Heston Bale Awarded Australia’s Best Greyhound Run January 2012

The AGRA’s Run of the Month for January 2012 has been awarded to Heston Bale after his extraordinary performance to win his heat of the Perth Cup on January 28th. Heston Bale was put on his nose on the first corner and almost put over the outside rail as the leader Forty Two Below led into the back straight in 13.62.

The Andrea Dailly trained star put his head down and after giving away many lengths to the leaders somehow found a way to win by half a length in 30.72. It was a huge run. Heston Bale the brother of Sandown Park 515 metre record holder Bekim Bale has always from his very first start shown way above average ability and in his short career so far has put up some brilliant performances. However he does seem to find trouble in a lot of his races.

This is his second Run of the month award for Heston Bale he also shared the December 2011 award with Noble Pedro after he smashed the Meadows record recording an extraordinary 29.45.
Heston Bale is a Black Dog whelped October 2009 by Bartrim Bale from Amelia Bale (Sonic Flight x Evonne Bale) he is raced by Paul Wheeler and trained by the Dailly team at Anakie in Victoria. He has raced 18 times for 11 wins and four placings his overall stake earnings stand at $65,660.
Continue reading Heston Bale Awarded Australia’s Best Greyhound Run January 2012

Oaks Road Named Australia’s Best Greyhound In January 2012

AGRA’s Greyhound of the Month for January 2012 is brilliant New South Wales sprinter Oaks Road. In January the talented Oaks Road was undefeated winning his four starts including the Group 2 Bob Payne Summer Sprint at Wentworth Park.

It was a remarkable month for the hard chasing Spiral Nikita dog trained by Mark Gatt for Ed Kingswell. He has always shown he was a serious greyhound after racing in top company from early on in his career. However perhaps 2012, his connections may enjoy what they know their star sprinter is capable off.

Oaks Road started the month winning the Gosford Cup Consolation in outstanding fashion recording the fastest time of the night of 29.79, Fancy Dean was second. He then went to Wentworth Park for his heat of the Bob Payne and again returned the best time of the night 29.64.
Continue reading Oaks Road Named Australia’s Best Greyhound In January 2012

Things Are Not Always What They Seem

It is never easy to get to the heart of things in the racing industry. Here are some topical examples.

CASE 1.
Earlier (see Truth is Better than Fiction, 30 Jan) I suggested that, amongst other operators, Betfair did not publish turnover figures. A couple of readers took me to task, pointing out that a query of its website would reveal all. Well, they are part right. Yes, if you are a qualified Betfair customer, you can look up what bets were placed on a given race. But not if you are Joe Blow off the street. And nowhere can you locate figures for a given year. To further check this, I queried Betfair directly.

Absolutely, their spokesman replied, “we are not guarded in respect of our results”. However, responding to my twice repeated request for 2010/11 turnover data by code, he directed me to pages which simply showed race by race turnover. These included “matched amounts”, as Betfair terms them, and other information. Very nice, but not what I asked about. And I am hardly in the position to add up thousands of individual race figures.
Continue reading Things Are Not Always What They Seem

Stars Ready To Rock The Hunter In Two Group One Showdowns

This Friday night at Betchoice Gardens will see not one but two sensational Group One age restricted finals worth $75,000 each. After two intense weeks of heats and semi-finals contests, where some of the fastest times ever recorded at Betchoice Gardens were witnessed by spectators, should draw a bumper crowd for the Hunter’s drawcard meeting of 2012.

Of the two futurity semi-finals conducted last week, Geoff Collins Victorian star sprinter Zara Zulu began quickly to sit in second position behind the leader at the first turn before shooting away to win by six lengths in a very smart 29.61. Midnight Capers who finished in second position was equally as gallant as last week’s performance finishing behind Avondale Queen in 29.51.

