By David Lewis
GREYHOUND Racing SA (GRSA) has announced the appointment of highly-respected and experienced racing administrator Brenton Scott as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Scott currently leads strategy, development and management of greyhound racing in Queensland as the Senior Racing Manager (Greyhound) at Racing Queensland.
In this role he has achieved growth in revenue and prize money while also ensuring continued investment in major infrastructure and welfare.
Prior to this he had been the CEO of the NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (NSW GBOTA) where he oversaw racing operations across nine key venues, as well as advocacy for the industry at a critical time.
GRSA Chairman, Grantley Stevens, said the board had undertaken a targeted search to identify a candidate with not only significant racing credentials, but also a clear vision for the future of greyhound racing in South Australia.
“In Brenton we have secured an experienced leader with an intimate understanding of the complexities of greyhound racing and its stakeholders,” he said.
“As well, he has an unparalleled track record of meeting its unique challenges and opportunities.
“This will be critical as we respond to the findings of the Independent Inquiry and continue to build a sustainable future for our industry.
“We are delighted that Brenton has agreed to return home to SA after 25 years and that a CEO of his calibre will be leading our organisation.”
Scott said that while this was a pivotal time for SA greyhound racing, he was looking well beyond the two-year time frame set by the Independent Inquiry.
“That’s because I strongly believe in a vibrant future for this great industry,” he said.
“The Inquiry Report has provided some important insights and will be a useful framework as we look for ways to sustainably grow and strengthen the industry.
“I am committed to engaging with stakeholders and delivering outcomes for participants while, importantly, working to meet the expectations of the wider community.”
He will commence his role as GRSA CEO in early March.
Scott’s involvement in greyhound racing goes back to his school days when Tuesday nights were spent with his father, Robin, at the Angle Park trials.
Subsequently he would enjoy success in his own right as an owner and trainer.
Later, he teamed up with the legendary Peter Lock and launched the SA Greyhound Leash, a weekly A4 size 16-page publication that comprehensively covered SA greyhound racing.
Scott was the editor, while Lock’s contribution included a weekly column titled Lockie – the December 11, 1986 issue’s column lamenting the fact it was a great pity the Port Augusta Greyhound Club’s canteen, along with its lady volunteers, did not cater at all tracks.
Back then there were plenty of tracks to cater for.
The Leash of that week listed the fields for Saturday meetings at Whyalla, Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln and Kulpara.
The SA Greyhound Racing Control Board eventually took over the Leash, with Scott remaining the editor.
In due course, the publication that had served the SA greyhound industry so well was replaced by Kennel Capers.
But by then Scott was CEO of the NSW GBOTA and if he thought being editor of the SA Greyhound Leash or Deputy General Manager of the SA Greyhound Racing Control Board had been tough gigs, well . . .
