Among the programs was a waiving of fees to register breeding females and a bonus system which rewarded owners and breeders of Victorian bred greyhounds in certain races. There was an immediate response, with matings increasing year on year and confidence in the industry returning after a tumultuous few years.

Whilst the lag time is about two years for such initiatives, we get to enjoy a long standing parochial program with a bumper day of Vic Bred races at the Horsham Greyhound Racing Club tomorrow.

A restricted win (1-4 wins) final over 485m kicks of the quaddie in race 5 and due to the rich pickings on offer, local trainers had to compete with some of the state’s best, and biggest, kennels. As a result, Cap Abbott (Edenhope) is the only Wimmera based trainer represented with Shaniqua finishing second in her heat to qualify. Reserve Crymelon Idol (Ian Bibby) will be hoping for a couple of scratchings to gain a start.

The first four races on the card are Vic Bred Maiden Heats over 410m. Normally held as lead up to the Horsham Cup, this series is now earlier due to a programming change, and comes on the back of a series late last year which has seen several dogs progress to better races.

The Andrea Gurry-bred and owned, Kirabilli Poppy lines up for her first start in race 1 and has drawn box 4 and will be up against Why Not Peter for Wayne Gray (Ballarat) who travelled up to trial a couple of weeks ago.

Bill and Helen Hartigan have Zulu Barney and Avatar Demon in race 2. Both will be looking for luck after drawing in the middle of the field. Helen also has Avatar Maximus in race 4, always an eachway chance.

Pat Smith (Wonwondah) has a debutant in race 3 with Direct Flight and from box one will be looking for a bold showing in what looks on paper as a tricky race.

We are now less than six weeks from the highlight of greyhound racing in the Wimmera, the CHS Group Horsham Cup. Planning is well underway and will be an excitement-packed night on Saturday March 10.