One of the most important functions of GA is to support our industry through participant services. 

Management of the Stud book is a key area of focus so that the integrity and purity of the greyhound breed is maintained.

DNA testing confirms the pedigree of the greyhound and is as published in the GA studbook each year which ensures clear and validated lineage.

Any greyhound that is used for breeding needs to be DNA tested before being registered as a Sire or breeding female.  This is so that the pedigree of the breeding greyhound can be recorded and published in the Greyhounds Australasia studbook. 

Greyhounds can be DNA tested from a very early age and participants are encouraged to have their dogs tested as soon as breeding from a sire or female is considered.  Participants are also welcome to apply for DNA testing of any greyhound in their care to confirm parentage, regardless of whether they intend to breed with that greyhound.

It is a very simple process:

  1. Participants complete the DNA application form found on the forms section of the GA website at galtd.org.au
  2. GA sends a DNA kit to the required postal address or emails the DNA documentation to the veterinary clinic as requested by the participant (select veterinary clinics have stock of DNA kits).
  3. The participant then takes the greyhound to their vet for testing along with the greyhounds’ identification card – if the DNA kit was posted to the participant that needs to be taken to the vet also.
  4. The vet collects the samples and verifies that the greyhound matches the identification card, earbrand and microchip before sending the samples to the GA designated laboratory for testing.
  5. The GA designated laboratory runs the DNA test and confirms parentage.
  6. The GA designated laboratory forwards the test results to GA, who then notifies the relevant Controlling Body of the DNA test result.
  7. The Participant receives a formal DNA certificate by email or by post if requested.

66 years of Stud Books are held at the GA offices and each year as the Stud Book is completed, they are made available via the GA website. In 2020 for the first time, the GA Stud Book was offered as a free digital download.  Making it more accessible for all participants.

The Stud Books include the names, sex, colour, whelping date, and breeding of greyhounds registered as well as litters whelped and registered for the year.  The results of major classic events are also documented as are other interesting facts and stories from the period that the book covers.

The next Stud Book will be available soon and I will let you know when it is available for purchase.

On a separate topic, I was again able to travel last month which was terrific as I have very much missed being among the greyhound racing community. 

I was privileged to travel to Perth to attend the Racing and Wagering Western Australia, Ladies of Chasing lunch.  The RWWA team put on a wonderful afternoon and it was lovely to reacquaint with ladies from the greyhound racing industry and celebrate some incredible contributions that women make to the greyhound racing industry in WA.

The Leadership Award was presented to Kira Withers who with her family promote greyhound racing on and off the track with their champion greyhound Tommy Shelby, otherwise know as the “People’s Dog”.

Kennel attendant, Karen Lennox-Bradley was presented with the Dedication to Greyhound Racing Award.  Karen’s willingness to always help everyone and her positive attitude were highlighted as having a positive impact on the industry and all those that meet Karen.

Christina Morrison was presented with the Greyhound Welfare Award for her commitment to assisting with the rehoming process for retired greyhounds and continuing to improve her skillset in fostering approximately 10 greyhounds since 2016.

The Administration Award went to Alina Cattana from Greyhounds WA Mandurah.  Alina was a popular winner recognised for her dedication and passion for the industry through her role as the Manager of the racetrack.

There are many many women in our industry that make an incredible contribution on and off the track.  While these four women were acknowledged this year in WA, all women were rightly celebrated for their commitment and passion for our industry.

It was also terrific to spend time in the RWWA offices meeting face to face for the first time in over a year.  I look forward to visiting more jurisdictions in the coming year.