The Million Dollar Chase

The largest greyhound race in New South Wales was recently funded by the NSW Government, despite backlash from the community.

The Million Dollar Chase Race at Wentworth Park

On October 20, the best greyhounds competed for the $1 million prize pool, $500,000 of this was funded by the Community Development Fund (CDF).

“The Community Development Fund was established to create and implement programs for community benefit (which is) funded through unclaimed poker machine jackpot prizes and unclaimed gaming machine tickets” according to the Responsible Gambling Government Body.

In previous years, the CDF has been used to restore war memorials in the community.

Despite backlash, the Minister for Racing, Paul Toole, said: "The Million Dollar Chase will generate new interest in the future of the sport across NSW and will provide a welcome boost to the economy in regional centres."

This comes just two years after former Premier Mike Baird announced he would outlaw greyhound racing, a law that was reformed quickly after.

A petition created on Change.org has over 36,000 signatures against this funding with a lot of the community outraged. Much of these signatures are against greyhound racing entirely, leaving comments explaining on the petition.

Another signer, Andrew Mencinsky, said: “This is an appalling waste of money when there are so many other deserving areas.”

The winning dog, Mystic Riot, and trainer Jodie Lagogiane, took home $1 million dollars in prize money, beating the favourite-to-win Poke The Bear, who came in fourth place.

Mystic Riot took out first by one 20th of a second ahead of Jamella Jet.

Many other signers of the petition said: 'Such cruelty to animals is barbaric.'

Despite the jubilant win, many have called for the NSW Government to reinstate the ban on the sport due to the mistreatment of the race dogs.

Written by Paris Carey