By Isaac Murphy
It’s not by accident the Ekka Greyhound Sweepstakes has evolved into the annual event it is.
It’s taken years of hard work from volunteers like Di O’Donnell to boost the profile.
Now, with the financial backing of Racing Queensland, the 2021 edition is scheduled for midday Sunday August 8 and is poised to have a profound impact on the non-racing public.
“I’ve been involved in organising the Ekka Sweepstakes for a long time and having success there was actually the catalyst for starting the Ipswich Show Sweepstakes as well,” O’Donnell said.
“Racing Queensland have jumped on board this year with Nicola Hardman heading up the organisation of the event which has made everything a lot easier.
“We used to have to fund raise as the QBOTA and were lucky enough to have a lot of passionate people that have kept the event running before Racing Queensland stepped in to work towards the same goal.”
It’s Hardman’s first time promoting the event and she’s leant on experienced hands like O’Donnell to ensure the best possible experience for all those involved.
“We’re looking to add something to the show every year, we missed out in 2020 due to Covid, but numbers are up in terms of entrants and for the first time Racing Queensland are offering appearance fees which hard-working trainers really deserve,” Hardman said.
“I think it’s really important that the entrants and volunteers get the support from Racing Queensland to build on what is already such an important cause.
“We’re all working towards the same goal and that’s to promote our sport and the welfare of our dogs to the greater public and working together I’m hoping for a really impactful year.”
O’Donnell was happy with the projected numbers on the day and was hoping even more people will be inspired to enter their greyhounds.
“We’re really happy to have 45 greyhounds locked in over the different categories and that’s with several regulars missing out who’ll be racing at Capalaba on Sunday the 8th of August,” she said.
“It’s amazing the response you get when you tell people these are racing greyhounds, they get the chance to meet the trainers, pat the dogs and perceptions can change in an instant.
“Apart from events like the sweepstakes the wider public simply don’t get the chance to see greyhounds in this light, it’s so important we keep spreading the message welfare comes first.”
Along with a team of volunteers, O’Donnell spent three days manning the greyhound tent at the Ipswich show.
The Ekka window may be smaller but it’s a chance to engage a wider audience.
“We’ve got the lunchtime slot locked in on Sunday the 8th of August, it’s just the one day rather than the three days we get at Ipswich, but the exposure is on a whole new level,” she said.
“There’s a lot of moving pieces and that makes it even more important everyone involved in planning is diligent in making the most of our time.
“Lionel Blunel, who’s the chief canine steward at the Ekka, has been a long-time supporter of the Sweepstakes and even if we run over time always makes sure we get to finish what we started.”
Those who come along will get to see the full array of greyhounds, largely in thanks to some familiar names.
“It’s vital having the different categories from puppies, pre-race dogs, race dogs, veterans and adopted dogs, people get to see these dogs get taken care of at every stage of their development,” O’Donnell said.
“There are prizes for each category and the owners and trainers always present their dogs in immaculate order, but it’s not about winning or losing it’s a real community feel.
“There are too many people to name who help out, but two that really deserve a pat on the back are Sam Bloomfield and Kelly Anderson, who manage to enter their own dogs and help organise at the same time.”