Sunderland cancel their Wednesday afternoon card
Sunderland have announced that they have cancelled their Wednesday afternoon card in light of the trap problems at the track last night.
Sunderland Wednesday card is off
Sunderland has announced that after the incident last night at the traps that Wednesday's card will not be run. It is the second incident with the traps in quick succession, with the sprint boxes the issue on Friday night and the 450m traps last night.
A statement from the track reads:
"Racing was abandoned at Sunderland Greyhound Stadium last night following a mechanical malfunction of the 450m traps at the start of Race 9.
The 450m traps are entirely separate to those previously used at the 261m start, with which there was an issue on Friday 21 November.
As at all fixtures, all mechanical elements of the racing operation, including the traps and hare, were fully tested before racing began with no issues found. We have reported both incidents to GBGB and continue to work with them on a full investigation.
Today's fixture at Sunderland has been cancelled, and upcoming fixtures remain under review, until further notice.
All greyhounds involved in last night's incident underwent thorough veterinary assessment and were passed fit to travel home as normal. One greyhound was found to have light bruising but is well this morning and requires no further veterinary treatment. All other greyhounds involved remain fit and well."
GBGB Chief Executive Mark Bird said:
“We are very concerned at previous and more recent trap malfunctions which are a stark reminder that, although not common, failures with these systems can have potentially significant implications on welfare and operations within the sport.
“Whilst we welcome and support the announced investigation at Sunderland Greyhound Stadium, we are also putting in place additional measures across the sport.
“In the immediate term, we have asked all GBGB-licensed racecourses to review and report back on their current trap operational policies and maintenance procedures. This work will precede a full root and branch review of traps within the sport to include manufacturing, procurement, maintenance and operation of these systems.
“The welfare of every racing greyhound is paramount and we hope that this review – and the more immediate measures already underway – will be welcomed and fully supported across the sport.”