After beginning well from box two, the daughter of prominent sprinter Midnight Movie, made solid ground on the winner and now holds the ace in this week’s final after coming up with box one. Zara Zulu will have to use her early pace to overcome a difficult box five draw.
Continue reading Stars Ready To Rock The Hunter In Two Group One Showdowns

Final Acceptances In For Temlee, Rookie Rebel & Zoom Top

Final acceptances for the Group 1 Macro Meats Temlee (525m), Group 2 Rookie Rebel (600m) and Group 2 Zoom Top (725m) have been confirmed, with the country’s best chasers ready to face off at The Meadows on February 18 in one of the best nights of Greyhound Racing across the world.

A total of 56 of the 66 original invitees have accepted an invitation (see below) to run in one of the three invitation-only races on the night should they been chosen in the final fields. A large number of the 10 greyhounds who didn’t accept were because of injury, including the retirement of Group 1 winning chaser Kilty Lad.

The selection panel – made up of representatives from The Meadows and the GRV grading department – will meet tomorrow to confirm the eight finalists (plus two reserves) for each race. The fields for the three finals will then be revealed on Monday, February 6, at 7.30pm. The box draw will take place on track at The Meadows on February 11.
Continue reading Final Acceptances In For Temlee, Rookie Rebel & Zoom Top

Bate Kennel Out In Force In Launceston Cup Heats

The powerful Graeme Bate kennel will be represented by five runners in heats of the $40,000 to the winner Tasracing Launceston Cup ( 515 metres) to be conducted at the Tote Racing Centre on Monday night.

The winners of the eight heats will graduate to the rich final the following Monday night March 13.

The master trainer will box Radley Bale, Shereen Bale, Tonneli Bale, David Bale and Carol Anne in what promises to be a spectacular night’s racing.
Continue reading Bate Kennel Out In Force In Launceston Cup Heats

Mudgee & Forbes Greyhound Track Registrations Renewals Approved, Moree Still Shutout

Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has advised the Mudgee & District Greyhound Racing Club and the Forbes & District Greyhound Racing Club that their registration has been renewed for 2012,
effective immediately.

The Board of GRNSW did not renew Mudgee’s registration in December after it determined that the club had not met the requirements of the Operating Standards, which is a condition for every NSW greyhound club. At the same time, the Board deferred consideration of Forbes’ registration, due to that club missing the deadline for submission of the Operating Standards.

However, at a meeting on Tuesday 31 January the Board renewed both clubs’ registration for 2012 after receiving documentation showing they satisfactorily met all of the 16 Operating Standards.
Continue reading Mudgee & Forbes Greyhound Track Registrations Renewals Approved, Moree Still Shutout

GRNSW Take 70% Stake In The Gardens To Stop NCA’s Debt Foreclosure

Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has announced it will enter into an agreement with the NSW National Coursing Association (NCA) to acquire a 70% share in Betchoice Gardens to ensure the
Newcastle track’s long term sustainability.

The $1.2 million transaction provides GRNSW with a 70% ownership share of the track that has been developed by the NCA and plays a pivotal role in the region hosting 130 TAB race meetings each year.

On completion of the transaction, GRNSW would have contributed 70% of the total capital construction costs associated with the development of Betchoice Gardens and therefore will hold a
70% share in the ownership of the property.
Continue reading GRNSW Take 70% Stake In The Gardens To Stop NCA’s Debt Foreclosure

Racing Queensland Officially Withdraw From Deagon In Favour Of Logan Development

The Queensland Government and Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) today unveiled significant changes to the $110 million Industry Infrastructure Plan (IIP) to deliver new and improved racing facilities across the state.

The projects are independent of the ongoing legal action surrounding the sale of Albion Park and uncertainty over any future redevelopment at Deagon.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies, Tim Mulherin, joined RQL Chairman, Bob Bentley, to detail the changes today.
Continue reading Racing Queensland Officially Withdraw From Deagon In Favour Of Logan Development

Retiring GRNSW Chairman Reflects On His Time At The Helm

Retiring Greyhound Racing NSW Chairman Professor Percy Allan AM has used his farewell statement to reflect on the various achievements of his Board during the past nine years.

The industry elected GRNSW Board that Professor Allan currently presides over will hand over the baton to a new independent Board on February 10.

