News

Seven up-and-coming figures in greyhound racing had their media skills put to the test at The Meadows on Wednesday, taking part in a media training program Greyhound Racing Victoria hopes to expand into the future.

The day‑long workshop was led by renowned sports reporter Jim Wilson from The Comms Guru and was designed to help participants build confidence and connection when speaking in front of a camera.

Across two intensive three‑and‑a‑half‑hour sessions, Holly Thompson, Brad Greenough, Jess Hopkins, Mia Sharp, Tom O’Neill, and Morgan and Taylor Cockerell were challenged by Wilson to hone their engagement, storytelling and on‑camera presence in a modern racing environment.

GRV’s head of public affairs and corporate communications Damien Ractliffe said the initiative reflected GRV’s commitment to developing more confident spokespeople for greyhound racing.

“The next generation of trainers are not only talented greyhound people, they’re also passionate about building long‑term careers in the sport,” Ractliffe said.

“By giving them the tools and confidence to tell their own stories, we’re developing advocates who can champion everything that is great about greyhound racing to a broader audience.”

Wilson said the improvement he witnessed over the course of the day highlighted the depth of emerging talent within Victorian greyhound racing.

“I was thrilled to media train some of the up‑and‑coming talent for Greyhound Racing Victoria,” Wilson said.

“Those who attended were such a captive audience and gained invaluable insight into what makes great media talent and communicators.”

Wilson also acknowledged the support of the GRV Board in backing long‑term initiatives designed to develop people within the sport.

“Well done to the GRV Board, led by chairman and respected journalist and senior executive Tom Salom, for investing in the future,” he said.

“There are some wonderful stories to tell from the new generation of trainers, and the love of the sport and their animals really shone through.”

GRV plans to build on the success of the session by expanding media and communication training opportunities as part of its broader commitment to storytelling and growing the sport’s fan base.

Participants interested in future media training opportunities can contact Damien Ractliffe at dractliffe@grv.org.au.