Record prize-winning greyhound, Raider’s Guide, euthanised after Launceston race

The death of Raider’s Guide, Tasmania’s highest prize money earning-greyhound ever, has sparked fresh calls to end taxpayer-funding for the sport.

Tasmanian greyhound Raider's Guide (white bib) racing at The Meadows in November 2024. Picture: BlueStream

Another race-related greyhound death has sparked fresh calls to end taxpayer-funding for the sport.

Four-year-old Raider’s Guide was Tasmania’s highest prize money earner ever, earning more than $650,000 over his 79-race career and was the 2024 Greyhound of the Year.

He was euthanised on Monday after racing at the Launceston Greyhound Racing Club.

According to the Tasracing Integrity Unit’s steward’s report, Raider’s Guide had acquired “cervical spinal injuries” after a fall in the sixth race and was later transferred to a vet clinic where he was euthanised.

The report read he had been “stood down from racing 3 months”, with Tasracing later confirming his death.

Tasmanian greyhound Raider's Guide (white bib) racing at The Meadows in November 2024. Picture: BlueStream

Raider’s Guide has been considered one of Tasmania’s finest after being bred and trained in the state by Gary Fahey.

His resume included three group 1 wins and more prize money than any other Tasmanian greyhound. In 79 races, Raider’s Guide won on 41 occasions and earned 21 placings.

RSPCA CEO Andrea Dawkins said the death served as another reminder of the “brutal” nature of the industry, and maintained calls to end taxpayer funding for the sport.

“While the racing press remembers Raider’s Guide for his wins, his records, and the money he earned for others … he was born into an industry where risk, injury, stress and premature death are accepted as collateral damage,” Ms Dawkins said.

“We must reckon with an industry that continues to operate despite mounting evidence of unnecessary suffering.”

Raider’s Guide is the third greyhound to die due to race-related injuries in Tasmania this year, according to the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds.

A further 148 race-related injuries have been recorded, with 31 of these classified as “major”, the advocacy group says.

Independent candidate for Franklin Peter George, Kristie Johnston, member for Clark and recently re-elected Meg Webb MLC for Nelson. Picture: Linda Higginson

Tasmanian Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said the Greens would continue campaigning for an end to taxpayer-funded greyhound racing, and the strengthening of animal welfare laws.

It comes after independents Kristie Johnston and Peter George declared they would work together alongside Meg Webb MLC to end the sport if elected to the next parliament.

Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins said Raider’s Guide’s passing was a “racing tragedy”.

“ … our thoughts and condolences go out to Gary and Bev Fahey, Carol Martin and the extended family involved with Raider’s Guide,” Mr Jenkins said.

“He was not only one of Tasmania’s best, but nationally, Raider’s Guide was a true champion, and he showed that as recently as last month with victory in Queensland.

“He will leave a legacy on Tasmanian and Australian greyhound racing for many years to come.”

“There has been a steady downward trend in racing-related deaths over the last few years,” a Tasracing spokeperson added.

Originally published as Record prize-winning greyhound, Raider’s Guide, euthanised after Launceston race