s responsibilities, including the introduction of digital traceability systems and enhanced welfare standards, as reflected in the Greyhound Code of Practice. [11] These reforms have aimed to strengthen regulatory compliance while addressing animal welfare concerns and supporting the long-term sustainability of the industry.

Governance

Greyhound Racing Victoria is governed by a board appointed by the Victorian Government under the Act. [1]

The board is chaired by Thomas Salom, with John (Jack) Blayney serving as deputy chair. Other board members include Biagio Buccilli, Carly Dixon, Andrew Giddy, and Lisa Tripodi. [1]

Board members are appointed by the Minister for Racing for fixed terms and are responsible for the strategic direction and governance of the organisation, including oversight of regulatory functions, integrity, welfare policy, and financial management.

Industry relations and participant disputes

Relations between GRV and industry participant groups have periodically been strained over prize money, administrative expenditure, and the regulatory impact of welfare and integrity reforms.

In June 2021, participants represented by the Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association of Victoria (GOTBA Vic) indicated they would withhold nominations from selected Victorian race meetings as part of a dispute with GRV over prize money and participant treatment. [12] Media coverage and industry commentary reported criticism from participant representatives and leading trainers that consultation was limited and that key decisions affecting participants were made without adequate industry input. [13]

A central point of dispute concerned prize money and participant returns. GOTBA Vic argued that while total prize money had increased, the proportion of industry revenue returned to participants had declined, and criticised GRV’s administrative expenditure and expansion of the racing schedule. [14] During the same period, the association and some trainers also raised concerns about the practical impacts of integrity and welfare enforcement, including GRV warnings about the risk of inadvertent prohibited-substance positives from contaminated feed. [12]

In July 2021, GRV and GOTBA Vic entered an independent mediation process facilitated with the assistance of the Office of Racing, with both parties agreeing to suspend industrial action during negotiations. [15] The mediation concluded without agreement. GOTBA Vic subsequently stated that the process ended without substantive outcomes, while GRV stated it had participated in good faith and remained committed to prize money increases and improved participant engagement. [16] [17]

Participant criticism during this period also addressed the regulatory impact of the Greyhound Code of Practice introduced in 2020. GOTBA Vic argued that associated infrastructure and compliance requirements increased the cost of participation, particularly for smaller trainers and owner-operators. [14]

In November 2025, further tensions emerged following a call by the president of GOTBA Vic for trainers to withhold nominations from selected Victorian race meetings in response to GRV integrity enforcement actions affecting a training property in Gippsland. Participant representatives described the action as a protest against what they characterised as a lack of compassion and overly rigid enforcement by GRV’s Integrity Unit. [18]

The proposed action was not universally supported within the association, with GOTBA Vic’s vice-president publicly stating that the move had not been endorsed by the committee and that some members intended to nominate as usual. [19] GRV stated that it had not received formal notice of any strike action and reiterated its commitment to open dialogue with industry stakeholders.

Operations

GRV administers operational systems and programs that support the conduct, regulation, and administration of greyhound racing in Victoria, alongside associated rehoming and welfare initiatives.

FastTrack

GRV's primary digital platform, FastTrack , administers nominations, registrations, grading, and race results for the greyhound racing industry, with limited information accessible to the public without a participant login. [20]

FastTrack was fully launched on 1 May 2013 as a replacement for earlier legacy systems, providing a centralised online platform for the administration of greyhound racing in Victoria. [21]

The system enables registered participants to manage key administrative and racing-related functions, including greyhound and participant registrations, race nominations and scratchings, grading, ownership records, and prizemoney processing. [22]

FastTrack maintains comprehensive lifetime records for registered greyhounds in Victoria, including historical race results since the system’s introduction, while public users can access limited information such as basic race and form data without a participant login. [23]

Watchdog

GRV provides Watchdog , a digital platform accessible via web and mobile devices, which offers live race schedules, race results, form guides, replays, and related racing media. [24]

The platform serves as a public-facing tool for accessing real-time and historical racing information and draws on race and form data maintained by GRV, including data generated through its FastTrack system.

