Dream It, Chase It: How the Million Dollar Chase Revitalized Greyhound Racing in NSW

When Tony Mestrov stepped into his role as CEO of Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) in late 2017, he knew a radical transformation was necessary. The sport was still reeling from the devastating effects of a recent ban, and negativity overshadowed its future. Determined to turn things around, Mestrov took a bold step: he created the Million Dollar Chase (MDC), an event designed to restore faith, enthusiasm, and a sense of pride in greyhound racing.

“I knew we needed to make an impact,” Mestrov recalls. “The industry was in dire straits. The Million Dollar Chase was a way to show NSW that greyhound racing was back on its feet and thriving. This was about reigniting the passion and giving everyone something to rally around.”

The MDC was ambitious, both in concept and in financial commitment. GRNSW had to invest significantly, partnering with Ladbrokes for partial sponsorship but covering much of the cost themselves. The risk was substantial, but Mestrov and his team believed it was essential for restoring positivity around the sport. They also tied the event to the Greyhounds As Pets program, emphasizing a renewed focus on animal welfare.

“We agreed that it had to be a million dollars to make a statement,” Mestrov says. “We needed a race that would inspire people—something everyone in the sport could aspire to. I’m incredibly proud of what it has achieved since then.”

With the foundation set, Mestrov enlisted Wayne Billett, then head of racing operations and now the acting CEO, to bring the MDC to life. Billett knew that for the race to resonate, it had to be inclusive. The slogan “Dream It, Chase It” became a rallying cry for everyone involved in greyhound racing, from the smallest local trainers to the biggest names in the sport.

“We wanted to give everyone a shot,” Billett explains. “The regional qualifiers were our way of involving the entire state. We wanted people to believe that no matter where they were from, they had a chance at winning $1 million. Over the years, it’s been incredible to see the stories that come out of these qualifiers—stories of people truly living their dreams.”

The series launched in 2018, starting in Bathurst and touring 11 regional venues before culminating at Wentworth Park for the city qualifiers and finals. That October, Mystic Riot claimed the inaugural MDC title, marking a turning point for the sport and leaving a lasting impact on those involved.

“I’ll never forget that night,” Mestrov shares. “Seeing the joy on Peter Lagogiane’s face as he celebrated down the straight—it was unforgettable. It meant so much to so many people.”

For Billett, the Million Dollar Chase has become a source of immense pride. “When Tony first mentioned a million-dollar race, I thought, ‘Wow!’ Even now, it’s a ‘wow’ event,” he says. “The people in this sport are the salt of the earth, and to have a race with a prize of $1 million, that’s something they can be proud of. It’s our Field of Dreams moment.”

The MDC has proven to be a powerful catalyst for the sport, bringing attention and respect to greyhound racing and giving its community something to celebrate. With another grand final on the horizon, Mestrov and Billett are excited to see the event continue to grow, ensuring the industry’s legacy for years to come.