Participating in the greyhound racing industry can be an extremely rewarding hobby or career. This is an industry that is passionate about the sport of greyhound racing and even more passionate about greyhounds as athletes and safeguarding the welfare of greyhounds. The benefits of becoming a licenced participant include the enjoyment of working with animals, being your own boss, the social aspects of racing, and spending a lot of time outdoors and much more.
Before deciding to become a participant, it is important to understand exactly what is involved. Caring for and training greyhounds can be a seven-day-a-week commitment, the hours can be long, may involve lots of travel and, sometimes, an irregular income.
Becoming a Greyhound Owner
An Owner is responsible for the greyhound/s they own and must make decisions throughout the greyhound’s racing career and post-racing into retirement. However, they do not train or have any involvement at a race meeting. To become a licenced Owner, you must be 18 years old or older.
If you would like to become an Owner, you will need to set up a Fast Track Account (if you do not already have one) and click on the ‘Apply to Participate’ tab, you will need to complete a National Police Check. This check needs to be done via GRV’s specific police check provider (any other check will not be accepted). The link to GRV’s police check is provided during the application process and, after your application has been submitted.
Should you have any queries about the Owner licence application process, please email [email protected].
Becoming a Greyhound Catcher
Catchers are important at race meetings; their role is to catch a greyhound at the end of a race and handle them safely. To be a licenced Catcher, you must be at least 14 years old, however under 18-year-olds must have an adult to supervise them whilst at the track. Also, you must be skilled in handling greyhounds with varying temperaments and be confident to physically catch and lead a greyhound after a race.
Prior to becoming a Catcher, it is strongly recommended that you get as much experience as possible handling greyhounds.
The following booklet contains some useful information about the role of Catchers:
At the Racetrack – Kennelling, Preparing for Racing, Boxing and Catching
If you would like to become a Catcher, you will need to set up a Fast Track Account (if you do not already have one) and click on the ‘Apply to Participate’ tab.
The application process includes a practical assessment in the presence of a GRV Steward – you will need to contact the Participant Services team to book a suitable time. If you are over 18 years old, you will need to complete a National Police Check. This check needs to be done via GRV’s specific police check provider (any other check will not be accepted). The link to GRV’s police check is provided during the application process and, after your application has been submitted.
Should you have any queries about the Catcher licence application process, please email [email protected].
Becoming a Greyhound Attendant
Attendants are more involved in a greyhound’s race preparation and are in charge of a greyhound at a race meeting; their role is to transport, kennel, parade, box, catch and handle greyhounds safely. An Attendant is the category above a Catcher and is more hands on – Attendants may also assist a Trainer with the day to day care and training of greyhounds at their property, trial tracks or race tracks. To be a licenced Attendant, you must be at least 14 years old, however under 18-year-olds must have an adult to supervise them whilst at the track and a Trainer’s property. Also, you must be skilled in handling greyhounds with varying temperaments and be confident to physically handle a greyhound at a race meeting.
Prior to becoming an Attendant, it is strongly recommended that you get as much experience as possible handling greyhounds.
The following booklets contain some useful information about the role of Attendants. The booklet in the ‘Being a Greyhound Catcher’ section above also provides useful information.
If you would like to become an Attendant, you will need to set up a Fast Track Account (if you do not already have one) and click on the ‘Apply to Participate’ tab.
The application process includes a multiple-choice online test and a practical assessment in the presence of a GRV Steward – you will need to contact the Participant Services team to book a suitable time.
If you are over 18 years old, you will need to complete a National Police Check. This check needs to be done via GRV’s specific police check provider (any other check will not be accepted). The link to GRV’s police check is provided during the application process and, after your application has been submitted.
Should you have any queries about the Attendant licence application process, please email [email protected].
Becoming a Greyhound Trainer
Trainers are responsible for the day-to-day care and training of greyhounds and hold the highest licence category. Begin a Trainer is a big commitment and involves caring for greyhounds that are owned by other people or yourself as well as teaching a greyhound racing skills such entering and exiting a starting box, chasing a lure, familiarizing them with the racetrack environment and maintaining their physical fitness. To be a licenced Trainer you must be at least 18 years old.
Prior to becoming a Trainer, GRV strongly recommends you seek a mentor within the industry, and that you spend some time working with and learning from an experienced Trainer. GRV recommends holding a Catcher or Attendant licence prior to being a Trainer to familiarise yourself with race meeting processes, GRV Local and National Rules and to gain as much experience as possible handling greyhounds.
The following booklets contain some useful information about the role of Trainers. The booklets in the ‘Being a Greyhound Catcher’ and ‘Being a Greyhound Attendant’ sections above also provide useful information.
If you would like to become a Trainer, you will need to set up a Fast Track Account (if you do not already have one) and click on the ‘Apply to Participate’ tab.
The application process includes a multiple-choice online test, a kennel inspection and a practical assessment in the presence of a GRV Steward – you will need to contact the Participant Services team to book a suitable time. You will need to complete a National Police Check. This check needs to be done via GRV’s specific police check provider (any other check will not be accepted). The link to GRV’s police check is provided during the application process and, after your application has been submitted.
Should you have any queries about the Trainer licence application process, please email [email protected].