Digital Greyhound Lifecycle Tracking (DGLT)

In 2023, following unanimous parliamentary support for improved greyhound traceability, GRV committed to enhancing its whole-of-life tracking systems in partnership with the Victorian Government. [25] GRV operates the Digital Greyhound Lifecycle Tracking (DGLT) program, a digital system for recording and consolidating lifecycle data relating to registered greyhounds, including location, identification, and regulatory check-ins. [26]

The program enables registered participants to submit mandatory lifecycle check-ins relating to breeding, racing, property movements, retirement, and rehoming, and provides public access to basic lifecycle information and historical race profiles via an online portal. [27]

DGLT replaces manual reporting processes with automated digital recording to enhance regulatory oversight and data accuracy for registered Victorian greyhounds. According to GRV’s 2024–25 Annual Report, the program was reported as remaining on track for full implementation in early 2026, with completed upgrades to core databases, development of a public greyhound tracking search function, and automation of previously manual reporting processes. [28]

Greyhound Adoption Program

The Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) is a rehoming initiative operated by GRV. According to a 2016 report in the Greater Dandenong Leader, the program was established in 1996 by Melanie Tochner and Anita Smith. [29] GAP facilitates the adoption of greyhounds, including retired racing greyhounds and greyhounds that have not raced, and operates a rehoming facility in Seymour, Victoria. [30]

According to GRV annual reports, GAP adoptions have varied year to year. Between 2021–22 and 2024–25, total GAP adoptions declined, alongside a reduction in the number of greyhounds rehomed for the first time through the program. [31]

Financial yearGAP first-time rehomedTotal GAP adoptions
2021–221,0941,317
2022–231,0821,302
2023–241,0091,171
2024–25784888

Venues

Greyhound racing venues in Victoria are operated by individual greyhound racing clubs, with GRV exercising regulatory oversight under the Act. [3]

GRV classifies race meetings into three levels under its grading guidelines, reflecting differences in prize money, ranking points, and eligibility criteria. Level 1 meetings are metropolitan meetings, Level 2 meetings are provincial meetings, and Level 3 meetings comprise reduced-stakes meetings (including Tier 3, Rank Limit, and Bottom-Up subcategories) with additional entry conditions. [32] Venues may host meetings at different levels, including hybrid formats introduced in 2026, depending on the racing program. [33]

Under GRV’s infrastructure planning documents, the two metropolitan tracks primarily conduct Level 1 meetings but may also host provincial configurations and hybrid programs. [34]

Active venues

The following venues currently host scheduled greyhound race meetings. [35]

LocationTrackTypical meeting levels [32]
Springvale Sandown Greyhounds Primarily Level 1 (Metropolitan); includes provincial and hybrid meetings [33]
Broadmeadows The Meadows Greyhounds Primarily Level 1 (Metropolitan); includes provincial and hybrid meetings [33]
Ballarat Ballarat Greyhounds Typically Level 2 (Provincial), with occasional Level 3 meetings
Bendigo Bendigo Greyhounds Typically Level 2 (Provincial), with occasional Level 3 meetings
Geelong Geelong Greyhound Racing Club Typically Level 2 (Provincial), with occasional Level 3 meetings
Healesville, Victoria Healesville Greyhounds Typically Level 2 (Provincial), with occasional Level 3 meetings
Horsham Horsham Greyhounds Typically Level 2 (Provincial), with occasional Level 3 meetings
Sale Sale Greyhounds Typically Level 2 (Provincial), with occasional Level 3 meetings
Shepparton Shepparton Greyhounds Typically Level 2 (Provincial), with occasional Level 3 meetings
Warragul Warragul Greyhounds Typically Level 2 (Provincial), with occasional Level 3 meetings
Warrnambool Warrnambool Greyhounds Typically Level 2 (Provincial), with occasional Level 3 meetings

Provincial tracks predominantly host Level 2 meetings (with 622 scheduled for the 2025–26 season), though Level 3 or hybrid meetings may also be conducted depending on programming. [32] [35]

Non-operational venues

The following venues are registered or historically significant greyhound racing tracks in Victoria but are not currently hosting race meetings due to redevelopment.

