Stuart Cashen, back in New Zealand as racing manager for Greyhound Racing New Zealand, has noted major changes in his 10 years away from racing.
"From the presentation of the product [greyhound]; the security over the racing dogs and the organisation of the meetings to the presentation of the handlers and the welfare of the dogs.
"This is a reflection on the hard work of many enthusiasts from all parts of the greyhound community. All involved in the sport should congratulate themselves," he said in the annual report to be presented to members in Dunedin today.
It is the first time the annual meeting has been held in Dunedin.
Delegates were guests of the Otago Greyhound Racing Club which staged a race meeting at Forbury Park yesterday with a $12,000 feature race.
Greyhound racing will present 45% of all races run in New Zealand this year.
Cashen said when he left New Zealand in 2002 there were 2540 greyhound races, with an on-course turnover of just under $3 million and off-course, $91 million.
This year there were 4887 races and record stake money of $8.7 million. Turnover off-course was $102 million and on-course, $2.3 million with $18 million on fixed odds betting.
Little Mother, Greyhound of the Year in 2010, continued to excel during the season, advancing her stake earnings to $247,000.
Lisa Ahern became the first New Zealand greyhound trainer to surpass $1 million in stake money. John McInerney was the leading trainer with a record 612 wins, 171 more than his total when he led the premiership in 2008-09.
John McArthur, the chairman, said the past year could be described as "a steady-as-you-go report".
McArthur, of Wanganui, said the continued downturn in the economy, the global meltdown, and the Christchurch earthquakes, will make the pursuit of the leisure dollar more difficult.
He said greyhound racing was doing well in attracting new owners.
"People are realising that racing a dog is an alternative to racing a horse from the point of view of costs," he said.
Jim Leach, the general manager, said the steady flow of betting dollars to overseas bookmakers continued to be a serious concern as did the lack of support from Government to put in place measures to prevent this "theft".
He was critical of the high proportion of cost of radio and television coverage being picked up by greyhound racing.
"We remain sceptical of the real financial benefits of the second television channel."
Mr Leach said the antiquated governance structure of greyhound racing with total club control over the setting of rules and regulations continued to hold the industry back.
