What it cost to own a Greyhound

How much you spend, is completely up to you. Buying into a Greyhound involves a modest up-front cost, with very little on-going payments… like replacing batteries in a remote controlled car.

“Syndication is a great way of getting your mates together. Winning is just a bonus.”
- Peter Cameron (Leading Greyhound Owner)
Training costs
The most common training arrangement between the owner and trainer is what is called a “50/50”. This arrangement sees no fees payable by the owner in return for the trainer receiving 50% of any prizemoney won. There are variations including a set weekly training fee and a lesser percentage with some trainers (i.e. $100 per week and 20% of prizemoney) but the norm in Western Australia and in most states is 50/50.

Purchase costs

Buying a puppy
The appeal of purchasing a well-bred pup is the fun of watching your Greyhound grow from a baby into a racing athlete, all within the space of a year. It is a time that will likely fly by with memorable milestones along the way when naming your dog, evaluating breaking in reports and, of course, its racetrack debut.

Allow a budget of $10,000 to cover costs of purchase, rearing, education, and preparation to go to a trainer. After this, there is little to pay other than vet fees if you have entered the standard 50/50 training arrangement.

$5,000 Purchase at 3 months age
$3,300 Rearing to 14 months of age (11 months @$300 per month)
$600 Pre-Trainer (4 weeks at $150)
$600 Education (4 weeks at $150)
$900 Pre-Trainer (6 weeks at $150)

As an owner of a WA bred pup, you can also benefit from a non-contributory ‘WestCha$e‘ scheme that offers lucrative financial rewards.

The following is offered as a guide to what a performed Greyhound may be worth, based on WA prize money levels in 2021.

Mandurah/Northam Country Class (age 30 months)

A Greyhound that will race competitively in this class will typically command a $2,000 to $5,000 price tag. This estimate is based on first prizemoney of $1,000 with an expectation that your Greyhound can win a few of those races.

Mandurah Provincial Class (age 30 months)

A Greyhound that will race competitively in this class will typically command a $5,000 to $15,000 price tag. This estimate is based on first prizemoney of $2,000 with an expectation that your Greyhound can win four or more of those races.

Cannington City Class (age 30 months)

A Greyhound that will race with success in this class will typically command a $15,000 to $40,000 price tag. This estimate is based on first prize money of $5,000 with an expectation that your Greyhound can win at least four of those races.