Stewards Notice - FTP and Marring First Offence
GRSA Stewards draw all participants attention to sub-section (2) of both GAR 69 and 69A, in relation to failing to pursue and marring which reads:
The period of suspension imposed to sub-rule (1) shall be-
a. In the case of a first offence, at the track where the offence occurred, 28 days and until the completion of a satisfactory trial.
Stewards note the purpose of the Rule was to encourage the trainer to allow the greyhound to have a period of time away from the track where the offence occurred and for an opportunity of work to be undertaken in relation to the greyhound’s racing manners.
It has been common practice historically in SA to allow a greyhound with this offence to trial at the same track and be cleared prior to the 28 days.
Effective immediately, GRSA Stewards will interpret the above Rule as - a greyhound which has had a 28 day suspension placed on them for a first offence for failing to pursue or marring, will not be allowed to undertake a satisfactory trial at the track where the offence occurred, until that period of suspension has expired. Greyhounds will be permitted to undertake a satisfactory trial at another track if they wish to continue to race or wait out the 28 days to requalify at the track where the offence occurred.
Any greyhound with a current 28 day suspension for a first offence for failing to pursue or marring will be obliged to requalify under the new conditions.
This change to the previous management of this Rule will bring GRSA into line with the other greyhound jurisdictions.
Please contact Chief Steward Des Jonas for any clarification of the above Rule.
L. G. MICHALANNEY
INTEGRITY MANAGER