Angle Park Preview
With two exciting semis of the Brian Johnstone on the programme we will get to see some high class performers who have been scorching up the track here in recent weeks. The races to keep your eye out for are races 6 and 7. The other highlights are race 3, the distance event with at least 4 chances, and the FFA, race 8 with all 8 runners having a chance.
Race 1 and the Ben Rawlings kennel is on fire of late and he can kick of the night with Liam’s Entity who looks well drawn down in box 1. He was a last start winner here in 29.83 and will give them something to catch. Strathalbyn Cup winner Wheel Spinner is racing well and can’t be left out of calculations Box Up 1.4.6.7.
Race 2 this is a wide open affair but I will go with Peejay Jack, who led here last week and was run down. So we will go with him to lead and hold on. Dodger I Am who can be hit and miss on box rise is very strong in the run home and is well drawn down in box 2. Aston Gatum is an interesting runner and is a must for the Trifecta Box Up 2.5.6.8
Race 3 and this is the distance affair of the night and the two best performers are Tahlo and Here Comes Henry. Both have wins here over the trip in their last 3 runs so they should be right in the mix again. Ulala Bale is a chance along with the pacey Abbie’s Girl, who led here for a long way last start Box Up 3.4.6.7.
The 4th and last start winner Lady Xanthe will be very hard to catch with a repeat performance of her win here last week in 29.82 from box 5, so we will put her on top. Lets add in Check Yo Self in box 7 and Nit Noi Box Up 1.2.6.7
Race 5 and this is a quality 600m event with a bit of early pace in Disaaci and Cash In Looper who both will be there in the final stages. Zana Bale has a very big motor and will be flying home late and will be hard to beat if they open up early Box Up 2.3.5.8.
Race 6 and this is the 1st of the Semis of the Brian Johnstone and it looks a match race in two with She’s A Looper who has a personal best of 29.41 and is well drawn down in box 2 and the flying Eduardo, who scorched this track last week in a sensational 29.20 out in box 5, whoever leads out of the 2 should win. Add in for the minors Springvale Bryne and Pawesome Boss, so let’s go 2 and 5 from 1 and 8 boxed.
Race 7 and the well performed Worm Burner bounced back with a good win here last start in 29.81, and with 9 wins here from 12 starts should prove too good again down in box 2. Call Me Breeze can run a cheeky race from box 1 along with the ultra-consistent Match Winner Box Up 1.2.5.8
Race 8 and this is the FFA of the night and a very good one at that. I am sticking with the well performed Wild Soul who has won his past 3 runs here all in good fashion. Kiss The Hawk will be rattling home late along with Cyclone Clifford Box Up 1.2.3.7.
Race 9 and this is an interesting race with Grifter Bale and Genghis Kahn who are normally over more ground both looking the main chances over the sprint. Add in the pacey Yiche who is more than capable of pinching this with luck Box Up 2.3.4.6.
Race 10 Ben Rawlings can lead in another winner with Roscoe’s Entity who was much improved here last start when 2nd in 29.80 from box 1 here and looks a big improver. Margaret Keeping is another who will be in the mix along with Hakata Bale Box Up 1.3.4.8.
The final event is race 11 and we can go home on a winner with Wave To Kirra. She has a heap of early pace and will take beating from box 7. Perrier Bale will add some value for the First 4 along with Kilter Bale who appears the main danger to the favourite Box Up 1.2.5.7.
Best Bets
Race 2 No 8 Peejay Jack
Race 4 No 6 Lady Xanthe
Best Each Way
Race 5 No 5 Zana Bale
Best Roughie
Race 7 No 1 Call Me Breeze
Kennel to follow
Ben Rawlings
UBET JACKPOTS TODAY
ANGLE PARK TRIFECTA JACKPOT
Race 6 tonight at Angle Park the Brian Johnstone Semi Final 1 will carry an extra bonus for punters, it will include a Trifecta Jackpot of $5,000.
ANGLE PARK TRIFECTA JACKPOT
Race 7 tonight at Angle Park the Brian Johnstone Semi Final 2 will carry an extra bonus for punters, it will include a Trifecta Jackpot of $5,000.
