Group Race Eligibility Set For Major Overhaul

THE criteria for group race eligibility is set for a major overhaul with Greyhound Clubs Australia (GCA) poised to introduce a raft of changes from 2023.

The explosion in prize money in recent years and the introduction of new ‘pop-up' events led to GCA carrying out a review in regards to the future outlook of group racing.

Included in the sweeping changes expected to be ushered in from 2023/24 will be an elevation in minimum prize money standards for major group events.

Minimum prize money for group 1 events will rise from $75,000 to $100,000 while group 2 events will ascend to $60,000, up from the current $40,000 benchmark.

Group 3 events will rise to $30,000 from $25,000 while the Listed events category will be abolished under the overhaul, its relevance deemed to have reached its use by date.

Time-honoured events like the Adelaide Cup, Hobart Thousand and Perth Cup will carry protected status to maintain their standing.

And in a further boost for the TAB Million Dollar Chase, the world's richest race will be in line for group 1 status in 2023 with events that have been conducted for three years to be eligible for consideration.

Previously, events would need to be staged for at least eight years at the required prize money levels before being considered for group 1 status. 

The changes will also see maiden events and Auction series' ineligible for group race status while state bred events will be capped at group 3 level.