‘Increase in prize money will support greyhound re-homing and welfare’
The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has today (Tuesday 19 September) confirmed the planned increase in prize money through an equivalent of a 25% increase in ordinary race grants will take effect from 1 October 2017.
The decision has been made possible through the sale of Harold’s Cross Stadium which will clear the company’s legacy debt and facilitate scope for re-investment into the industry.
Commenting on the announcement IGB Chairman Phil Meaney said:
“This increase in prize money which works out at an additional investment of €1.2m, will provide for an overall annual prize money total of over €9 million. I am delighted to see this further support to owners, breeders and trainers which will further sustain the greyhound sector. Today’s announcement will also further support the re-homing of retired greyhounds as a percentage of prize money matched by IGB is assigned to the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT). In recent years, the number of re-homed greyhounds through the IRGT and supported re-homing agencies has increased from 614 in 2014 to 891 in 2016.”
The Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT), a registered charity set up by the IGB, works with owners to re-home greyhounds after retirement and in promoting greyhounds as domestic pets. The charity is funded by a 2% deduction from winning prize money which is then matched by the IGB. Many retired greyhounds are also re-homed throughout Ireland, Europe and North America through charities supported by the IRGT.
Contrary to perception, greyhounds make for excellent pets as they require little exercise or special diet.