ALBION PARK FIRST 4 JACKPOT ON BRISBANE CUP HEATS
The Brisbane Cup Heats tonight at Albion Park will carry an extra bonus for punters, they will include a First 4 Jackpot of $2,000 each.
ALBION PARK DOUBLE/TRIO JACKPOT
Race’s 7 & 8 tonight at Albion Park will carry an extra bonus for punters, they will include a Double/Trio Jackpot of $477.
HOBART TRIFECTA JACKPOT
Race 8 tonight at Hobart the Mixed 3/4 event will carry an extra bonus for punters, it will include a Trifecta Jackpot of $5,000.
HOBART ANY 2 JACKPOT
Race 7 tonight at Hobart the Grade 5 event will carry an extra bonus for punters, it will include an Any 2 Jackpot of $3,730.
DOUBLE/TRIO INTRODUCED FOR THURSDAY NIGHTS
Ubet has introduced a Double Trio pool on Angle Park greyhound races 7 & 8 each Thursday night giving punters even more opportunities to win at the greyhounds.
KENNEL CAPERS ONCE A MONTH
The monthly Kennel Capers for November was released two weeks ago so make sure you grab yourself a copy. Remember to keep up to date with weekly updates and media releases using the GRSA website at www.grsa.com.au. For up to the minute information provide GRSA with your mobile phone details for text message updates for all Industry news.
ANGLE PARK THURSDAY
Next weeks Angle Park meeting features –
$36,500 Brian Johnstone Final Group 3 – 515m (Heats 18/11, Semi 26/11)
$4,415 Free For All Bitches – 515m
$2,550 SA Bred Grade 6 – 515m
$4,800 FFA – 731m
Nominations close Monday 30th November 9.00am with GRSA
BOY FROM THE BUSH
The Boy From The Bush still has the reins this week and he has given his selections for tonight’s exciting 11 event card of racing at Angle Park tonight -
First 4 selections –
Race 1: 4/7/1/3
Race 2: 1/6/8/2
Race 3: 6/4/7/1
Race 4: 1/8/6/2
Race 5: 8/7/2/5
Race 6: 2/5/1/4
Race 7: 2/5/8/3
Race 8: 2/3/1/5
Race 9: 4/6/2/3
Race 10: 8/1/3/4
Race 11: 9/7/2/1
Best Bets
Race 6 No 2 She’s A Looper
Race 11 No 9 Long Gully Magic
Best Each way
Race 2 No 1 Fraya Bale
Race 10 No 8 Almost Quoted
Best Roughie
Race 5 No 7 Weblec Rose
LOCAL NEWS
2015 BRIAN JOHNSTONE SEMI FINALS TONIGHT
Tonight we see the running of two $4,600 semi-finals of the 2015 Brian Johnstone (Group Three).
The first semi-final features She’s A Looper for Cameron Butcher and Eduardo for Kirin Corby who both have broken the clock in recent starts. It looks a match race and is surely not one to be missed but there are certainly other greyhounds that could spring a surprise.
In the second semi-final it looks a bit more open with the Cameron Butcher trained Worm Burner and the Richard Stasiak trained Match Winner the likely favourites however there will be plenty of competition for the final positions into the final.
The first four from each semi-final qualifies for the $36,500 Brian Johnstone Final on Thursday 3rd December with the fastest fifth being declared the first reserve and the other fifth placegetter the second reserve. The breakdown for the Brian Johnstone Memorial will be: Total $36,500, First $25,000 (inc $1,000 to breeder), Second $6,500, Third $3,250 and Unplaced $350.
The box draw for the Final will take place on course tonight after the running of race 8.
The final part of this series will be the Gawler Classic 2015 to be run on 15th and 22nd December.
GROUP 1 BRISBANE CUP HEATS TONIGHT
An added bonus for racing tonight is the heats of the Group 1 Brisbane Cup at Albion Park. Hot on the heels of the Melbourne Cup last week this week there are six excellent heats with plenty of depth and class.
