The Million Dollar Chase is going regional this year, with Maitland now set to play host to a qualifying round.
Maitland Greyhounds will hold the heats on September 6, followed by a final on the 13th.
The top two dogs from the race will then go on to the finals series at Wentworth Park to fight for the $1 million prize.
Organisers are hoping to attract a lot of interest in the event.
It comes after the State Government said it would put $500, 000 towards the competition, which has raised eyebrows within the industry.
Cessnock trainer Bob Whitelaw says they’re just trying to win back votes after attempting to ban the industry altogether two years ago.
To make matters worse, he also says this money is normally used to fund war memorials and community projects.
“That $500, 000 doesn’t come from the government: it’s coming from the Community Grants Scheme.”
“People in those community groups, they’ll be filthy on us because they’ve got to wait another 12 months or possibly longer before they get any money.”