Greyhounds are My Life profiles some of the 17,000 people involved in greyhound racing across Victoria. They come from all walks of life, but are united by their common love of greyhounds and by how they put the welfare of the dogs and the integrity of the sport first and foremost.
Their stories also highlight their connections with their local greyhound racing clubs and how Victoria’s 13 greyhound racing clubs are part of their communities, creating jobs, social and professional networks and supporting local groups and causes.
Profiles are being released before each Club’s annual Cup.
If you like Greyhounds are My Life and you’ve got any comments, suggestions or good stories about your own involvement in the sport, please let us know at ourcommunity@grv.org.au
Riana Groom
Coming from a family with a long involvement in the sport, Riana grew up with greyhounds, and has been a regular volunteer at Longwood Coursing Club since she was 12. Riana got her attendant’s license at 14, bought her first greyhound at 15 and applied for her trainer’s license as soon as she turned 18. When not training and racing her current greyhound, Arden Emgrand, Riana works at a major greyhound facility in Longwood. Her passion for and dedication to greyhounds has been rewarded with Young Achiever Awards from Shepparton Greyhound Racing Clubs and the National Coursing Association.
Liz Breukirk and Roslyn Russell
Liz has been racing greyhounds for many years and with her partner, Theo, owns Elite Greyhounds, which makes greyhound accessories including collars, leads, rugs, muzzles and hoop arm lures. Separately, Roslyn adopted Jimmy, a retired racer, who was trained as one of the first therapy dogs in the Shepparton region and who regularly visits aged care homes. Then Ros and Liz met on a greyhound walk in Seymour and they soon became great friends through their shared love of the breed. Together they lead regular greyhound walks in Shepparton and Benalla and in 2016 they received awards from the Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club for their work in bringing greyhound owners together off the track.
Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club
The Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club was based at the Shepparton Showgrounds until 2005, when it moved to its current home at the Kialla racing complex, which it shares with the Shepparton Harness Racing Club. The club and greyhound racing contributes over $13 million annually to the Goulburn region’s economy and generates around 175 jobs.
Check out our other Greyhounds are My Life videos at
www.GRV.org.au/GAML