The first heat is race 3 on the card with the last heat race 8 and the series features Flash Reality, Bessy Boo, Fantastic Spiral and last weeks Melbourne Cup winner Dyna Double One.
The racing should be of the highest standard and super competitive to see who makes it through to the rich $75,000 to the winner Group 1 Final next week.
Patrons on-course at Angle Park will be able to watch all the action as well as compare tote and bookmaker odds. UBET will have fixed odds available on all races and provide First 4 Jackpots for all 6 heats.
LUNA JINX IN SYDNEY FOR SUMMER CUP SATURDAY
The Gavin Harris trained staying star Luna Jinx will be in the first heat of the Group 3 Summer Cup at Wentworth Park on Saturday night. She flashed home for a super third last start in the Group 1 Bold Trease Final at Sandown and looks to be right back to her brilliant best. She has drawn box 6 in Race 6 on Saturday night due to start at 8.10pm (SA Time) and will face competition from Ada Mary, It’s A Bird and Sky Brook.
WINNING FORMULA IN SA THIS WEEKEND
Peter Bryce from Winning Formula will again be in SA this weekend with his product. He will be attending –
Mount Gambier Friday 27th November
Gawler Sunday 29th November
Angle Park Monday 30th November
Gawler Tuesday 1st December
MEDIA RELEASE - PARVO LIFTED
Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) put out a statement on Friday November 6 which alerted local industry participants to the possible risks associated with a confirmed case of parvovirus on one of its registered participant premises. Canine parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system of the dog and often results in fatality.
A quarantine period of one fortnight was imposed on that and a neighbouring premises and both operations have worked responsibly and openly with GRSA since that time. Further to that process, GRSA is now satisfied that all necessary procedures and protocols have been adhered to. An inspection of the premises was undertaken on Friday November 20 by an industry veterinarian and the premises were cleared to resume operation. GRSA is satisfied that there is no evidence of residual contamination and no ongoing risk for other training premises arising from this issue.
2016 GAWLER PRODUCE STAKES – NOMINATIONS EXTENDED UNTIL FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER
The nominations for the 2016 Gawler Produce has been extended until Friday 4th December as there were only 70 nominations received. Both Gawler and GRSA would be anticipating at least 100 nominations for this feature series.
The 2016 Gawler Produce Stakes is run by GRSA in conjunction with the Gawler Greyhound Racing Club. We offer guaranteed Final Stakemoney, which will be $22,000. The series is for greyhounds whelped in 2014.
The dates for this series will be Heats on Tuesday 28th June 2016, Semi Finals on Tuesday 5th July 2016 and the Final on Sunday 10th July 2016.
GRSA administers the event for the Club, so all payments are to be made to GRSA. The fees are, with the one-off payment option $121.00 or the sustaining option at $33 (first), $55 (second) and $88 (Final).
Nomination Forms are available, along with the full list of conditions and the payment schedule.
GREYHOUND OF THE YEAR ON SATURDAY 13th FEBRUARY
The date has been set for the Greyhound of the Year function at Chasers Restaurant on Saturday night 13th February 2016. It looks to be a very open year this year with the next two months possibly establishing the greyhound of the year for 2015.
STAT DECLARATION REQUIRED FOR BRISBANE RACING
With the Brisbane Cup nominations closing on Monday 23 November 2015 some of our well performed sprinters may be looking at taking on the challenge in the Sunshine State.
I have been advised that all trainers are required to sign a Stat Dec. before they can nominate to race in Queensland. The original needs to be signed, witnessed by a JP, and posted to:
Greyhound Licensing
Racing Queensland
PO Box 63
Sandgate QLD 4017
The Stat Dec can be downloaded from the Racing Queensland website at the following link:
http://www.racingqueensland.com.au/Greyhound/Industry-Licensing/Industry-Forms
You can also grab a copy from GRSA.
LOWER GRADE FEATURE EVENT IN DECEMBER
The next Low Grade Feature series will be held in December with a Grade 5 series to be run over the 515m. $3,065 heats will be on Thursday 10th December with the $4,415 final on Thursday 17th December.
