Note of Meeting with IGOBF on 28th May 2024
Present
Tim Lucey (Chief Executive Officer, GRI)
John Tuohey (Chief Financial Officer/Deputy CEO, GRI)
Pat Herbert (Director of Regulation, Care & Welfare, GRI)
Pat Meskell (Director of Veterinary Services, GRI)
Leon Blanche (Chief Commercial Officer, GRI)
Derek Frehill (Director of Racing, GRI) (via MS Teams)
Kellie Whelan (taking minutes, GRI)
Damian Matthews (Chairperson, IGOBF)
Deirdre Leahy (Secretary, IGOBF)
Geoff Parnaby (IGOBF)
Brendan Mansell (IGOBF)
Tom Caffrey (IGOBF)
A meeting between Greyhound Racing Ireland and the Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation took place at Limerick Greyhound Stadium at 2:30pm on Tuesday 28th May 2024.
The following matters on the agenda as put forward by both GRI and the IGOBF were discussed:
1. Welcome and opening remarks
Tim Lucey, CEO of GRI, welcomed and thanked the IGOBF for attending the meeting. The IGOBF thanked GRI for hosting the meeting. Both parties then introduced each member of their respective teams. It was mutually agreed GRI would draft and furnish a note of the meeting to the IGOBF.
2. Overview of Financial Position
John Tuohey, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO, provided an overview of GRI’s financial position.
He reported that the 2023 Annual Report has been submitted to the Department and is expected to be published between July and September, depending on the Department’s schedule.
GRI is in a stable financial position, adhering strictly to the budget as mandated by the Department.
Prizemoney is steadily increasing, reflecting GRI’s ongoing progress and a desire to increase same annually if Government funding and commercial performance provide the basis for same.
In 2023, GRI had an excess of €3 million dedicated to care and welfare, and a similar amount of approximately €3.3 million is anticipated for 2024.
Additionally, GRI generated a modest profit from commercial activities in 2023. On the capital side, significant investments have been made in the redevelopment of Shelbourne Park.
Attendance levels have risen, showing a positive increase in 2023, despite a decrease in the number of race meetings.
Tote turnover in 2023 significantly improved from the previous year, and it is hoped that this trend will continue in 2024.
The Gambling Act presents challenges in the areas of promotion and advertising. IGOBF asked for more transparency into the distribution of extra prizemoney.
The IGOBF made the point that the grassroots are struggling financially to keep going considering current rising costs and GRI prizemoney increase, as per John Tuohey’s financial assessment, doesn’t appear to be anywhere near index linked to inflation.
3. Strategic Plan
Tim Lucey thanked the IGOBF for their submission for the strategic plan and informed them that it will most likely follow a 2025 timeline. He also mentioned that the final draft of the strategic plan is expected to be approved by the Board later this year.
The IGOBF thanked GRI for including IGOBF in the strategic plan, acknowledging it as a positive step forward and expressing appreciation for their involvement.
4. Track Maintenance
The IGOBF raised concerns about ongoing welfare issues related to track maintenance. A new tool has been introduced for track upkeep, but there is a lack of transparency regarding the results of the tests conducted on the track. Greyhound owners and breeders have reported that they are not seeing any tangible benefits from these tests.
The IGOBF emphasized the need for weekly schedules detailing when track maintenance will occur.
Derek Frehill reassured the IGOBF that GRI is making progress with track maintenance. GRI has enlisted STRI, an English-based company, to assist with track maintenance. The plan involves gathering and developing data over time to enable comprehensive assessments of each track.
Stage 1: Focuses on the composition of track soil and other foundational elements.
Stage 2: Concerns the necessary equipment for specific tracks.
Stage 3: Involves staff training and retention.
GRI are nearing the completion of this process, which will greatly enhance confidence in the maintenance efforts and the overall direction.
An audit of all equipment will be conducted, along with gathering feedback from all track staff.
GRI stated that This process is expected to be completed by the end of summer, with a strong emphasis on staff training as a key component.
The IGOBF then requested that GRI commit to scheduling weekly maintenance checks for each track.
