Even so, why are these sub-standard racers getting paid $2.5k or $5.0k for a win when classy dogs at Maitland are getting only $1.7k for heats of the Maitland Cup over 450m?

The logic escapes me.

It brings to mind a recent discussion about the worth of graduating prize money from low to high according to the distance covered.

Don't think the trainers would like some XXXXX scribe,calling their dogs "sub-standard", how's that for logic..??

I'll take you up on that when we meet, although it does piss me off with idiots like this ridiculing peoples dogs, they cost the same as a champion to keep, so why don't they deserve the prizemoney, it wasn't their fault there wasn't enough 500 noms....

Actually the punters do care about it

The "standard" in this industry is to breed dogs for 500m, with next in line the 400m/450m or 700m categories.

I sympathise with those unable to get hold of dogs with a minimum of stamina or which don't get to the track at all. But that's life and everyone entered the game in full knowledge of those odds.

Similarly, there is a place for lesser dogs but it is not at the flagship venue of the state - it belongs at modest country tracks, preferably non-Tab, which I fully support. The more centres which encourage greyhound racing, the better.

The industry is in enough strife now that it cannot afford to further lower standards as a matter of policy - especially by offering premium prize money for weak dogs.

In part, this was why I previously suggested doing away with the 280m and instead creating a trip closer to the 400m mark. The 280m is no more than a lazy option and one which will effectively encourage more of the same. In fact, it's already doing that as the average race distance continues to decline.

Note that this week's Wenty racing is 35% made up of 280m trips - it's not just Wednesday. And it is growing. Pub gamblers care more than you think as they like to get a decent run for their money. Genuine punters are a disappearing mob and are unlikely to venture into a field of unpredictable racers.

First priority is the advancement of the breed. Second is the quality of the product. After that, just fill in the blanks.

Actually they don't, only the pro punter does , everyone else would bet on 2 flies walking up a wall...

More concerning is that 28.2% were over 350m or less. Both figures are a couple of points higher than a check I made just a few months ago.

Eight clubs offer trips below the 300m mark - Cannington, Dapto, Launceston, Grafton, The Gardens, Lismore, Ipswich and Wentworth Park, while others are pretty close to that figure.

The sample covered 665 races.

As a famous name in the industry commented; "They are not as robust as they used to be". Some say that applies to trainers as well.

The Australian 14 Mar 2020

"As 800 guests at the 35th annual Qantas Australian Tourism Awards heard last Friday, excellence is the key to success. High standard business practices and a focus on quality in every aspect of operations can make the critical difference, awards chair Daniel Gschwind told the crowd at the National Convention Centre in Canberra. The awards 76 across 26 categories celebrate operators who are committed to quality and professionalism in every aspect of what they do, operators who lead the way."

Port Arthur convict settlement in Tasmania came out on top. The MONA museum in Hobart, owned by big punter David Walsh, has won previously.

So how about you just shut up for a second and be grateful you have anything to post about in the first place?

Jason,

In six or twelve months time the two pandemics will be over, or nearly so. By that time Wenty will be running 6 or 7 x 280s and looking for more (there are four tonight) while potential owners will be scarcer than hensteeth. Genuine punters will not be amused, takings could drop further if mugs in pubs fail to keep their jobs, nothing will have been done to improve the product, and breeding will have gone further down the tube.

Plan B is .......?

And as a serious punter I refuse to bet on 300 meter races. Keep the city for city class dogs!!!!

John,

Could you make an exception and actually quote where I "get bitter and twisted and burst(s) into an uncontrollable rage"?

Perhaps you could make two lists - one for the above and one for those subjects where you and I happen to disagree.

Meantime, I am forced to assume you are in favour of 280m races for squibs at Wenty. I am not and I have stated the reasons. You might do likewise to help the discussion along.

Still, at least you are a fan of Sir Nigel Hawthorne (dcd). Me too.