Nominations close with GRSA at 9.00am on Monday 7th December
DOUG PAYNE SA BRED FEATURE IN DECEMBER
The time honoured Doug Payne SA Bred Feature will be run on Thursday 10th December at Angle Park. The race is Open for SA Bred greyhounds only selected under Best 8 conditions. The race this year is worth $8,565 run over the 515m journey.
Nominations close with GRSA at 9.00am on Monday 7th December
ANGLE PARK DATE CHANGES IN DECEMBER
The final stage of the Angle Park kennel house project will be completed between Saturday 12th December and Wednesday 16th December resulting in no race meetings being conducted at the venue
Date changes are listed below –
Delete: Angle Park Monday 14th December 2015 (TAB) Night
Add: Strathalbyn Monday 14th December 2015 (TAB) Night
Delete: Angle Park Wednesday 16th December 2015 (TAB) Day
Add: Gawler Wednesday 16th December 2015 (TAB) Day
ICG MEETING ON FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2015
The next Industry Consultative Group meeting will be held at Angle Park on Friday 11th December. This is a very important meeting held every 6 months with outcomes and recommendations being considered by the GRSA Board.
HOT WEATHER POLICY
A reminder to trainers with the hot weather coming to make sure they are aware of the updated conditions relating to the Hot Weather Policy. This policy is available on the GRSA website and also at the track.
GRADING REVIEW PANEL
The Grading Review Panel met on Friday 6th November to discuss grading in South Australia from an Agenda provided by submissions and industry consultation during the past few months. Following is a summary and recommendations of items discussed:
The Racing Manager provided the panel with a verbal update regarding the progress of the outcomes of the minutes from the meeting held on 7/11/14. There was an item from the minutes regarding the timing light at the 731m boxes to assist splits over the 388m that had not yet been addressed. The RM advised that he would follow up.
GRP Members
At the meeting both Barry Shepheard and Ben Rawlings were welcomed on the panel as members of the GRP after confirming their interest. The RM advised that he would be reviewing the current GRP as was discussed last year for recommendation to the Board for upcoming meetings. The panel advised that during this time where grading will be playing a big part in providing opportunities for greyhounds to race of all abilities and to sustain a longer racing career they suggested that the panel meet every 6 months. The panel agreed for the GRP members to be reviewed and recommend that the GRP meet every 6 months.
Grade 5/6 Mixed Distance Events
Non Penalty Mixed Middle Distance and Mixed Staying Events (5/6, FFA) has created much debate from participants and this was also the case with the GRP. With limited numbers in both these distance ranges the panel were mindful of any changes that they recommended. The majority of the panel were strong in their recommendation to remove the “Non Penalty” from middle and distance racing unless specifically programmed in the All Tracks calendar (ie FFA or a programmed (N/P) race). They advised that Grades should be given for each win recommending for these races that if a Grade 6 won it becomes a Grade 5 and if a Grade 5 won they become a Grade 4. The panel were of the opinion that if there was movement by greyhounds winning in these grades this would encourage other trainers to step more greyhounds up to the middle and staying trips. With the introduction of “Re Grading” over the last few years by the GRP the panel felt there was at least an option for these greyhounds to move back a grade if they missed out on gaining a start on two occasions. The panel were mindful that by Grade 6 greyhounds taking a penalty this would count as one of their Grade 6 wins. The panel recommended that the grader be allowed to grade mixed Grade 6/5/4 events over the middle and staying trips with the winners taking one penalty. The RM advised the panel that there would need to be a change to the Ozchase programming however this could be accommodated.
The panel looked at the middle distance separately and advised that if there were to be Non Penalty events programmed they should be programmed very occasionally and preferably at Provincial (2) meetings.
The panel then looked at distance racing separately. In this distance range they were still comfortable that the grader will include Grade 5 greyhounds in FFA events due to the limited number of greyhounds nominating over this distance. The panel recommended that when a greyhound wins a staying event on a Monday night and they then race on a Thursday night and if unplaced on two occasions (does not need to be consecutive) then they can apply for a “Re Grade” to the grader for Monday night’s grading. The panel felt this would help encourage trainers who win on a Monday, having a go on a Thursday and then being able to get back a grade on Monday if unsuccessful. This would be the trainer’s responsibility to apply for a down grade to the grader prior to nominations closing. The panel considered a review of time standards for distance racing in particular a greyhound running over 400m and stepping up to 731m.