Professor Allan said when he joined GRNSW in 2003 the Board held a dozen workshops around NSW to learn what the main grievances were in Greyhound Racing.
Continue reading Retiring GRNSW Chairman Reflects On His Time At The Helm

Abbadale Gold Gets Three Into Galaxy But Can They Beat Miata?

Record-breaking superstar, Miata, will be the one to beat in Saturday nights’ $120,000 to the winner Sky Racing Galaxy final, after another crushing win on Saturday night.

Posting the fastest qualifying time of 41.58 around Cannington’s 715 metres, the daughter of Bombastic Shiraz and Winsome Bluebird romped home by 12 lengths from box five and will once again have to be content with a middle box, having come up with the blue vest for the final.

While she took a little while to get going in her heat, mostly due to a collision with Kalden Petroni, the strength of this bitch cannot be underestimated. The winner of 18 from 22 will no doubt provide Paul Stuart with many more thrilling displays now that she has experience over the longer journeys.
Continue reading Abbadale Gold Gets Three Into Galaxy But Can They Beat Miata?

Race Record Falls As Glen Gallon Flies

Star Queenslander, Glen Gallon provided the highlight run of the Perth Cup heats, when flying around the 530m Cannington trip in 29.87.The run enters the books as the fastest time ever recorded during a Perth Cup series, replacing High Earner’s previous best of 29.93 during his successful 2010 campaign.

What made the performance even more impressive was the way he went about it. It wasn’t simply a ping-and-win affair, as the events of the first 100 metres would no doubt have cost him some time overall and could have been made a lot worse.

Jumping from the awkward six alley, Glen Gallon was one of the last away, and soon took a path heading towards the rail. It was at that time that Big Jo King shifted inwards causing Or Else, who had drawn box one, to fall heavily. Big Jo King then came out and clipped Glen Gallon, but instead of hesitating, the powerful fawn chaser kept his mind on the job and burst through to find the front, going 5.71 for the first section.
Continue reading Race Record Falls As Glen Gallon Flies

Perth Cup Final Becomes A National Affair

No less than four states are represented in the 2012 Sky Racing Perth Cup final, after a thrilling nights’ racing last Saturday. Victorians make up half the final field with four qualifiers, the standout of those being the Andrea Dailly trained Heston Bale.

Despite putting in a pedestrian heat time of 30.72, it was the way The Meadows track record holder recovered from several checks in order to steal victory. Beginning from box six, it was only a few strides after the start that Heston Bale collided with Kalden Aurora, costing both greyhounds a few lengths approaching the first bend. With Forty Two Below taking up the front for David Hobby, the rest of the field jammed up, causing Proficient to being shoved wide, taking Heston Bale with it.

The margin between Heston Bale and the leading division was at least seven lengths down the back, but you got the sense that the fight was never over. Coming around the home turn, Forty Two Below was in a battle with Prince Elite, with Heston Bale going three wide around them. In a position where many others may have thrown in the towel, Heston Bale used all of his tenacity to score by half a length over Forty Two Below in a remarkable race.
Continue reading Perth Cup Final Becomes A National Affair

SA Greyhound Of The Year Finalists Named

The Greyhound of the Year Selection Panel met and determined last week the Finalists for the 2011 SA Greyhound Of The Year. The panel members will now cast their individual votes on the title, with the winner announced at the Awards Dinner on Saturday 17th March.

All five Finalists were monthly winners during the year. The Finalists are:

The Finalists are:

Crazy Heart

• Starts 39-1sts 16, 2nds 10, 3rds 4
• (SA Bred) Tr. Bruce Lellmann
• Total Prizemoney $33,315
• Greyhound of the Month – December – (scored votes in 2 months)
Won
• Heat & Final Gawler South Bakery Cup
• Heat & Semi Gawler Produce Stake (second in Final)
• Heat Triple M Adelaide Cup (eighth in Final – G1)
• Xmas Sprint
Best Times:
• 29.99 (515m Angle Park)
• 35.24 (600m Angle Park)
• 30.78 (531m Gawler)
• 29.71 (512m Barmera)