IGOBF asked for a commitment be given to include private tracks in this and also highlighted immediate attention be given to Waterford circuit
GRI reassured that Waterford track is being addressed and that the STRI process will include private tracks. Once the intial assessment is done GRI advised that this will further aid weekly maintenance regimes.
5. Prizemoney, racing/novice racing, entry fee process – Derek Frehill provided an overview
Derek Frehill acknowledged that novice racing has been a challenge for GRI, but improvements are underway. While the situation has improved significantly, further enhancements are possible. This topic will be discussed in greater detail at the next Regulation Committee meeting.
IGOBF recommended that the time from grading to first race should be put back to 6 weeks for ON1 pups and for ON2 and ON3 maybe 4 1/2 weeks as dogs grading in midweek have in effect only 3 weeks.
GRI committed to addressing this.
Derek Frehill agreed to discuss Special Event Grant allocations with Tom Caffrey when 2025 prize money budget was being prepared with view to exploring the request for giving private tracks some flexibility in allocation of grant to stakes over the year.
Regarding prizemoney, a portion of the overall funding comes from the government. Currently, there are no available funds to increase the prizemoney for 2024.
6. SIS racing and prize money structure
GRI stated that SIS provided GRI with the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities, and they have proven that the product meets the required standards also that a percentage of SIS owners have expressed high satisfaction with SIS racing.
The IGOBF expressed concerns about the potential long-term impact of SIS, stating that they are not adequately rewarded for their efforts. While they recognize the benefits of SIS at certain tracks and times, they do not see the value in sacrificing regular race nights for SIS race nights in the long run.
The IGOBF urged GRI to consider attendance figures and strategically determine the best path forward.
7. Barking Buzz platform
GRI recognises the need to enhance the Barking Buzz platform and anticipates improvements in the near future, though no specific timeline has been established.
In reference to the closure of RPGTV GRI highlighted loss of revenue
IGOBF suggested GRI take this opportunity to look into creating their own, subscription based channel, similar to RPGTV to raise new revenue rather than accepting this as a loss.
8. Rehoming and IRGT
Pat Meskell highlighted that rehoming greyhounds is a major challenge facing GRI. According to Australian Guardian, Australia is reported as paying to $4400 per dog for relocation to America which places enormous competition on greyhounds supplied from Ireland. • GRI through IRGT rehomed 1447 greyhounds in 2023.
Efforts are underway to bolster rehoming initiatives, but the Irish market presents limitations. There’s no simple solution; the focus is on encouraging owners to retain their greyhounds while also promoting rehoming opportunities in the USA.
IRGT’s organisational structure is to be reviewed and additional resources are required to assist in rehoming.
Pat Meskell suggested that consideration be given to diverting the focus of Kennel
Improvement Scheme grants towards assisting those owners prepared to keep retired greyhounds.
Barry Coleman, Welfare & Racing Operations Support Manager at GRI is making good progress with rehoming efforts maintaining America as a key market despite the challenges.
The IGOBF expressed concerns regarding IRGT’s stance on the age of certain rehomed dogs, highlighting the need for stricter policies as the current framework appears ineffective. They
emphasized the necessity for well-defined processes and the establishment of a communication channel. Additionally, they proposed the creation of a database where individuals can select
criteria such as the colour of the greyhound and gender. Overall, the IGOBF stressed the importance of implementing a solid strategy to address these issues effectively.
9. Illegal substance testing
GRI informed that all illegal substance testing is conducted in-house, with established procedures in place to address any occurrences. They emphasized regular reviews of thresholds and the implementation of thorough internal investigations. GRI assured that any changes pertaining to testing protocols will be disseminated following scientific guidance. The IGOBF recommended the dissemination of positive news stories regarding these efforts.
Pat Herbert mentioned that an Analytical finding is not a guilty verdict, it is just a finding and that the independent panel is who decides the verdict.
IGOBF stated that the way it’s published presently gives the appearance of a guilty verdict before due process is completed.
IGOBF put to GRI that thresholds for “adverse finding” need be below what is a stimulant level as opposed to substantially below stimulant level. In certain instances the thresholds are below those expected of an Olympic competitor, this brings adverse analysis findings when there is no stimulant effect.