The Grader advised that for graded greyhounds there is nothing stopping those trainers nominating however this would happen on a very rare occasion. The panel felt that there should be a review regarding these greyhounds being eligible. As there is already a standard in place for Maidens the RM advised that he would look at some form of standard for these greyhounds. The panel recommended that there be increased unplaced money for the staying events. Currently this is at $120 with the panel recommending this go to around $200. The RM advised that the prizemoney budget would need to be reviewed for this to occur.
The Panel agreed to remove (N/P) from Middle and Distance events unless advertised in the All Tracks calendar. Greyhounds will take 1 penalty and grading of 6/5/4 events to be implemented. Re grading allowed for staying events for two unplaced runs on Thursday night counting for a re grade on Monday. Implementation 1st February 2016
The RM to consider increasing unplaced prizemoney for staying events pending budget approval and to review selection criteria for staying events
Grade 6 Events
Submissions had been made in regard to Grade 6 events which the panel considered for review including restricting the number of wins for SA Bred greyhounds, reconsidering the number of wins for an Interstate greyhound after the introduction of Grade 7 and 6 events in Victoria and the whole impact of Grade 6 on our racing program. As part of this consideration the panel also looked at Juvenile racing in conjunction with Grade 6. The panel felt that whilst Grade 6 racing has its critics there are a lot of benefits with these events and basically assists a whole wide range of greyhounds locally bred and also coming into SA from other states of different ability. The panel recommended one change to SA Bred Grade 6 greyhounds in that some can have double figure wins and can still be racing against 1 and 2 win greyhounds which they felt had created an uneven balance. They recommended that SA Bred greyhounds can win 12 lifetime races (total wins) before being made ineligible for Grade 6 events. The GRP recommended this come into effect 1st February 2016 allowing sufficient time for participants to be aware of this change and consider the order in which they win races. As of the 1st February any greyhound who has won 12 or more lifetime races will not be eligible for Grade 6 events.
Introduction of Grade 6 and Grade 7 in Victoria
Grade 6 and Grade 7 races were introduced in Victoria from 26th January 2015. The GRP were comfortable that no changes were required to local grading to accommodate these greyhounds. The panel felt this allowed for more opportunity for these greyhounds locally.
Veteran’s Races
The panel were comfortable with the changes made to Veterans racing by the GRP recently for Grade 5 greyhounds however they believed a restriction should be made for the Thursday night events where at times there has been some dominance of racing and sub 30 second performances. The panel recommended that the Non Penalty for these races remain however believed that if a greyhound won going 30.15 or quicker (regardless of their age) then it will be ineligible for these races. This will only affect the winner of this race even if second place also broke 30.15. After going 30.15 or quicker this greyhound will still be a Grade 5 and eligible for Grade 5 events on Thursday night however if competing in Grade 5 events and the greyhound has two unplaced runs (does not need to be consecutive) then they can be eligible to be re-considered for a Veteran race on this night. (Thursday night refers to a City A class meeting). Whilst the panel would like to see more Veteran Free For All events they understood that high grade greyhounds are limited and likely to be in other races on the night.
It was agreed by the GRP that our Veterans races be called “Masters Events”. The change in name will support a National approach to uniformity in regarding to grading.
The Panel agreed to alter the conditions of Veterans races on a Thursday (City A) where if a greyhound who wins a Veterans race and runs 30.15 or faster will then become ineligible for Veterans events on this night however can be eligible after having two unplaced runs (does not need to be consecutive) in Grade 5 company on a City A class meeting. Implementation 1st February 2016. The immediate change in terminology from “Veterans” to “Masters” for these events
Grade 5 Heats on a Wednesday
The GRP reviewed Grade 5 Heats on a Wednesday (greyhounds who are no higher than APM G5 or APK G5) for greyhounds to qualify for a Non Penalty Grade 5 final on a Monday night. At times these heats have either very strong fields or have only one heat. The panel felt this series allowed for an opportunity for greyhounds to win a heat and final before stepping up to harder company on a Monday and Thursday. The panel agreed to make no change at present and were comfortable that the grader will grade one heat to ensure a final however advised if there were less than 8 runners then this one off heat should not be programmed.
