“We’ve been very blessed… that our sport hasn’t changed too much [in the past 60 years]… but what has changed is the way that the punting [betting] public operates, particularly younger punters…”

Steve Griffin, CEO of GRNSW, on the need to adapt the sport of Greyhound racing in Australia

Greyhound racing in Australia has looked much the same for the better part of a century — but if Steve Griffin has his way, that’s about to change. As CEO of Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW), Steve is pushing the sport toward its next chapter: straight races, synthetic racing surfaces, drones pulling drag lures and providing racing video perspectives, and a leaner, more profitable track network.

Steve came to Greyhound racing about eight years ago after a long career as a senior public servant. He was, in part, moved to act in response to the 2016 attempt to ban the sport in New South Wales. He began as CEO of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC), the state’s independent regulator, before being recruited to run GRNSW’s commercial arm. That background in welfare and integrity shapes how he approaches nearly every decision, from track safety to the sport’s public reputation.

In this episode, host John Parker sits down with Steve to talk about the innovations reshaping Australian Greyhound racing, this year’s Million Dollar Chase, and the emotional farewell to Wentworth Park, Sydney’s home of Greyhound racing for 94 years. Steve also shares his experiences visiting American Greyhound adoption groups that re-home retired Australian racers.

• Greyhound Racing New South Wales (Website)
• The Million Dollar Chase (Website)
• Wentworth Greyhound Park (Wikipedia)
• Wentworth Greyhound Park (Website)
• GRNSW Farewell to Wentworth Park (Article)
• Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (Website)
• Greyhounds Australasia (Website)

Host John Parker talks with Abbie MacGregor, Corporate Affairs Director for the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, about animal rights vs. welfare, greyhound racing's PR missteps, and rebuilding trust in the sport

Host John Parker interviews Dana Provost — Greyhound adopter and therapy dog handler — to discuss what sets a therapy dog apart from a service dog or emotional support animal and how she trains and certifies her Greyhounds