The July release of a bombshell report by the sport’s former chief vet alleging horrific treatment of racing dogs and a “morass of exploitation and suffering” put an industry that was nearly banned seven years ago back in the spotlight.
Perhaps Billett’s memory has been dulled by the strain of the festive season. On the Wednesday evening, between his two appearances, he’d boogied the night away at GRNSW’s Christmas party, held at The Island, a floating beach club on Sydney Harbour. GRNSW, who didn’t respond to our questions, this year shut down a rehoming facility in Wyee, leaving 20 staff out of work. The same day, then-CEO Macaulay announced plans to cut the organisation’s costs by 30 per cent.