Questions need to be asked regarding Cup favourite’s performance

I HAVE now read four different accounts, including reports from the and GRV, of the running of “world's richest greyhound staying race”, the 715m Cup, and not one has discussed the abysmal performance of No Donuts (aside from a brief mention of a swab). All the stories carried not much more than good news items about the winner and its trainer.

As a $2.20 favourite, No Donuts ran an inglorious last, carrying with it some $100k-plus of punter's cash and no-one has asked questions. No injuries were observed, no special checks during running were recorded, no interview made with the trainer, no vet check was made, yet the dog ran 13 lengths slower than in its heat win and looked like it wanted to be somewhere else – maybe out of the rain.

For yonks now I have been commenting on the Victorian stewards' shortcomings, week after week, yet even so I have supported the continuation of their place within the existing GRV organisation rather than their removal to the upcoming tricode Victorian Unit (VRUI). My confidence has been sadly misplaced. Indeed, their failure to act seriously on this occasion warrants a separate investigation itself. Justice was not “seen to be done”.

At the least, given the importance of the race, No Donuts should have been impounded for forensic examinations.

Can you imagine what would happen were thoroughbred stewards to take comparable non-action after the running of the ? It does not bear thinking about.

Disclaimer: The author had no financial interest in this race – for reasons which were explained in a couple of recent articles. However, we did caution punters and the public about the risks associated with racing too frequently over longer trips, and particularly with No Donut's irregular history, but the owner strongly disagreed. In the event we were right, he was wrong.

Revealing the Sandown Cup facts

Three distance races were run on Cup night – the Cup, a race and a 4/5th Grade. The 24 runners had all competed in Cup heats a week earlier. Below is a comparison of the times they ran in the two events.


1. Who Dey – 2.7 lengths
2. Dublin Bull + 2.6 lengths
3. No Donuts + 13.0 lengths
4. Wind Whistler + 4 .0 lengths
5. Bells are Ringin – 4.1 lengths
6. Luna Jinx + 5.4 lengths
7. Zipping Kane + 5.8 lengths
8. Kilkee Flex + 3.9 lengths

Listed Cup Night Stayers
1. Mepunga Rosie + 0.4 lengths
2. Dr Leonardo + 0.9 lengths
3. Gunmetal Rebel + 14.1 lengths
4. Brazen Bomber + 8.4 lengths
5. Beks – 2.9 lengths
6. Rynos Raider – 3.4 lengths
7. Esparza + 1.9 lengths
8. + 5.0 lengths

4/5th Grade
1. Springvale Bryne – 1.0 lengths
2. Tambay Bale – 1.8 lengths
3. Alpha David + 10.1 lengths
4. Aston Harvey + 8.8 lengths
5. Jaimandy Hatty + 2.8 lengths
6. Lektra Kelly + 2.4 lengths
7. Fantastic Tail + 5.4 lengths
8. Tricky Mover + 7.4 lengths

So six runners actually improved their times, including the three winners, mostly due to better boxes or comparisons with very slow runs in the heats. But 18 dogs, or 75% of the total, did worse. That is consistent with all the other studies I have done over recent years.

Conclusions

1. Most dogs cannot handle two distance races in seven days. The fact that a minority can is no excuse for chancing the arm in a vain hope of winning some prize money.

2. As well as running welfare risks, the practice will mislead punters.

3. Computer grading programs should be adjusted to prevent the practice.

4. Clubs should change their race programming.

5. Racing authorities should initiate studies to better determine the impact of racing more often or over longer trips.

6. They should also examine any longer term effects.

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Tony Vass
Tony Vass
7 years ago

Great article. Highlights the dearth of knowledge at GRV board level or any in Admin to properly advise them. Time to start listening to critics not just the yes men.

another growler
another growler
7 years ago

Well well Bruce. No surprise not a word from the snipers. Lets face it, No Donuts is a front running squib who has the heart of a goldfish when the going gets a bit tough. Breeders take note. The dribbling crap man Canty can get back to NSW and commiserate with his mates and fine upstanding gentlemen in the Brunkers, Kutnjak and Vanderberg.

Bradcanty
Bradcanty
7 years ago

Growler why don’t you put your name to your post

Bradcanty
Bradcanty
7 years ago

Bruce, the 8 runners in the Sandown Cup were 7 winners of the heats and fastest 2nd therefore the fastest 8 qualifiers from last week, With only 1 winner in the final how can the remainder of the field improve on there time from last week? Just shows how dumb you really are

jeff holland
jeff holland
7 years ago

Bruce, back in the real world No Donuts is a dog, if you bothered to do the stats, that has a shocker habit  working against him, he tap dances  before the lids open. The stat on these dogs is bad enough with sprinters, but  with a sprinter/stayer such as Donuts it works in practice to discount their real percentage of winning by 33%. No Donuts is a lovely dog, but  he cant give away over 715m, against what was a field of good quality dogs that chase, a start and a beating, he is not an unbeatable champion, and how… Read more »

another growler
another growler
7 years ago

Bradcanty You are a dead set clown Candy Man. Do you know anything about greyhound racing, apart from dubious betting activities? It is possible, but unlikely, for every dog in a final to improve their (not there, brain wave) time. The dog that improves the most is most likely the winner. Cant you see that? If not go take up dominos.

