On behalf of Warragul Greyhound Racing Club Management we would like to clarify a constant concern raised by our participants regarding trial bookings.
Trial bookings allocated for Wednesdays are continually booked out within a short period of time when bookings open at 12pm on Sundays.
The demand for trials has become extremely high since the closing of the Traralgon track, especially over the past three or so. This is evident with the quickness of trials being booked out.
Another flow-on affect with the Traralgon track closure is the demand for racing on our track increasing by more than 30% over the past 12 months. The club is racing five times each fortnight with a further race meeting scheduled from June 1, bringing our racing schedule up to three per week, the highest in the State. Therefore, the demand for maintenance track work by our track staff has been increased dramatically, and they are undertaking a fantastic job with preparation and keeping up with demands.
Keeping this in mind, we are also are at a shared venue with the Warragul Harness Club and do not have 24/7 access to the track as some people appear to think.
I understand the frustration in trying to book trials, however the club has to ensure that the track continues to be maintained at a consistent and safe standard, and this requires a minimum of one full day per week being spent on our maintenance program.
Please note that trials must be paid for on-line and failure to pay on-line will not guarantee that the trial will be allocated to that trainer. In addition, every person entering our track during trial sessions must wear hi visual tops or risk their trials being cancelled with no refund applicable.
There has been some commentary regarding pre-booked trials being permitted prior to bookings being opened, however this is just not the truth. The club does not have access to bookings until the trials are 100% booked out. It is disappointing that these incorrect comments of interference with our club’s integrity appear to have come from people that just do not understand the booking system. I can assure everyone we are doing our best to meet demand.
I trust this clarifies our position. If we receive any cancellations we are more than happy to be contacted on Monday morning to create a stand-by list.
Regards
Tony Mitchell
General Manager
Warragul GRC