Sky is the limit at the Darwin Greyhound Association after signing key trial television coverage deal

THE good news gets better and better at the Darwin Greyhound Association, after the club announced a four-week trial to host two race meetings a week

Darwin Greyhound Association president Nick Day is celebrating the fact the Sky Channel will cover four Wednesday night meetings at Winnellie Park, in a huge boost for the club. PICTURE: Elise Derwin

THE good news gets better and better at the Darwin Greyhound Association, after the club announced a four-week trial to host two race meetings a week.

Along with the weekly Sunday night races, Winnellie Park will host Wednesday night meetings on July 19, August 16, September 13 and October 11.

Sky Channel will use these dates as a trial period to see if the club can handle the extra workload, with a view to keeping the Wednesday night race schedules in the future.

Back in February, the DGA was delighted to announce a three-year extension with the Sky Channel, with the option of a two-year extension until 2022.

“I’ve been involved with this club for 15 years and this is the best news we’ve had since I’ve been here,” club president Nick Day said at the time.

He was similarly delighted after hearing about the extra Wednesday night meetings.

“All the Darwin trainers support it, and if the club keeps growing we’re confident (two race meetings a week can become permanent),” Day said.

“When I was first involved in the club over 15 years ago, we had four or five races a night. Now it’s regularly at 11.

“(DGA secretary-manager) Greg Aldam is a great networker, and he’s done a great job building up the club.

“It’s been a real team effort by our committee in getting this far.”

Aldam said he would consult the DGA members and committee after the trial period, then talk to Sky Channel powerbrokers, to see if the arrangement can continue.

“It’s brilliant for trainers and owners to race twice a week and increase their earnings,” he said.

“And this will put our club out there — around Australia, and in New Zealand and parts of Asia through the Sky Channel. This was only a pipe dream 12 months ago.

“But the feedback we get from other clubs interstate about our product, and from owners and trainers and the Sky Channel, is really positive.”

Meanwhile, after receiving an NT Government grant, the DGA will soon start construction on a new shed/kennel block on track.

This will allow more kennel space to assist in the rehoming of retired greyhounds.