Horsham Greyhound Cup rescheduled

A ‘gastro outbreak’ among the greyhound racing fraternity dogs forced the postponement of Saturday night’s Horsham Greyhound Cup meeting.

The 2020 cup group-two final will now run on Tuesday, March 17.

Horsham Greyhound Racing Club president Justin Brilliant said the virus had been moving its way across to Victoria from Western Australia since December last year.

He said this resulted in the club receiving limited numbers for its feature event.

“We only had enough nominations for six races, where we normally run 12,” he said.

“It started back in December in Western Australia and it’s slowly moved through to the eastern states, including Victoria.

“It’s not an uncommon occurrence, but unusual to be of this magnitude.”

Mr Brilliant said the club was notified of the virus last week.

“We are hoping the bug will clear up within the next week or so,” he said.

“Any kennels that have these gastro bugs will be in lock down for 14 days.”

Mr Brilliant said the club had cancelled the Victorian Bred Maiden final.

“The eight dogs that were meant to compete in the final will be awarded an even share of the prize money,” he said.

“Being young dogs and maidens, we can’t carry them over for even a week or two because they’ve got their racing careers to get on with.”

Mr Brilliant said other races including the Jan Wilson Memorial, Horsham Cup Consolation and Sylvia Penny Memorial would now be on Saturday, April 4.

“Dogs will be able to renominate for those races,” he said.

“If your dogs are showing any signs of gastro bugs, take precautions and don’t mix them with other dogs. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”