10. Category 2 meat
GRI advised that the matter of possible restrictions being placed on the use of Category 2 meat is entirely a matter for the Department of Agriculture. This risk of antibiotics in such meat poses a significant health concern as it could inadvertently expose greyhounds to these substances.
GRI assured that a system is in place, including welfare inspections, to address concerns related to Category 2 meat.
IGOBF stated clearly that Cat 2 meat is the main source of protein and essential in a thriving and competing greyhound and that it is not financially viable, on current GRI prizemoney structure to feed racers on non-cat 2 meat.
11. Breeding trends
GRI noted that there are currently no challenges with racing pools. Therefore, they likely do not see a requirement for breeding incentives currently.
IGOBF stressed that any reduction in breeding takes close to 2 years to affect the racing pool.
12. Regulatory reform
There are currently five distinct drafts of regulatory reform in progress. These drafts are formulated through a meticulous process outlined in section 5 of the Act. This process can often be quite extensive. Feedback on these drafts has been received from our own department. The Department of Agriculture has requested that we draft all regulations anticipated by the Act.
Greyhound Racing Ireland are currently fully engaged with DAFM to progress finalisation of Regulatory reform.
13. Welfare – kennel inspections protocols
Significant progress is being made with routine welfare issues, and the vast majority of inspections are successful. Approximately, 90% of individuals are passing their inspections without any issues.
IGOBF suggested information regarding these 90% successful welfare inspections be published.
14. Shelbourne Park redevelopment
The Shelbourne Park redevelopment is advancing smoothly, aiming for completion on September 14th, 2024. The colour scheme has been exceptionally well received.
15. Business development and growth
Agenda items 15 and 17 will be addressed together in one discussion. The focus is on exploring opportunities for business development and growth across all stakeholders. We need to determine the process, potentially involving advisory councils, supporter clubs, and other means, to effectively activate this level of engagement. GRI highlighted that funds are allocated towards admission, with ticket purchases serving as admission on the night. The template for the fundraiser’s success depends on individual efforts. The IGOBF recommended involving more individuals actively engaged in the sport.
IGOBF asked for private tracks to be included in GRI’s promotion of tracks on social media platforms as his in turn promotes the industry as a whole.
16. RCE/GRI Brand development
GRI informed the IGOBF they are currently developing a new logo and presentation, aiming for approval by the Board. GRI will provide a detailed briefing to the IGOBF. Additionally, various campaigns, both outdoor and indoor, are being planned to engage our target audience effectively.
17. Local GOBA – sponsorship administration
GRI advised that Revenue rules require the application of VAT to local sponsorship. GRI advised that this will not impact on the sponsorship amount raised being fully applied to prizemoney.
18. Communications with stakeholders and relationship management
GRI plans to publish a newsletter for the entire industry every six months, providing updates and briefings. This initiative aims to enhance communication and understanding of industry needs. IGOBF supported the idea of strategic biannual updates addressing day-to-day issues and emphasized the need for mutual respect between IGOBF and GRI members, with documentation of current activities.
GRI mentioned that adopting an agreed code of practice could significantly change how people approach engagement. IGOBF acknowledged that while the Consultative Forum was a good concept, it is not functioning effectively in its current form. They suggested it needs better structuring and that a more suitable option should be explored.
19. Stakeholders’ role in promotion the industry
This agenda item combined with the previous agenda item.
20. Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor does not promote Greyhound Racing Ireland.
21. Third level course/education
GRI is collaborating positively with Conor Foley at Technological University of Shannon (TUS) to develop a greyhound college course, with the goal of launching it in 2025.
22. AOB
Mr Tom Caffrey invited the GRI Executive members to attend the 2024 Kasko National Produce Stakes Final at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
Tim Lucey, CEO of GRI, thanked the IGOBF for attending the meeting and acknowledged their crucial role, emphasizing the importance of regular engagement and expressing hope for its continuation. The IGOBF, in turn, thanked the CEO for his involvement over the past few months and noted the positive consultation with the greyhound community.
The meeting then concluded.