MORE fortnightly Monday race meetings are bound for Warrnambool in a major boon for south-west greyhound trainers.
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Warrnambool has netted two throughout next month - the first on August 10 and the second August 24 - to complement its regular Thursday night showcase.
Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club manager Craig Monigatti said the club was hopeful of adding the meetings to its permanent racing calendar.
They don't have to drive to other parts of the state in turn. The nearest tracks are two hours away so it saves that drive.
- Craig Monigatti
"It's another two opportunities for our trainers to race locally," he told The Standard.
"They don't have to drive to other parts of the state in turn. The nearest tracks are two hours away so it saves that drive.
"Monday meetings have been really good. It's an interesting vibe at the track as only essential staff and trainers are there, but we've had strong nomination numbers and good racing."
Monigatti said an investment from Greyhound Racing Victoria meant from Saturday, trials at Victorian tracks were free.
The Standard understands between 70 and 80 trials take place each Saturday and are typically priced at $10.
"From that perspective, it's a big cost-saving measure for trainers. From an animal welfare perspective, it's a boost as it will hopefully encourage people to trial at GRV-aligned tracks which have high safety standards."
Monigatti said Warrnambool also offered trials after race meetings and on Tuesday mornings.
He said revelations Sky Racing 2 - Australia's primary racing network - would be free was also beneficial to the club.
"It'll mean more people can watch our meetings and see every race," he said.
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