Pursuant to Greyhound Racing Rule (GRR) 13(1)(a), the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission ordered an inquiry into the propriety of Race 3 at The Gardens meeting on 26 May 2022. The review had regard to Greyhound Racing Rule 109 and its provisions which relate to the lure distance from the leading greyhound and the position of the lure throughout the Event. The original decision of the Stewards was to declare All Clear on the Event.

Today a Steward’s Panel consisting of the Director of Race Day Operations and Integrity Mr. Wade Birch and Senior Steward Mr. Dean Degan commenced a hearing to review the decision. During the hearing the relevant footage of the Event was viewed, and evidence was taken from the trainers of greyhounds that participated in the Event.

After viewing all the available footage of the event, Stewards established the following facts:

• The Starting Boxes failed to open immediately following the lure reaching the starting point breaching the requirements of GRR 108 (3); and
• The lure had progressed to be positioned shortly before the first turn approximately 60 metres from the starting boxes at the time of box rise in breach of the requirements of GRR 109(1).

Stewards also heard submissions from the trainers of greyhounds engaged in the event relative to their greyhound’s pursuit of the lure and considered evidence provided in support of their submissions.

Having regard to:

• The factual findings made by Stewards based on the available footage;
• The evidence provided by trainers;
• The Stewards’ own observations of the race; and
• The finishing margins between the runners and the overall time.

Stewards, in accordance with the provisions of GRR 109 (3), declared the event a No Race, finding that greyhounds had been disadvantaged so as to affect the outcome of the Event.

Action to Prevent Future Occurrence

As part of this review the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission has revisited the use of the ‘Bunker System’ which involves a Steward officiating from a position off-course. The ‘Bunker System’ was in operation for the Gardens meeting on Thursday 26 May 20022.

The ‘Bunker System’ has been utilised throughout the Covid pandemic to reduce the movement of Stewards, and to minimise their physical interaction with participants and other officials to ensure sufficient resources remain available to service greyhound racing in NSW throughout the pandemic.

Whilst the ‘Bunker System’ has served the industry well during the pandemic, it has become evident that the system inhibits the Steward’s ability to communicate effectively and to properly discharge their duties. The Commission believes the ‘Bunker System’ did contribute to the incorrect decision being reached by the original Stewards’ Panel.

Whilst limited circumstances may still require the use of the ‘Bunker System’, GWIC will aim to phase out this system and return all Stewards to officiating duties on track.