LocationTrackStatus
Cranbourne Cranbourne Greyhounds In redevelopment; return targeted late 2026 [36]
Traralgon Traralgon Greyhounds In redevelopment; return targeted early 2026 [37]

Feature Races

GRV conducts a number of long-standing and high-profile races commonly referred to as feature races. [38]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Greyhound Racing Victoria". boards.vic.gov.au. State Government of Victoria. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  2. ↑ "Regulatory approach". Greyhound Racing Victoria. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 "Racing Act 1958 (Vic)". Victorian Government. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  4. ↑ "CELEBRATING 150 YEARS". Greyhound Racing Victoria. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  5. ↑ Haslett, Tim (2008). "Chasing Dreams: A History of Victorian Greyhound Racing" (PDF). Greyhound Racing Victoria. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  6. 1 2 "National Competition Policy review of racing and betting legislation in Victoria" (PDF). National Competition Council. 1998. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  7. ↑ "Racing and Betting Acts (Amendment) Act 2001". Victorian Government. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  8. ↑ Jenkins, Melissa; Iaria, Melissa (20 June 2012). "Greyhound Racing Vic board dissolved". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  9. ↑ Meldrum-Hanna, Caro (16 February 2015). "Greyhound racing: Piglets, possums and rabbits used as live bait in secret training sessions, Four Corners reveals". ABC News. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  10. ↑ "2015 Own Motion Inquiry into Live Baiting in Greyhound Racing in Victoria Final Report" (PDF). Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner. 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  11. ↑ "Proposed Code of Practice for the Keeping of Racing Greyhounds (2017) - Regulatory Impact Statement" (PDF). State of Victoria Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  12. 1 2 Ractliffe, Damien (28 June 2021). "Greyhound trainers threaten boycott over prizemoney, 'unfair' treatment". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  13. ↑ ""Sad It's Come To This": GRV Discontent Widens". The Greyhound Recorder. 27 June 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  14. 1 2 "GOTBA Vic – Current status of action items on returns, fairness and safety". Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association of Victoria. 25 August 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  15. ↑ "Independent mediation for Victorian greyhound racing". Greyhound Racing Victoria. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  16. ↑ "Greyhound Racing Victoria Statement – Chair, Peita Duncan". Greyhound Racing Victoria. 23 August 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  17. ↑ "Participant action: Mediation – Reply to GRV". Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association of Victoria. 25 August 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  18. ↑ "Trainers To Strike In 'Message Of Solidarity'". The Greyhound Recorder. 18 November 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  19. ↑ "Vice President Slams GOTBA Strike Action Move". The Greyhound Recorder. 19 November 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  20. ↑ "GRV FastTrack". Greyhound Racing Victoria. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  21. ↑ "FASTTRACK IS HERE!". Greyhound Racing Victoria. 1 May 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  22. ↑ "GRV FastTrack Client Portal User Guide" (PDF). Greyhound Racing Victoria. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  23. ↑ "Welcome to FastTrack". Greyhound Racing Victoria. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  24. ↑ "Watchdog". Greyhound Racing Victoria. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  25. ↑ Visontay, Michael (22 March 2023). "Tracking technology to protect greyhounds will go ahead in Victoria after unanimous support". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  26. ↑ "Digital Greyhound Lifecycle Tracking program". Greyhound Racing Victoria. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  27. ↑ "Greyhound Tracking Portal". Greyhound Racing Victoria. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  28. ↑ "GRV Annual Report 2024-25" (PDF). Greyhound Racing Victoria. November 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  29. ↑ Mackowski, Belinda (31 March 2016). "Greyhound adoption program that started in Springvale finds homes for 6000 '60km/h couch potatoes'". Greater Dandenong Leader. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  30. ↑ "The GAP story". Greyhound Racing Victoria. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  31. ↑ GRV Annual Report 2024–25 (PDF) (Report). Greyhound Racing Victoria. 2025.
  32. 1 2 3 "Greyhound Racing Victoria Grading Guidelines" (PDF). Greyhound Racing Victoria. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  33. 1 2 3 "Hybrid race meetings & grading changes". Greyhound Racing Victoria. 1 December 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  34. ↑ "Victorian Greyhound Racing Assets & Infrastructure Discussion Paper" (PDF). Greyhound Racing Victoria. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  35. 1 2 "Phoenix moved among key changes to 25–26 racing calendar". Greyhound Racing Victoria. 24 June 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  36. ↑ "Return to racing at Cranbourne well in sight". Greyhound Racing Victoria. 13 August 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  37. ↑ "Traralgon works underway, return to racing in early 2026". Greyhound Racing Victoria. 10 September 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  38. ↑ "Feature Races". GRV. 2022-11-04. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
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