Dark Duo

• Starts 28-1sts 16, 2nds 2, 3rds -
• Tr. Rob Harnas
• Total Prizemoney $55,295
• Greyhound of the Month – April – (scored votes in 6 months)
Won
• Heat & Semi Final TattsBet.com Adelaide Cup (fifth in Final – G1)
• St. Patrick’s Day Sprint
• Heat & Final West End Draught Anniversary Cup (G3)
• Heat National Sprint SA Series (second in SA Final)
• Also eighth Rookie Rebel (G2 – Meadows)
Best Times
• 29.67 (515m Angle Park)

Goosebumps

• Starts 38-1sts 20, 2nds 7, 3rds 4
• (SA Bred) Tr. Matthew Payne
• Total Prizemoney $33,660
• Greyhound of the Month – February – (scored votes in 4 months)
Won
• Heat & Final Breeders 2011 Prelude (1)
• Final Breeders 2011 Prelude (2)
• Heat Gawler Breeders 2011 (second in Final)
• Also second Doug Payne Memorial
Best Times
• 29.60 (515m Angle Park)
• 35.19 (600m Angle Park)
• 44.25 (731m Angle Park)
• 30.53 (531m Gawler)
• 37.28 (643m Gawler)

Kalden Mayhem

• Starts 41-1sts 19, 2nds 4, 3rds 6
• Tr. Troy Murray
• Total Prizemoney $82,030
• Greyhound of the Month – August, September & November – (scored votes in 7 months)
Won
• Heat & Final John Gray Memorial
• Heat & Final National Distance SA Series (third in National Final G1 – Albion Park)
• Heat & Final Strathalbyn Cup
• Heat & Final Pets Tucker Gawler Gold Cup (G3)
• Also second Betfair Gold Cup (G2 – Wentworth Park), seventh Easter Chase Final (G2 – Wentworth Park)
Best Times
• 29.36 (515m Angle Park)
• 34.48 (600m Angle Park)
• 43.22 (731m Angle Park)
• 30.32 (531m Gawler)
• 37.27 (643m Gawler)
• 30.88 (536m Strathalbyn)

Satanic Cash

• Starts 14 -1sts 7, 2nds 4, 3rds 1
• (SA Bred) Tr. Robert Isaacson
• Total Prizemoney $41,760
• Greyhound of the Month – January – (scored votes in 3 months)
Won
• Final West End Draught Distance Championship (G3)
• Final BGC Cleaning Supplies Stayers Cup
• Also second Macro Meats Cup Night Stayers (Sandown)
Best Times
• 35.14 (600m Angle Park)
• 42.96 (731m Angle Park)

The Greyhound of the Year Panel members are also voting on the SA Bred GOTY, SA Distance GOTY and SA Sprinting GOTY to be announced at the Awards Dinner on Saturday night 17th March.

Truth Is Better Than Fiction

Last Saturday night Australians bet around $2.5 million on greyhound races, half of which was at the premium tracks of Wentworth Park, The Meadows and Cannington, and half at provincial meetings at The Gardens, Richmond and Warrnambool.

Analysis of those figures paints an erratic and worrying picture – one that casts doubts over greyhound authorities’ corporate spin about how marvellous things are.

In practice, business may have crept up marginally (if you ignore inflation and higher costs) but at the expense of the long term development of the industry.
Continue reading Truth Is Better Than Fiction

Look To The Heavens For The Galaxy Is Upon Us

Western Australia’s premier staying series, the Group 1 Sky Racing Galaxy, is set to begin on Saturday night, with four heats over 715 metres scheduled to boost an already amazing program. Blue Lorian was the 2011 champion after defeating a stellar field and this year’s version should be just as entertaining.

All eyes will be on the second heat, which will be race seven on the card, to see if local superstar Miata can race through to her first Group 1 final. She will wear yellow for the heat and with a vacant box on her outside, the Paul Stuart trained freak should be able to navigate the small six-dog field and set up a much anticipated final next weekend.

