Get ready to witness explosive talent ignite when the Launching Pad series thunders back in 2024! Over 500K in prizemoney is up for grabs across the series, fueling the race for glory and launching the careers of tomorrow’s racing superstars.
This high-octane journey culminates in a spectacular finale on the eve of Easter, Thursday March 28th. Brace yourself for an unforgettable night of heart-pounding competition, nail-biting finishes, and champions to be crowned under the Easter moon.
Remember the 2023 series? Click here to relive the excitement of last years final where brothers Trooper and Trapper Tears circled the field mid race to produce a spectacular quinella finish.
Mark your calendars, buckle up, and get ready to witness greatness in the making!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next generation of racing legends!
Slots?
To enter the 2024 Launching Pad you must purchase a slot.
Slots will go on sale from 10am on Monday 22 January 2024. A maximum of 64 slots will be sold. Each slot costs $2,500 (plus a $50 transaction fee). Full payment must be made at the time of purchase, and slots can only be purchased online.
Click here to purchase (ON SALE NOW)
Who can purchase a slot?
Registered trainers, owners and racing bodies can purchase slots. The maximum number of entry forms that may be purchased by any individual person, syndicate, club or association (as defined by GRV local rule 28.7) is eight (8).
Are the slots transferable?
Yes. Owners of slots are welcome to sell their slot entitlement to another registered trainer, owner or racing body upon completion of the Transfer of Ownership Form (subject to approval from SGRC).
Sandown will assist those looking to buy or sell by providing such information on its website.
Which greyhounds are eligible to compete in the series?
Greyhounds with 1-6 wins and no more than 30 starts at the close on nominations are eligible for the series.
At the close of nominations, greyhounds must be nominated with the corresponding information.
How much is the series worth?
The 2024 Group 3 Launching Pad series will carry $534,250 in prize money!
Qualifier events
Sandown Park will host a ‘Launching Pad qualifier’ (1-4 wins, no more than 28 starts). These are restricted win heats on Sunday March 3, with the final on Thursday March 7 – the winning connections will recieve a slot in the Launching Pad.
Launching Pad
Final – $220,000 (1st: $150,000, 2nd: $40,000, 3rd: $20,000, 4th: $10,000)
Semi Finals – $22,000 (1st: $15,000, 2nd: $4,000, 3rd: $2,000, 4th $1,000)
Heats – $15,250 (1st: $10,000, 2nd: $3,000, 3rd: $1,500, 4th: $750)
Launching Pad Consolation
For greyhounds that finish 3rd and 4th in their semi-final
Final – $36,500 (1st: $25,000, 2nd: $7,000, 3rd: $3,000, 4th: $1,500)
Runway (Consolation Series)
A maximum of three heats will be conducted, as determined by the greyhound’s finishing position in the heats
Final – $22,000 (1st: $15,000, 2nd: $4,000, 3rd: $2,000, 4th: $1,000)
Heats – $15,250 (1st: $10,000, 2nd: $3,000, 3rd: $1,500, 4th: $750)
Last year 70% of greyhounds entered in the series earned prize money!
Dates to note:
10:00am Monday 22 January 2024 – Entry Forms go on sale
12:00pm Monday 11 March 2024 – Purchase and transfer of entry forms close
8:00am Tuesday 12 March 2024 – Nominations close (nominate with Sandown GRC)
Thursday 14 March 2024 – Launching Pad heats
Thursday 21 March 2024 – Launching Pad semi finals and Runway (Consolation Series) heats
Thursday 28 March 2024 – Launching Pad, Consolation and Runway final
Conditions
Click here for full event conditions
Further information
Sandown Greyhound Racing Club
Tim Belfrage – tbelfrage@grv.org.au
(03) 9546 9511