Greyhound Racing NSW is excited to announce today that the TAB Million Dollar Chase Grand Final will be shown live on the Nine Network, as part of the broadcaster’s ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Rugby League Preliminary Final coverage.
In one of the most significant commercial announcements in the industry’s history, greyhound racing’s showcase event will have a potential audience of millions, telecast immediately following the completion of the NRL’s Grand Final qualifier on Friday October 16.
GRNSW chief executive officer Tony Mestrov made the announcement of the free-to-air coverage while appearing today on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“To have the sport’s premier event, the world’s richest greyhound race, on the Nine Network’s main free-to-air channel, sharing the stage with the NRL on one of their biggest nights of the season, speaks volumes for where the sport now stands,” Mestrov said.
“Everyone in the industry has worked incredibly hard over the past three years, and the resurgence in greyhound racing is undeniable.
“To be able to show our feature race, on the main free-to-air channel, on the back of an NRL finals’ match, would have been a pipedream for us not so long ago.
“But we have strived both on and off the track, in racing and particularly in welfare, to regain public acceptance and today’s announcement indicates to us that we are on the right track, and every bit of work we have done, has not only been worthwhile, but has also had an impact with the public.
“The TAB Million Dollar Chase showcases the best of what greyhound racing offers and this agreement with Nine Network now gives us the opportunity to promote the sport to a whole new audience.”
In 2019 GRNSW partnered with the Nine Network for an Australian first, a dedicated one-hour national free-to-air, live broadcast of the Grand Final and two supporting events, on Nine Gem.
The broadcast delivered an audience of more than 171,000 Australians, and significantly a more diverse audience made up of 56% male and 44% female viewers.
Last year’s broadcast was hosted by respected Nine sports presenter Cameron Williams, and he will again head up the coverage on October 16, with exclusive interviews with the winners.
“We were naturally disappointed late this week having to announce that due to COVID-19 restrictions we are unable to have any general public spectators attend Wentworth Park for TAB Million Dollar Chase Grand Final night,” Mestrov said.
“While we would love to have a large crowd similar to thousands we had last year, and again have that amazing atmosphere, sadly the unprecedented circumstances means it just can’t be the case in 2020.
“But today’s announcement means that everyone now has the opportunity to witness history when someone becomes an instant millionaire, live on free-to-air television. We will also be producing a comprehensive coverage of the entire night, streamed through our website – thedogs.com.au – and the meeting will also be showcased through Sky Racing.”
Following last night’s City Qualifiers at Wentworth Park, all 64 semi-final berths have now been secured. Next Friday night, October 9, eight semi-finals will be conducted at Wentworth Park, with the eight winners advancing to the TAB Million Dollar Chase Grand Final, for their shot at the $1 million first prize.
“One of the attractions of our sport is that it is so affordable, and the working man or woman can easily get involved,” Mestrov said.
“In fact, one of the favourites for the TAB Million Dollar Chase is Flying Ricciardo, a dog purchased by trainer Kristy Sultana at our Gold Muzzle Auction for $7,500. What an investment it will be if Flying Ricciardo wins the $1 million prize on Friday week.”
