Covid Crisis Delays Million Dollar Chase Start

THE always evolving Covid-19 crisis in Greater Sydney has forced Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) into delaying the start to the TAB Million Dollar Chase.

The world's richest greyhound race was slated to commence at Temora on Sunday, August 8 which was to be the first of 16 regional qualifiers.

But with the Covid-19 situation showing no signs of abating any time soon, GRNSW have decided to delay the start to the event while at the same time signalling further changes could follow.

"After much discussion and deliberation, and taking into account the current COVID-19 situation throughout the State, particularly in Greater Sydney and surrounds, GRNSW has decided to delay the start to the TAB Million Dollar Chase series," GRNSW CEO Tony Mestrov said.

"The series was due to commence on Sunday, August 8 at Temora but is now scheduled to commence on Saturday, August 14 at Dubbo.

"The TAB Million Dollar Chase will still conclude with the $1 million to the winner Grand Final at Wentworth Park on September 25."

The Temora regional series will now begin with heats on August 15 with the final a week later on August 22.

Other regional series to be moved as a result of the rescheduling are Bathurst, Nowra, Lismore, Gosford, and Wagga Wagga.

Bathurst (originally August 9 & 16) will now host heats on August 23 and their final on August 30.

Nowra (originally August 9 & 16) will now host heats on August 16 and their final on August 23.

Lismore (originally August 10 & 17) will now host heats on August 17 and their final on August 24.

Gosford (originally August 10 & 17) will now host heats on August 17 and their final on August 24.

Wagga Wagga (originally August 13 & 20) will now host heats on August 20 and their final on August 27.

All other dates and venues remain where they were originally scheduled.

"GRNSW will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and NSW Government restrictions, and if further changes need to be made to the TAB Million Dollar Chase schedule, we will advise participants immediately," Mestrov added.

With NSW greyhound racing currently operating under two zones, it's expected that the road to qualification for this year's TAB Million Dollar Chase will take on a different look in 2021.

As well as the current zoned racing measures, border closures will also provide a number of challenges for interstate trainers looking to contest the event.

The next few weeks will be critical as to how the series plays out and whether GRNSW will need to adopt any further scheduling changes.