ByCatherine Strohfeldt
The Queensland government has launched a review into horse and greyhound racing in the state with a view to boosting the industry’s sustainability.
Sport and Racing Minister Tim Mander said three experts with links to different parts of the industry – including harness, thoroughbred and greyhound racing – had been appointed to a new committee.
“This is the most comprehensive review across all three codes to be carried out in Queensland, and it is imperative that we have a variety of experience and viewpoints involved,” he said.
Committee members include barrister Scott Neaves, Queensland Racing Integrity Commission steward Kym Daly, and communications specialist and licensed greyhound trainer Lynette Keep.
Committee chair Matthew McGrath was appointed in February and is the former head of the Australian Turf Club, Sydney’s thoroughbred horse racing body.
Mander said the review would be completed by late 2025, with the committee expected to consider more than 1200 submissions received from the community and industry between March 1 and April 7 this year.
“The contributions have helped shape the terms of reference and will guide more targeted discussions,” Mander said.
“It’s important that we get this right, so racing will continue to flourish and grow for decades to come.”
Racing Queensland welcomed the review, supporting “the government’s commitment to strengthening the Queensland racing industry”.
Animal welfare concerns in the industry have been an ongoing concern for a slew of groups, such as the RSPCA, Animals Australia, and the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds.
Queensland’s newest greyhound racing track, The Q in Ipswich, was expected to officially open on June 8, promising to meet “the highest standards of animal care”.
But the CPG alleges five greyhounds have already died in trials at the track since early March.
In its submission to the review, it has called for the state to stop building new racing infrastructure, reduce government funding for the sport, and consider ending it entirely.
“The review has to include the possibility of phasing out greyhound racing,” said CPG president and former Greens state member for South Brisbane Amy MacMahon.
Related Article
City life
Dogs of death: Egyptian burial chambers reveal animals sacrificed in their millions
“We’ve just seen New Zealand phase out greyhound racing because of the rate of animal injuries, but the stats in Australia are worse.”
The QRIC recorded almost 500 injuries in racing greyhounds across three months from October to December last year, of which 50 were deemed serious and eight were fatal.
A further 90 dogs died or were euthanised because of issues not linked to old age or illness, and almost 300 dogs were retired – going to new homes, breeding programs, living with trainers, or being adopted out.
The QRIC’s most recent equine lifecycle and on-track injury report, covering the 2023-24 financial year, included the deaths of 292 thoroughbreds and 52 standardbreds, which are used for harness racing.
During that period, more than 3300 thoroughbreds and 276 standardbreds were retired.