While it would seem only bad luck can stop the favourite, there will still be a second final spot up for grabs. Out of those looking to join Miata, or cause an upset, the former W.A greyhound Kalden Petroni will be the most likely, after showing very good staying form in South Australia. Being out of Abbadale Gold, Kalden Petroni is bred to stay and Troy Murray is no stranger to preparing his troops for feature events. Divine Nation is a NSW visitor that has moderate Wentworth Park form and will need to stay out of trouble from box eight in this event. The Parelli team has brought a nice cluster of greyhounds over from the east and Divine Nation is not without a hope of qualifying.
Continue reading Look To The Heavens For The Galaxy Is Upon Us

Queensland – Beautiful One Day, Confusing The Next

Just as we finished discussing the need for some reform in the structure of Greyhound Racing (see TAKING A SHOT, 23 Jan), or any racing, for that matter, out comes the extraordinary news that Racing Queensland has done a double back flip with twist.

A year or so ago RQ claimed that the previous decision to move from Albion Park to Logan, SW of Brisbane, was no good and wiped it from the books. Tens of thousands of dollars in preparatory costs went down the drain, to say nothing of confusing the civic fathers in Logan, who had put their shoulder to the wheel.

Then, later in 2011, RQ came up with plans for a multi-code development at Deagon, north of Brisbane airport. Dogs and trots were to move from Albion Park, thoroughbred trainers would be forced to move their training facilities elsewhere. An elaborate and expensive plan from consultants was presented to the public.
Continue reading Queensland – Beautiful One Day, Confusing The Next

Cannington Comes Alive For 2012 Perth Cup Heats

The headquarters of greyhounds racing in Western Australia becomes the showcase as the Group 1 Perth Cup series begins this Saturday night over 530m. With history-making Queenslander, High Earner not around to try for the hat-trick, a new champion will be crowned amongst the 64 entrants racing across eight heats.

Headlining the nominations is reigning Melbourne Cup and Hobart Thousand winner, Dyna Tron, who is looking to make a fourth Group 1 final in as many months. Lining up in heat six, the Andrea Dailly trained star will be trying to atone for a couple of recent defeats and starts from box seven. Fellow Victorians Autoamerican and Knocka Knows All are engaged in the same race from boxes eight and four respectively, along with Big Noter who looks the most threatening of the locals from box three.

Somebody in New South Wales must have been owed a favour by lady luck, as three of the state’s greyhounds have drawn box one in their respective races. Oaks Road (heat five), Things Missing (heat seven) and Divine Law (heat eight) have all come up with a cherry draw, with Oaks Road looking the most likely, coming in with a brilliant hat-trick of wins under the belt.
Continue reading Cannington Comes Alive For 2012 Perth Cup Heats

Bobby Boucheau Named Sandown’s 2011 Greyhound Of The Year

Staying star Bobby Boucheau has been named Sandown Greyhound Racing Club’s Greyhound Of The Year for 2011.

From nine starts at Sandown Park, Bobby Boucheau won four, set two track records, claimed a Group 1 title and over $127,000 in prize money at Sandown Park alone.

The son of Bombastic Shiraz and Dallas Gypsy got off to a stunning start in 2011 when he took five lengths off the Sandown Park 595m track record when defeating an excellent field by 19.75 lengths in 33.67 seconds on 6 January.
Continue reading Bobby Boucheau Named Sandown’s 2011 Greyhound Of The Year

Cannan Holds The Key To Hobart Maiden Thousand Final

Mangalore’s Debbie Cannan holds the key to $10,000 Maiden Thousand Final (461 metres) to be conducted at Tattersalls Park in Hobart on Thursday night.

Not only does she part-own and prepare the second fastest semi-final winner, but she also owns the Ted Medhurst prepared fastest semi-winner and both chasers have drawn suitable boxes, in what promises to be a spectacular contest.

