With Greyhound Racing SA intending to run both Mount Gambier meetings this Thursday (February 18) and Sunday (February 21), Racing Manager Shaun Mathieson has stressed that it is imperative that these meetings be supported by SA trainers.
“Border restrictions with Victoria are anticipated to be varied prior to Thursday’s race meeting. This will then allow for participants to cross the border and compete,” he said.
“However, if this is not the case then these greyhounds will be withdrawn free of penalty and the race meeting will still proceed.”
Nominations for Thursday closed at 9 o’clock this morning. However they have been extended until 9 a.m. tomorrow (February 16), Mathieson saying it was GRSA’s intention to give as many greyhounds a run as possible from the nominations.
“Scratchings for this meeting will be finalised on Thursday morning thereby giving more time for any direction from government regarding the SA/Victoria border.”
Nominations for Sunday’s Mount Gambier meeting close at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. This meeting will feature heats of the 2021 Summer Classic (512 metres) which is a Special Event for all dogs and bitches whelped on or after January 1, 2019.
“If there are insufficient nominations for two or more heats a one-off final will be run on Sunday, February 28 with preference being given to original nominations. We are hoping it doesn’t come to that, though,” he said.
The veterinary requirements have been met with GRSA able to secure the services of Chris Doyle for both meetings.