For the second consecutive year, the Mount Gambier v. Warrnambool Border Challenge has hit a hurdle.

Last year the event wasn’t run due to Covid-related border restrictions. And recent border restrictions have once again impacted on this year’s event.

Warrnambool’s heats had been set down to be run next Thursday (June 17). But with the uncertainty surrounding the SA-Victoria borders at the moment, Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club Manager, Craig Monigatti, believed postponing the heats would be the best option.

“We don’t really want to run our heats and then find ourselves unable to get across to Mount Gambier for the final on Sunday, June 27,” he said.

“I’ve spoken with the Mount Gambier President, Noel Perry, and he’s in agreeance that the Challenge should be postponed but certainly not cancelled.

“It’s a disappointing outcome for both clubs because the Challenge has generated quite a bit of interest both sides of the border. We had certainly been keen to get over to Tara Raceway for the final.”

Subject to the forthcoming programming commitments of both clubs, it is hoped the Border Challenge final (512 metres) can be run at Tara Raceway in late August.

Mount Gambier’s heats, which had been set down for next Sunday (June 20) have also now been postponed.

The inaugural Border Challenge was run at Warrnambool over 450 metres in December 2019, the winner being the Phil Lenehan owned and trained Lektra Fireball.

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