Heat is on in the Great Chase

By Kath Gannaway
TWO heats of Greyhound Racing Victoria’s The Great Chase were held at Healesville on Sunday.
Since its inception in 2003 nearly 100 groups catering for people with physical and intellectual disabilities have participated in events at GRV regional greyhound racing clubs.
Groups are matched up with a greyhound and have the chance to win cash for their group as well as enjoying a day out at the races.
Three groups took part in the Healesville event and their runners qualified for the semi-finals to be held at Warragul Track on 5 December.
“They will be hoping their representative can progress to the final to be held at Shepparton Track on 9 December,” Ken Hutchinson, club manager at Healesville, said.
St Johns Community Care at Dunelm won both heats with Ikari Star and Regal Odyssey and Mr Hutchinson said both dogs have a real chance in the remainder of the series.
St Johns Community Care, Edwards Lodge, finished second in their race with Another Slayer, who also goes on to the semi-finals and Smith Megenis Syndrome Australia also qualified with a second placing to Bomber Dream.
Mr Hutchinson explained Smith Megenis Syndrome is a disease that has been diagnosed in only 10 families in Victoria.
“The young people affected are aged from five to 26 and this event is one of a few opportunities that a large number of the families get to meet and socialise.
“It was great to see the families having a very relaxing day enjoying the racing and watching their children have a great time with a face painter and lots of special gifts supplied by the club.
“There were plenty of happy faces to be seen.”
Mr Hutchinson said the club would like to see more community and special needs groups in the Yarra Valley take part in The Great Chase next year.
Mr Hutchinson can be contacted on 5962 2649.