WARRNAMBOOL'S showcase greyhound racing event has retained its May timeslot as industry officials strengthen their bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.
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Strict protocols - including no public on course, bar and bistro closure and several physical distancing rules - have allowed the sport to race through the pandemic.
Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club manager Craig Monigatti said the annual cup meeting would be bolstered through increased digital coverage in the absence of crowds.
He said Sky Racing would feature pre-race interviews with trainers and Greyhound Racing Victoria's new Watchdog app meant punters could watch races live and free.
The Standard understands first, second and third will share in a reduced $45,000 prize kitty.
"All businesses are trying to be innovative and reach people in different ways," Monigatti said.
"If we can't have an event with people on track, we'll have an event through the (television) set and through devices."
Monigatti expected several top-class greyhounds to contest the May 6 cup, including Warrnambool-trained sprinter Crimson Vixen.
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He said the club was strictly adhering to government regulations relating to the prevention of COVID-19.
"The industry is focused on ensuring these protocols are strictly followed," Monigatti said.
Heats for the Warrnambool Cup begin next Thursday.
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Nick Ansell
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