Cannan and Launceston’s Ian Sowell own the bitch Emerald Lee (Paddy’s Flame – Inbetween Days) , which recorded 26.36 in winning her semi-final of the prestigious race.
Continue reading Cannan Holds The Key To Hobart Maiden Thousand Final

Chegia Family Again Embroiled In GRSA Stewards Positive Swab Inquiry

On 22nd December 2011 Stewards informed Mrs. Elizabeth Chegia by hand delivered letter that the greyhound Man Of Honour had shown the presence of Boldenone from the urine sample taken at the Greyhound Racing SA meeting held at Gawler on Sunday 11th December 2011, and that she would be advised of the date, time and place of an inquiry.

Notification was received from Mrs. Chegia requesting that the Reserve and Control Sample from Man Of Honour be sent to Australian Forensic Laboratory for testing.

The reserve portion of the urine sample was tested by Australian Forensic Laboratory and the presence of Boldenone was confirmed.
Continue reading Chegia Family Again Embroiled In GRSA Stewards Positive Swab Inquiry

Logan To Be The New Home Of Greyhound Headquarters In Queensland

Queensland Member for Woodridge Desley Scott and Racing Minister Tim Mulherin today announced that the future of South East Queensland Greyhound Racing is destined to be at Cronulla Park, Logan.

Mr Mulherin said following a meeting Monday between representatives of the greyhound industry and Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) it is clear the industry overwhelmingly supports the development of the greyhound headquarters at Cronulla Park.

Mr Mulherin today confirmed the Government’s strong support for a stand-alone racing facility at Logan and said he anticipated RQL would have details of a revised Industry Infrastructure Plan to submit to Government by the end of the week.
Continue reading Logan To Be The New Home Of Greyhound Headquarters In Queensland

NSW Greyhound Of The Year Finalists Named

He Knows Uno, Oaks Road and Zipping Lad have been named as the nominees for the 2011 Betfair NSW Greyhound Of The Year.

A special panel of judges which included representatives from New Limited, Fairfax, Sky Racing and the Greyhound Recorder met today to finalise the nominees at the offices of Greyhound Racing NSW.

Experts have predicted that the 2011 Betfair NSW Greyhound Of The Year award will be one of the closest in recent memory after a number of outstanding performances from NSW greyhounds throughout the winner.
Continue reading NSW Greyhound Of The Year Finalists Named

Ken Plumridge Fined For Heptaminol Positive From Appin Greyhounds

Greyhound Racing NSW Stewards on Wednesday 17 January 2012 inquired into analyst’s reports that the urine sample taken from Jarundo after that greyhound won Race 7, the Western Petfoods Maiden Stake, 274 metres, run at the Appin meeting on Saturday 29 October 2011, had been analysed and confirmed to contain the prohibited substance heptaminol.

Evidence was taken from trainer Mr Kenneth Plumridge, with written evidence tendered from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory and the Chem Centre WA.

Evidence given established that prior to the races on the day in question, Mr Plumridge administered 3 ml of Kynoselen, containing heptaminol, on veterinary advice to Jarundo, which has a history of suffering from the thumps after a race. Mr Plumridge was advised that the substance would be clear of the greyhounds system prior to its race.
Continue reading Ken Plumridge Fined For Heptaminol Positive From Appin Greyhounds

Taking A Shot

The other day my 8-year old grandson, Johnno, took my photo while we were lunching near the beach. He had grabbed his father’s mobile phone, pointed it, pressed the button and that was it. Later he e-mailed the photo to me. The colour and the composition were great on screen, despite lots of variables in the original background lighting.

At just about the same moment Eastman Kodak was going into bankruptcy in America. That dynamo of film and photography throughout the 20th century could no longer cope. Films had become old hat. The Kodak Brownie or shots taken on the moon using Kodak film are no more than memories.

Oddly, it was Kodak that invented the digital camera in the first place but the board’s corporate strategy preferred to concentrate on its long profitable film products, and left others to develop digital devices to the degree we know today. But Kodak got its priorities wrong and is now paying the price. Employees are out on the street and the company is trying to sell off the bits and pieces.
Continue reading Taking A Shot

Victorian Coalition Funds Greener Pastures At The Meadows Greyhounds

The Victorian Coalition Government will boost Greyhound Racing’s biggest carnival of the year with $70,000 to support on-course entertainment, kids’ activities and sporting promotions at the 2012 Australian Cup Carnival at The Meadows.