Purchasing of Interstate Greyhounds from Guidelines
A few years ago the “Proof of Purchase” was removed from the Transfer of Ownership form confirming an Interstate greyhound was purchased to race in SA Ownership. This confirmed the purchase and allowed the greyhound to come into SA as a Grade 5 greyhound if higher Interstate. The GRP were advised that with greater onus being placed on ownership in the future there will already be greater scrutiny on the transfer of ownership of greyhounds. The panel agreed at this time no changes were necessary.
Grading of Interstate Greyhounds from Guidelines
The Grading Guidelines policy for Interstate greyhounds currently states “Greyhounds owned or trained interstate will be graded on their current city grade on the track/or tracks from the state in which they are owned or trained”. The panel recommended that the grader continue to use his discretion in regard to this guideline and were supportive of his decisions.
Allocate a Grade over a Distance Range at First Nomination
The GRP were advised that the grader will allocate a grade to a greyhound over a distance range upon its first nomination for any track in SA. For example if a greyhound nominations for APD Wednesday over 515m and is graded as a Grade 5 greyhound it will also be considered as a Grade 5 for all tracks between the 461m to 590m distance range. However when a greyhound leaves SA to race and come’s back to SA and race it will still have that grade depending on how long the greyhound was out of the state. The GRP penal felt that greyhounds that had left the state for more than 3 months should come back to SA on their current Interstate grade. For example if they were graded as a Grade 5 greyhound and left SA coming back after a year they would be graded back in on their current (at the time) grade which could be a grade 1. The panel agreed that once receiving a grade in SA and a greyhound has left the state for more than 3 months they will be regraded to their current Interstate grade. Implementation 1st January 2016
6 Month Trial and Vet Certificate
The GRP where comfortable with the 6 month and Vet clearance rule in regard to greyhounds competing as this assisted with animal welfare. The GRP did however recommend that when greyhounds have a sustained period away from the race track that where possible they be given an opportunity to be graded against their own grade at their first start. The GRP advised the grader that he had their support in regard to not mixing these greyhounds higher where possible. They suggested 3 months or more away from the race track.
The panel agreed that when a greyhound that had not raced for 3 or more months that it was not to be mixed where possible with higher grades where possible for their first start back. Implementation 1st January 2016
2 x 4 Dog Trials prior to the Meeting
The GRP were advised that occasionally there have been Maiden greyhounds graded in with Open company greyhounds for the 2 x four dog trials conducted at Angle Park and Gawler meetings. Whilst the panel understood this is at times cannot be avoided they recommended that if there is only 1 trial that has a Maiden and a Graded greyhound engaged then they should be split into two trials. The Panel agreed that if there is only 1 trial that has a Maiden and a Graded greyhound engaged then they should be split into two trials. Implementation 1st January 2016
Submissions received for the GRP
The GRP reviewed submissions received from participants with many of the items discussed in the Agenda. The RM to respond to these submissions on behalf of the GRP. Submissions received –
- Victorian Grade 6 and Grade 7 policy
- greyhounds placed at Country meetings being on the Order of Preference. The grader advised that these performances are considered first once he got off the Order of Preference. No change required
- corresponding meetings for reserves should be for any meetings not just corresponding. The panel felt that this should not be altered. Trainers are aware if they miss out as a reserve then the next meeting they will be on the order. To have this be any meeting would be very difficult to manage
- Maidens must do a trial to be eligible. This may come in later as part of time grading, animal welfare etc however no change required at present.
- Industry Trainers Meeting
-Scrutiny on local ownership – addressed in Item 8
- Promoting more 531m races on Sunday and more Heats and Finals – The RM advised this was already occurring through programming however are dictated to by the way trainers nominate with their preferences.
