9GEM gets into greyhound racing

This one could prove contentious as 9GEM announces its first greyhound racing event, the TAB Million Dollar Chase.

This will be the first time a dedicated greyhound racing broadcast, will be shown Live.

But Nine is also pushing the industry reforms that have been undertaken in NSW after industry concerns.

A 2015 Four Corners report led to an inquiry into Tasmanian greyhound racing. Former NSW premier Mike Baird announced that all greyhound racing would be banned in the state from July 2017. In October 2016 the ban was reversed. The appointment of the NSW Greyhound Reform Panel made 122 recommendations to the NSW government, of which 121 were adopted. Last year the ACT also banned greyhound racing.

“This is a tremendous and very significant announcement for greyhound racing, which will showcase our sport to a much wider audience,” Greyhound Racing NSW Chief Executive Officer Tony Mestrov said. “This historic telecast will mean that our race – the world’s richest greyhound race – can now be seen in the living rooms of all Australians.

“The popularity of this race series has grown dramatically since its inaugural year, and we have seen it embraced by participants, greyhound fans, and regional communities around the State.

“Our thanks go to Tom Malone and his team at Nine for all their support and the opportunity to showcase greyhound racing at the elite level, nationally, on their platform.

“We are naturally hoping that we can this year sell-out Wentworth Park, but for those who can’t get there, they now have the option of sitting on their lounge and watching what will be a great coverage, live and free on 9GEM.”

Nine’s Director of Sport, Tom Malone, said “We’re excited to be broadcasting this new, and already iconic race, and support the NSW Government and Greyhound Racing NSW as they transform this industry to exceed community standards for animal welfare.”

9GEM coverage will be led by Cameron Williams, alongside greyhound form experts James Van de Maat, Liz Whelan and Dave Carlson.

Taking place at the iconic Wentworth Park at 9.00pm AEST on Friday, October 18th, this year marks the second annual iteration of the race. 14 regional centres have hosted heats and finals leading up to the big day where the final eight competitors will race for a massive $1 million in prizemoney, along with the Group 1 Sydney Cup.

Friday, October 18th at 9.00pm AEST on 9GEM.