Minister for Racing Denis Napthine said the support is aimed at drawing extra spectators to the carnival which features Group 1 racing during February and March.

“The Meadows in Melbourne’s northern suburbs has become an institution for thrilling Greyhound Racing. The Australian Cup Carnival at the Meadows is an event not to be missed,” Dr Napthine said.
Continue reading Victorian Coalition Funds Greener Pastures At The Meadows Greyhounds

How To Make More Money

Save money? Increase efficiency? Help punters?

No problem – just offer formguides in one format from one site so that everyone can access them. That’s what the gallops do. Racing Information Services Australia gives you free thoroughbred formguides from Albury to Wellington, Randwick to Flemington, all in the same format. Not greyhounds, though. It’s all too hard, apparently.

Across the country, seldom can we see states talking to each other. SA and Victoria have a common format and origin for form (via the GRV website) but not for results (the SA results service is from the dinosaur age). GRV also provides a limited service for Tasmanian results, but not for form. Canberra is hosted on the GRNSW site. Otherwise, everyone does their own thing.
Continue reading How To Make More Money

David Pringle Fined $1,000 For Prednisolone Positive In One Of His Star Greyhounds

Greyhound Racing NSW Stewards on 19 January 2012 conducted an inquiry into analysts’ reports that the urine sample taken from Buck Fever after that greyhound won Race 9, the ‘Super Maiden Oct 31’ conducted by the GBOTA at Bathurst on 10 October 2011 contained the prohibited substance Prednisolone.

Ironically it was this same race that earned Buck Fever the October 2011 Australian Greyhound Run Of the Month.

In December 2011, GRNSW announced that an exemption under the racing rules would be allowed for Prednefrin Forte eye drops to be used for greyhounds affected by Pannus, provided the greyhounds were registered with GRNSW as being affected by the condition. However this would not appear to be the source of the Prednisolone positive in this case.
Continue reading David Pringle Fined $1,000 For Prednisolone Positive In One Of His Star Greyhounds

Betchoice Gardens Becomes the Centre of Attention

It’s that time of year again when the weather isn’t the only thing that heats up the Hunter Valleys premier track Betchoice Gardens. The time honoured Group One National Derby for the male greyhounds and the National Futurity for the female greyhounds sees not only New South Wales but Australian starts flocking to the track this Friday afternoon for the three week series which will see the two winners take home the $75,000 first prize.

Early favourite to take out the Futurity final is the Beau Hedley trained Avondale Queen. Despite having only five starts the extremely impressive daughter of Trewly Special and Golorinda, has already notched up four exceptional victories. With ability coursing through her veins, her bloodlines are no strangers to success with the likes of; Domino Vitali (former Bulli track record holder), Shy Flyer (2011 Futurity Finalist) and Micro Benny (Multiple Group One finalist in New Zealand) all successful offspring. After beginning her career early in December at Maitland, she stepped up to the tough 450m and clocked a near record 25.06. Even though she tasted defeat for the first time last week, Beau still maintains her best races and times are still too come.

‘I wasn’t surprised at all when she ran that time. We trialled her a week prior to her first start and she nearly broke the record. On her day I think she could’
Despite her dominance of the one turn track, Hedley remains confident her true ability is shown around the two turn circuits.
Continue reading Betchoice Gardens Becomes the Centre of Attention

Sutton Labels Rewind A Champion After Devonport Cup Win

NWGRC chairman Gary Sutton declared outstanding chaser Rewind a champion following his victory in yesterday’s $35,700 Dowling and McCarthy Devonport Cup (452 metres).

When presenting the trophy for the rich event to veteran Bracknell owner-trainer Maurie Strickland, Sutton said “I believe that Rewind deserves to be called a champion after today’s effort.”

Few would disagree – the son of Collide was at his brilliant best on the day and recorded a sizzling 25.31 in defeating Victorian chaser Classic Maldini and Portrait Ignites as a well supported $1.70 commodity.
Continue reading Sutton Labels Rewind A Champion After Devonport Cup Win

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