- Limiting N/P races for middle and stayers – addressed
- Limiting wins by Veterans
- Restricting Wednesdays so greyhounds who have won a Grade 6 on a Thursday night are ineligible. The GRP felt that with already giving penalties for middle and distance events and limiting SA Bred Grade 6 wins another restriction at this time would be excessive.
- Time Grading -. The panel were of the opinions that more work needs to be done to come up with a method of implementation with such a small pool of greyhounds over each distance and grade. The RM and Grader will look at some form of table for the GRP to consider and also how this could be implemented whether it is on a race to race basis or by a meeting. The GRP were comfortable that the RM advised that some greyhounds can be accommodated through programming where recently “worst form to best form” races were published. The GRP felt this may accommodate some of the lesser lights getting into races they can be more competitive in. The GRP will review the support for these races
- Limit Grade 6’s to 3 wins across the board. The GRP made changes to Grade 6’s previously and will wait and see the impact however they felt restricting to 3 wins was not a reasonable outcome at this time
- restricted races for 1-4 wins – The RM advised that he will program these type of races in the All Tracks calendar in the new year
- Winning in an Open Group series as a Grade 6 greyhound. Currently a greyhound who wins a heat or the final of the Adelaide Cup or Gawler Cup as a grade 6 greyhound will become a Grade 4 greyhound. The GRP were split as to whether a greyhound should be a Grade 5 at the track or a Grade 4. There are Grade 6 implications and also should they become open company straight away by winning the heat. The GRP considered whether they should be a Grade 5 for the heat win and then Grade 4 only if they win the final. Further consideration was required at their next.
National Discussion regarding the future of Grading in Australia
The GRP were advised that GRSA had discussions on a National level regarding a more uniform Grading system within Australia. Thoroughbreds and Harness have a National system and with many states facing the same issues it is time to work towards a National platform. The panel were provided with details of the most recent meeting. Both the CEO and RM advised the panel that there was a real appetite for change with grading being a major player in proving opportunities for all greyhounds to race and compete. The GRP felt this discussion needs more time and felt increased meetings would assist this process in particular what is happening on a National level however the panel did feel that whether it be time grading or programming SA could do something on a smaller scale in the short term to assist these greyhounds.
Late Items
- The panel requested that consideration be given to changing the consecutive day policy from 1 day to 2 days for reserve greyhounds. This topic to be discussed at the next ICG meeting in December.
- The panel suggested that SA should move to 3 downgrades before going back a grade. Currently greyhounds can go back after two unplaced runs at that track and distance. This would keep more greyhounds in the higher grades for longer. The panel felt this should be considered as an agenda topic at their next meeting in May 2016.
QUALY TRIALS RETURN TO GAWLER WITH EMERLEY PARK BEING AVAILABLE
GRSA have completed a review of trial days at Gawler and have now implemented the following changes.
1. Commencement of Trials at Emerley Park on Monday’s as from 16 November 2015 between 8.30am and 10.00am
2. Cancellation of Trials at Gawler on Monday’s, last trial session 9 November 2015
3. Re introduction of a steward for Wednesday trial nights as from 18 November 2015
Emerley Park wish to advise participants that flexibility will be available for trainers for breaking in/education and trials. Furthermore as we move into the summer months starting times will be changed and advertised. Trials will be at a cost of $6.00 with use of the follow on or straight arm lures.
STRATHALBYN TRIALS
During the Southern GRC committee meeting last week the committee decided that due to lack of support and working commitments of staff who make trials possible, that as a club we can no longer offer Wednesday trials to participants effective immediately.
We understand the inconvenience that may arise to some regular trainers who attended and we wish to thank them for supporting this service we provided.
Trials will be now held every Friday when we are NOT racing on that Friday.
Qualifying trials to follow the week after first race meeting for the month.
We will allow for trials, following race meetings with a maximum of 8 (to be kennelled at kennelling time into race block 11.) These needs to be rang through to Tony Rasmussen or Renee Eastwood from the Club, (following eligibility guidelines agreed with Paul Marks)