WHEN Bodelle Francis assumed the role as boss of Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA) just over 12 months ago she did so knowing that while it was to come with its challenges, it presented tremendous opportunity and upside at the same time.
Now over a year into the job, the former South Australian Jockey Club chair sat down with the Greyhound Recorder, discussing the future outlook of greyhound racing in South Australia.
Funding and Government support
The funding challenges facing all codes of racing in SA have been well documented.
SA racing currently receives just 10% of revenue received from the Point of Consumption tax with the three codes currently lobbying for an increase to 30%.
Complex exclusivity arrangements with TAB also currently preclude the industry from entertaining advances from corporate bookmakers for sponsorships and the like.
“The ongoing discussions with government have been positive,” Francis said.
“All three codes are very aligned in our objectives in demonstrating that receiving a reasonable share of wagering taxes ensures sustainability and growth of SA racing.
“Racing is a huge part of the community fabric in SA and does a lot for the economy so investing in its future and growth is a win all round.
“The three codes being in complete lockstep has us in a really strong position and the government is seeing that.
“There’s no question the wagering landscape has changed and changed quickly and I’m hopeful we can move towards some positive outcomes.”
Prizemoney
Given the funding challenges and a downturn in wagering post Covid, GRSA has been fighting with one hand behind its back in trying to keep up with rival states when it comes to prize money levels.
But it’s a situation Francis refuses to kick stones about, more interested in what changes can be made for the future.
“As a passionate racing person it’s frustrating, of course it is,” Francis said.
“The job of GRSA is to provide participants with the best returns we can in the circumstances we work within.
“That means GRSA being fiscally prudent in what we do to ensure a proper and stable product across all facets of the business.
“If a change in the funding model comes then prize money and returns to participants is obviously an area for attention.
“Remaining relevant in contrast to the other states is important but the fact is with the model we work under currently that is challenging.”
Wagering Activity Payment Future
In 2020, GRSA introduced a Wagering Activity Payment scheme, designed as an additional mechanism to return 50% of wagering revenue to participants.
The first of its kind, the scheme allows participants to prosper if wagering exceeds expectations.
“As we know, wagering exceeded all expectations during Covid, but due to a number of factors, including inflation impacting discretionary spending, this is no longer the case,” Francis said.
“Revenue has reduced significantly and as such, WAP payments have become less frequent.
“To realign, GRSA increased prizemoney by 7.5% from the start of the year, equally distributed across all TAB grades and races.
“This ensures participants are able to rely on a higher base stake money amount, giving greater certainty on industry returns.
“We are still navigating a new normal post-Covid, but signs are pointing towards continued reduction in wagering, which means WAP payments will continue to fall. It’s anticipated there may not be any payments in 2024.”
Live Baiting Furore
The greyhound racing world stood still last August with allegations that Adelaide Cup winning trainer Troy Murray had been involved in live baiting practices.
At the time Francis had been in the new job for just three months.
“I can’t speak a lot on the issue as it’s still an active investigation but what I can say is that I’m really proud of how our team snapped into action,” Francis said.
“You have plans for situations like this but it’s not until they happen – and you hope they don’t – that you really find out how effective they are.
“Right from the outset we ensured we were open and transparent and brought along those who needed to be brought along, raiding the property immediately.
“The industry doesn’t stand for such abhorrent behaviour and during the really intense media spotlight to see our participants be publicly so staunch in not only their condemnation but support of the industry was heartwarming.
“Just last month we appointed the well-credentialled Kelly Rourke as our new General Manager for Integrity and Welfare which is another positive step forward in this space.”
Supreme Court move, next steps
In a bid to lean on the covert vision obtained at Troy Murray’s property of alleged live baiting practices, GRSA took the unprecedented move of applying to the Supreme Court for an order to use the vision under the Surveillance Devices Act.
The application was successful.
“I think that just reinforces how serious we are about dealing with the matter in its fullest,” Francis said.
“Integrity and welfare is at the forefront of everything we do and 99 percent of our participants are with us.
“While we are close to finalising our investigation, it’s hard to put a timeline on it – the most important thing is we get it right.”
Rehoming
South Australia has historically punched above its weight when it comes to rehoming and that remains on track albeit at a testing time in this space.
“I’ve only been here for a year but even in that time I’ve seen a real change in mindset around rehoming,” Francis added.
“SA has always enjoyed a really strong rehoming program and we’ve got some terrific programs and initiatives in place that continue to prove really successful.
“We are always canvassing and searching for new ideas to improve because it is a key component in the ecosystem of our industry.
“Greyhounds are wonderful pets and companions and to see trainers turning up at our open days and throwing their support behind our endeavors has been great to see as well.
“It’s a complex issue with no perfect answer but we are heading in the right direction and leaving no stone unturned.”
Participation
Participation is two-fold. Actually make it three-fold.
Ushering in the next wave of owners and trainers is vitally important while also ensuring a strong on track presence to drive engagement.
“Coming from a hospitality background, creating a better on track experience is something I’ve had a real focus on,” Francis said.
“We’ve seen in SA recently some very successful events in the Gather Round (AFL) and LIV Golf which shows there is a market out there to engage with.
“With growing participation as an owner or trainer there’s work to be done to create a better pathway and make it as easy and seamless as possible, we’re not there at the moment.
“It shouldn’t be difficult or onerous to participate and for prospective trainers we need to have programs and education in place to create that pathway.
“There is work to be done.”
Murray Bridge / Angle Park investment
When it comes to infrastructure, SA has blazed a trail in recent years.
The overhaul of Angle Park followed the opening of the dual track Murray Bridge complex, both at a significant capital expense.
And while a band of trainers are still calling for some tinkering to the current structure, in particular at Murray Bridge, the results have been stark with a dramatic reduction in race injuries.
“I’ve obviously come in on the back of both of those projects but each has been vitally important to the sport’s future in SA,” Francis added.
“The straight track at Murray Bridge has been extremely successful and it’s a real focus point for the GRSA board. That was demonstrated last year when we elevated stake money across the board by 7.5% yet went to 20% for straight track racing.”
Victa Damian
As Victa Damian’s profile soars, now eight from eight at Angle Park, so does that of South Australian greyhound racing.
And that’s just fine by Bodelle.
“I must admit I got a bit starstruck with Wow She’s Fast here for last year’s Adelaide Cup but to now have a homegrown superstar of our own is very exciting for SA,” Francis said.
“Tony and Lisa (Rasmussen) have done a tremendous job flying the flag for SA greyhound racing when racing him interstate. They’re doing SA and the industry proud.
“And I don’t think I’ve seen a more beautiful greyhound either.”
The future outlook
When discussing the future of the industry in SA with Bodelle you quickly get an appreciation for her passion.
And while there are challenges and potential stumbling blocks, she assures the industry’s stakeholders her board is fully committed to delivering on its objectives for a vibrant and exciting future.
“One of the great things about this industry is that there’s so much potential for growth and innovation,” she said.
“To maximise that growth, we need to make sure that we’re getting the foundations of the sport right – that means continuing to strengthen our focus on welfare and integrity, reviewing our processes, making sure our standards are being upheld, and continuing to invest in track safety and technology.
“Of course, while we’re investing our time and money into those core elements we also have our sights firmly set on the future and any new opportunities that may present.
“I feel strongly about my responsibility to act as a future-focused custodian of the industry who will continue to improve it for the benefit of our community.”