GWIC issues statement on Tornado Tears’ run in Association Cup
The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission has responded to recent comments relating to the condition of Tornado Tears, the favourite in the Association Cup on Saturday night at Wentworth Park.
On Tuesday 16 April the trainer of Tornado Tears, Mr Robert Britton contacted the Commission's Chief Steward to report the fact that Tornado Tears had injured a pad in the Association Cup heat held on Saturday 13 April. The trainer advised that he would wait until later in the week to make a proper assessment regarding Tornado Tears' fitness to race.
The trainer gave Tornado Tears a gallop on Wednesday (17 April) and decided to wait until Friday 19 April to make a final decision on the greyhound's fitness. Mr Britton was quoted in reports as wanting to ensure the greyhound was 100 per cent before making a final decision.
On Saturday 20 April at Wentworth Park, Tornado Tears was subjected to a thorough pre-race examination by two Commission veterinarians. The examining veterinarians found Tornado Tears to be fit to compete in the Association Cup. The veterinarians were aware of the previously reported injury and determined that the injured pad had healed, allowing the greyhound to compete.
Tornado Tears went around as a $1.40 favourite at online bookmaker Sportsbet.
The stewards' report from the race on Saturday detailed that Tornado Tears lost momentum at the start of the race when the greyhound was bumped by the runners both inside and outside of it.
Tornado Tears collided with another runner (Poco Dorado) at the home turn on the first occasion. On the second occasion, Tornado Tears struck the running rail and was checked off the heels of Poco Dorado at the home turn, losing considerable ground.
Following the race, stewards ordered that Tornado Tears undergo a further veterinary examination. This examination revealed an abrasion to the nearside hind pad which incurred a 14 day incapacitation period. The injury sustained on Saturday 20 April was not present when the greyhound was examined prior to the race. Tornado Tears was also swabbed on Saturday night following the event.
At all times the Commission was mindful of the betting public and determined that Tornado Tears would only take his place in the field if he was found to be completely free of injury in the opinion of the two inspecting veterinarians.
From a detailed analysis of the race, it is also clear that the racing incidents which caused Tornado Tears to lose ground were contributing factors to the greyhound's performance.