The Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) Puppy Classic Series is set to debut in November, offering a lucrative prize of $150,000 for the winning connections. The event will take place at Richmond, where the 2024 Puppy Auction relaunch was held, with heats starting on November 21 and the final on November 28. This series is exclusive to graduates of the 2024 GRNSW Auction and ranks among the top NSW events in terms of prize money.
GRNSW CEO Steve Griffin expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming series, highlighting the success of the 2024 Auction, which saw total sales of $1.27 million and an average sale price of $9,600. The auction attracted both seasoned industry participants and newcomers, with notable interest generated for the 2025 edition scheduled for May 25. Griffin emphasized the significance of the Puppy Classic Series as a draw for buyers and a platform for introducing new enthusiasts to the sport.
The standout performers from the 2024 Auction were four progenies of Fernando Bale and She’s A Pearl, now reaching 18 months of age. Leading trainer Andy Lord, set to train this quartet, expressed high expectations for their racing potential, underscoring the quality of the greyhounds emerging from these breeding lines.
The upcoming 2025 Auction, slated for May 25 at Richmond, is poised to feature a selection of well-bred pups, attracting interest from prospective owners looking to venture into greyhound racing. The event serves as a gateway for individuals to enter the sport and acquire promising racing prospects.
With the anticipation building for the Puppy Classic Series and the forthcoming Auction, the greyhound racing community is gearing up for competitive racing action and the unveiling of new talents in the sport. The industry’s focus on breeding, training, and showcasing greyhound athletes underscores the ongoing evolution and excitement within the racing landscape.
As greyhound racing continues to captivate enthusiasts and participants alike, events like the Puppy Classic Series and Auctions play a pivotal role in driving interest, investment, and engagement within the sport. The dedication of trainers, breeders, and owners to nurture and develop top-tier racing greyhounds contributes to the vibrancy and competitiveness of the greyhound racing scene.
Looking ahead to the inaugural Puppy Classic Series and beyond, the greyhound racing community anticipates thrilling races, fierce competition, and the emergence of new stars on the track. The legacy of these events extends beyond prize money, embodying the passion and commitment of those involved in every aspect of greyhound racing.