Bradcanty
Bradcanty
7 years ago

Well written Jeff, couldn’t have had a worse draw outside 2 and drawn nearer the fence but tab still only want to go up 1.85, spot on with your price assessment

Stayers
Stayers
7 years ago

trained many stayers and except for the top class ones like No Donuts, most wouldn’t stay 700 unless they were racing every week and they win after consistent racing . Just be same as many 500 m dogs, they get fit through racing week in and week out . How many stayers or for that many any greyhounds have you trained Bruce ? You have lost the plot on this one Bruce

Tony Vass
Tony Vass
7 years ago

Great article. Highlights the dearth of knowledge at GRV board level or any in Admin to properly advise them. Time to start listening to critics not just the yes men.

another growler
another growler
7 years ago

Well well Bruce. No surprise not a word from the snipers. Lets face it, No Donuts is a front running squib who has the heart of a goldfish when the going gets a bit tough. Breeders take note. The dribbling crap man Canty can get back to NSW and commiserate with his mates and fine upstanding gentlemen in the Brunkers, Kutnjak and Vanderberg.

Bradcanty
Bradcanty
7 years ago

Growler why don’t you put your name to your post

Bradcanty
Bradcanty
7 years ago

Bruce, the 8 runners in the Sandown Cup were 7 winners of the heats and fastest 2nd therefore the fastest 8 qualifiers from last week, With only 1 winner in the final how can the remainder of the field improve on there time from last week? Just shows how dumb you really are

jeff holland
jeff holland
7 years ago

Bruce, back in the real world No Donuts is a dog, if you bothered to do the stats, that has a shocker habit  working against him, he tap dances  before the lids open. The stat on these dogs is bad enough with sprinters, but  with a sprinter/stayer such as Donuts it works in practice to discount their real percentage of winning by 33%. No Donuts is a lovely dog, but  he cant give away over 715m, against what was a field of good quality dogs that chase, a start and a beating, he is not an unbeatable champion, and how… Read more »

another growler
another growler
7 years ago

Bradcanty You are a dead set clown Candy Man. Do you know anything about greyhound racing, apart from dubious betting activities? It is possible, but unlikely, for every dog in a final to improve their (not there, brain wave) time. The dog that improves the most is most likely the winner. Cant you see that? If not go take up dominos.

Bradcanty
Bradcanty
7 years ago

Well written Jeff, couldn’t have had a worse draw outside 2 and drawn nearer the fence but tab still only want to go up 1.85, spot on with your price assessment

Stayers
Stayers
7 years ago

trained many stayers and except for the top class ones like No Donuts, most wouldn’t stay 700 unless they were racing every week and they win after consistent racing . Just be same as many 500 m dogs, they get fit through racing week in and week out . How many stayers or for that many any greyhounds have you trained Bruce ? You have lost the plot on this one Bruce

Tony Davis 333
Tony Davis 333
7 years ago

Tony How is your 5 year suspension going for gearing up dogs ? Have you paid mr john Stephens the ,000 you owe him ? Has sal pernas office or the police been in contact with you for publishing illegally obtained footage which is a crime ? It’s only a matter of time before they all go knock knock. I’m not sure who to believe here on all things greyhounds ? The 2 leading punters that can earn 7 figures betting on greyhounds or the destitutes wanting their say. As every bookmaker will tell you, the beauty of this game… Read more »

Madrailer
Madrailer
7 years ago

What a load of dribble.. Punting is not chess  and there is more to form than times. Especially over the distance. Once the box draw came out No Donuts was a 3-1 chance.  drawn outside the checks. It is also obvious to anyone who follows dogs that over 700 the dog must be racing  near the lead, and once he wasnt he was millions.

I think your right Bruce. You are a modest punter

lone widow
lone widow
7 years ago

Bruce, I have agreed and disagreed with you on a few issues, but you are outnumbered on this one.

If Anthony Azzopardy could be bothered to debate you in these columns I know who I would be listening to.

Give it up Bruce.

Tony Vass
Tony Vass
7 years ago

Wrong on all counts Davis, If you think keeping a bitch off season is gearing up dogs you have shit for brains. No one has knocked on my door about anything. In fact I am in contact with the new CEO on an as needed basis and he acts on my recommendations.  As he did over the Brad Keel video.

deleted_107441751_jmcnaught30
deleted_107441751_jmcnaught30
7 years ago

jeff holland what a joke greyhound racing is going down hill fast very fast  no bookies on track or 1 at most bush tracks that want to bet over 200%  tell me how a dog that runs last 4 of its previous 5 and beaten allmost 80 lengths can go up 5/2 please explain and in the bush allso we have paul wheeler and family running the industry with out there 500 or so greyhounds how many full fields  will we have form guides cant even get info right and we wonder why people are leaving the industry in numbers… Read more »

Bradcanty
Bradcanty
7 years ago

Race 5 – UBET Gold Cup Bne 710 (G1) H 8:08 PM OPENH 710 Metres -1170-585 Box   Last 4 Greyhound Trainer Best Time T/D 8125 KILKEE FLEX Peter Dapiran NBT 3111 MY BOY BRODIE Trevor Rice NBT 4636 GOLFING AMY Michael Brauer 42.10 2431 TREBLIG LUCIA Garry Gilbert NBT 6222 VEGAS BOUND Tony Apap 42.08 4118 NO DONUTS Anthony Azzopardi NBT 1357 SPLIT SYSTEM Darren Makowiecki NBT 2788 TRON BRADMAN Tom Tzouvelis 43.31 Bruce No Donuts is backing up again after 7 days and has to fly to Brisbane also in between, what is your theory with this situation?… Read more »

jeff holland
jeff holland
7 years ago

Bruce, the article you should have written here based on this story and others you have written on the performance of stayers is one based on just how much dogs are losing through the first bend when trapped wide outside of dogs that can run time for at least the first 300m. So many of the tracks are designed for the main distance, with obviously not much thought given to the run to what is the first bend for stayers, but the 3rd bend for sprinters. The damage done to the chances of not just No Donuts, but also Zipping… Read more »

Mark Staines
Mark Staines
7 years ago

Gee Bruce you know how to put the “Boot in”.