Chase of the decade

Melba resident Mandy found a friend in former racing greyhound Lacey … but is hoping her dog in The Great Chase is a little pacier! Picture DONNA OATES 89745_01

HEALESVILLE Greyhound Association will help celebrate the 10th anniversary on Sunday of The Great Chase.
The club has been involved for a number of years with the program which brings together people with physical and intellectual disabilities and the sport of greyhound racing.
HGA manager Lee Fahry said the club would host more than 40 residents of the Melba Support Group and Monkami, along with family members and carers, for a community day of fun and excitement at the track.
The club will allocate racing dogs to the Melba and Monkami teams with team members becoming pseudo owners of the greyhounds throughout the series of heats and finals leading up to the grand final on 28 November.
“We co-ordinate with the trainers so that the different teams know what dogs they have and arrange for them to meet , have a pat and make a connection with their dog so they know what dog to barrack for as they take to the track,” said Ms. Fahry.
Every Victorian greyhound racing club participates in The Great Chase providing community organisations in their region with the opportunity of winning prize money throughout the series.
The winner of the Healesville heats will go on to the semi-final and to the grand final which offers prize money of $5000 for first place, $2000 for second and $1000 for third place.
The community group aligned to the overall winner will also receive the equivalent of 10 per cent of their greyhound’s prize money for the next 12 months funded by Greyhound Racing Victoria.
Ms Fahry said The Great Chase event added another dimension to the regular Sunday race meeting and was a special day for the club to give back to the local community.
“It’s a great day for members of the wider community to come out to the track and see what the club and the venue has to offer,” she said.
Healesville Greyhound Association is located within the Don Road Sporting Complex. Phone the club on 5962 2420 for more information.