Black Forge cleared to run in Golden Easter Egg Final
The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) has declared Darren Sultana-trained Black Forge is fit to compete in Saturday's Golden Easter Egg Final.
Black Forge showed signs of tiring in last week's semifinal second placing but the stewards were comfortably satisfied with the trainer's explanation that delays in travelling from Melbourne were a contributing factor to the dog's depleted hydration levels.
The GWIC also stated that Torando Tears is cleared to run in the Association Cup.
Trainer Rob Britton declared that the champion chaser suffered a torn pad following last Saturday's win. The three-year-old will be given up until race time to prove his fitness.
GWIC's comments on both runners can be found below:
Black Forge – Golden Easter Egg
Stewards inquired into Black Forge appearing to tire over the concluding stages in one of the semi-finals for the Golden Easter Egg.
Stewards sought an explanation from trainer Mr Darren Sultana. Mr Sultana explained that Black Forge's usual training programme was disrupted due to delays in travelling from Melbourne. Mr Sultana advised that Black Forge's flight from Melbourne was delayed for up to 7 hours which resulted in the greyhound being dehydrated.
Following a full blood analysis undertaken at the request of stewards, the Commission's Chief Steward is satisfied that Black Forge is fit to race this Saturday in the Golden Easter Egg final.
Black Forge is a $12 chance at online bookmaker Ladbrokes to win the 2019 Golden Easter Egg.
Tornado Tears – Association Cup
Robert Britton, trainer of Tornado Tears, reported Tornado Tears suffered a torn pad following the greyhound's race on Saturday.
Tornado Tears has been given every opportunity to recover throughout the week.
Stewards are monitoring this closely with the trainer expected to notify the Commission of the dog's condition today or tomorrow.
Despite the potential late scratching Torando Tears remains as the $1.40 favourite at online bookmaker Sportsbet to win the Association Cup.