BREEDERS will be rewarded for the crucial and often unsung role they play in greyhound racing's success through a ground-breaking new Vic Bred Pink Diamond series, to be held this month, culminating in a big night of finals at Bendigo.
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While it's usually the trainers and owners that are celebrating feature race victories, the innovative Pink Diamond format is inviting breeders to the party.
"I think it's fantastic breeders will get an opportunity to win some money back," said astute breeder George Farrugia, who's enjoyed great success in recent years, racing Group 1 winners Striker Light and True Detective.
"Breeding a litter is very time-consuming and it's not cheap, with the cost of stud fees and whelping.
"The benefits of the Pink Diamond concept aren't just financial; we've got some fabulous breeders in Victoria and they deserve this type of recognition."
It's great that Bendigo gets the chance to showcase its outstanding track on what will be a huge finals night.
- George Farrugia
The inaugural Pink Diamond series will see around $830,000 in prize money and breeders bonuses on offer.
The series will feature heats at Warragul, Ballarat, Shepparton and Geelong and culminate with a massive finals night at Bendigo on Friday, June 18.
"We've got some fabulous breeders in Victoria. In the future, they will be able to say they've produced a Pink Diamond winner or the mum has produced a couple of Pink Diamond pups," Farrugia said.
Twelve finals will be staged for Victorian-bred greyhounds of all ages and abilities, including maidens, veterans, female-only, and age and ranking restricted events.
The prize money is huge, highlighted by Group 1-level $75,000 winner's purses for special event finals over 425m, 500m and 660m, with a bumper $11,250 bonus going to the breeders of all three winners.
"When breeders sell pups they're always worried about selling 'the good one' but with the Pink Diamond they can still get a financial reward as well as recognition," Farrugia said.
"In the future, breeders will be able to say they've produced a Pink Diamond winner or the mum has produced a couple of Pink Diamond pups.
"I think it's important the series caters for so many categories of greyhounds.
"The other big thing is the series is being held on provincial tracks and it's great that Bendigo gets the chance to showcase its outstanding track on what will be a huge finals night.
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