August 15, 2008 (by email)

Mr B Hogan

Chief Executive Officer

GRNSW

PO BOX 170

CONCORD WEST 2138

Dear Brent,

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to GRNSW's review of the Grading Policy.

The NSW GBOTA assumes that GRNSW will reconvene the Grading Policy Consultative Committee to further review the Policy and looks forward to being a part of that Committee.

The NSW GBOTA provides the following initial comments in the meantime:

1.   Fifth Grade Concerns

•  Members have advised that any greyhound that has won in excess of 10 races at Category A or B level should not be entitled to compete in a grade 5 via a drop-back.

•  Members have advised that no greyhound that has won a Group race (excepting maiden group events) should be able to compete in a grade 5 at Category A or B meetings.

•  Members believe that grade 5 events should be composed having regard for the number of wins various competitors have had. This is to suggest grouping greyhounds in grade 5 with similar win totals.

•  Members believe that greyhounds should be able to win two grade 5 events before progressing to grade 4 at a particular track.

2.   Mixing of Grades

•  Members believe that further consideration needs to be given to the number of grade 5 greyhounds that are to be included in a mixed 4/5 event. Currently, the policy requires only one.

•  Members believe further consideration needs to be given as to how the grade 5 greyhounds placed in mixed stakes are selected. It is suggested that the highest win grade 5's should be mixed with the lowest win grade 4's.

•  Members have advised that FFA events under 564m should be restricted to grades 1, 2 and 3 greyhounds. Events over 564m may continue to combine grades 1 to 4.

Yours sincerely,

Brenton Scott

Executive Officer