What you may have missed: Whyte’s super Darwin Cup win

VICTORIAN trainer Stephen Whyte made it back-to-back wins in the Cup, landing the 2015 feature with the talented Superfonic on Sunday night at Winnellie Park.

Starting as the $3.70 favourite from box three, the son of Fear Zafonic and champion bitch began swiftly before being headed in the run around the first turn by Miss Jackpot (box one) which kicked clear down the back straight. Turning for home, Superfonic railed hard and assumed the lead when Miss Jackpot ran off, scoring by two lengths in 31.22.

Miss Jackpot held on for second place for Queenslander Tom Tzouvelis ahead of Whyte's other pair, Tear Away Size and Clash Of Kings – last year's winner and the litter brother to Superfonic, which placed third and fourth respectively.

Superfonic was tipped to win by Australian Racing Greyhound‘s Brad Bugeja, and has now won 10 races from 36 career starts with a further 14 minor placings.

Adam Wallish leaves job as GRV CEO

GREYHOUND Racing Victoria (GRV) announced on Friday CEO Adam Wallish had decided not to pursue a further three year term in the top job, instead deciding to leave the organisation.

“I have elected not to pursue renewal of my contract for a further 3-year term and the separation on agreed terms is amicable from the viewpoint of myself and GRV,” Wallish said.

“I am proud of what has been achieved during my term as CEO and pay tribute to the work of GRV's high-quality staff in doing all and more than was asked of them.

“They are a valuable asset for GRV and it has been a pleasure to work with them under the direction of the Board of the day. I wish everyone involved in the 13 clubs and all members every success.”

His departure comes five months after the live baiting scandal which rocked the sport of greyhound racing and has seen the resignation of the CEOs of both Racing Queensland (RQ) and Greyhound Racing NSW ().

Fernando Bale does it again

THE Nationals kicked off around the country last week and all eyes were on Sandown Park last Thursday to watch Fernando Bale in the heats of the Victorian Sprint Championship.

On a stormy night, the son of Kelsos Fusileer and Chloe Allen bounded straight to the early lead and, despite shifting off at the first turn which allowed the talented Kayda Shae to sneak through and share the lead, 's superstar showed tremendous grit and determination to score in 29.34.

He will start the short priced favourite from box seven this week and, as the country's highest rated sprinter, he is guaranteed a spot in the National decider regardless of where he finishes on Thursday.

Finals of the SA, WA, QLD and VIC Sprint and Distance Championships will be held this week, with Australian Racing Greyhound set to each decider in the lead up.

Watch Fernando Bale record another stunning victory from box three.

In the Stewards room

has been suspended by GRNSW after a urine sample taken from her greyhound, Anita May, at Maitland on February 26, 2015, showed the presence of the prohibited substance 5beta-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol, a metabolite of testosterone, at a concentration of greater than 10ng/ml.

Ms West's husband Barry West gave evidence at a hearing into the matter that the greyhound in question had been administered 0.25ml of Testaprop four-and-a-half days prior to the race by veterinarian Dr. David Symons.

Dr Adam Cawley from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) also gave evidence, stating the finding of 5beta-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol was at an estimated level of 16ng/ml, making it the second lowest recorded finding by the ARFL.

Ms West pleaded guilty to a breach of GAR 83 (2)(a) in that she failed to present Anita May for the event in question free of a prohibited substance. Stewards subsequently suspended her licence for a period of four months.

More EPO positives

THREE greyhounds have been prohibited from racing after returning urine samples showing the presence of the prohibited substance Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (EPO).

The greyhounds, Scarp Missile, Breaking Mad and Winsome Warrior all returned a positive readings to the drug after winning races at Wentworth Park on April 13, 20 and May 4 respectively.

The trainers in question, Jodie Lord (Scarp Missile and Breaking Mad) and Melinda Finn (Winsome Warrior) have been notified of the irregularities by GRNSW stewards, with the reserve portion of each sample to undergo further confirmatory testing by the Racing Analytical Services VIC ().

Once the reserve portions have been tested, GRNSW will determine whether inquiries will be held into the matters.

Under GAR 79A (3) the three greyhounds named above are now prohibited from racing until they return a sample which is clear of the prohibited substance.

Samples have been taken from each greyhound and have been sent away for analysis.

Scarp Missile, which is now trained in South Australia, and Breaking Mad have both been scratched from their upcoming races at Wentworth Park and Angle Park respectively. Winsome Warrior, now trained in WA, had not been entered to race at the time.

Melinda Finn has already had her trainer's license suspended after two of her greyhounds, Down Every Road and Still Searchin', returned positive samples to EPO during this year's Golden Easter Egg Carnival at Wentworth Park.

Finn's husband John is also in hot water with the controlling body after he was declared a defaulter last month due to the non payment of a $72,950 debt which is owed to GRNSW.

Run of the week

FRANK Hurst appears to have a very handy young bitch on his hands in Good Odds Angel which took out last Friday's at The Gardens.

Beginning swiftly from box seven, the daughter of Spring Gun and Punk Angel quickly found the lead in the run out of the first turn and was never in danger, scoring a three-and-one-quarter-length triumph in a sizzling 29.57.

Basque and Zipping Sasha finished second and third respectively, with race favourite Chevy Prince never looking a genuine threat after a tardy beginning, finishing fourth.

A half-sister to top chaser Evil Punk, Good Odds Angel has now won two of her three starts.

Watch Good Odds Angel's win from box seven below.

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