Mr. Audacious' Roller-Coaster Career Over

Mr. Audacious, one of the most naturally gifted greyhounds to grace a racetrack, has run his last race and been sent to stud.

The prodigiously talented son of emerging sire Beast Unleashed bows out with 14 wins from 18 starts – 11 of those stunning victories in best of meeting times.

Trainers Mark and Rachael Busuttil, who did a fabulous job guiding the rare talent during his limited career, called time after the Group 3 Warragul St. Leger hero had another post-race seizure following a recent Traralgon trial.

"We notified the stewards after the Traralgon trial and while they've barred him from racing we've decided it was time to pull the pin anyway," Mark Busuttil said.

?? NEW TRACK RECORD ??

MR. AUDACIOUS has broken the Traralgon 450-metre track record in the second heat of the Group 2 #TraralgonCup.

MR. AUDACIOUS – victorious in 14 of his 17 starts – also holds the Shepparton 450-metre track record.#GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/9PDjUWLyXS

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) January 20, 2023

"I said to the owners before the Traralgon hit-out there was a chance it might happen again as it was around every 9-10 times at the track it would occur.

"Like always, he was fine five minutes later and the vet on track after the trial commented how well he'd recovered.

"But the stewards opened an inquiry asking us to show cause as to why he should be able to race again but we didn't even respond. The enjoyment has gone and we've got no fight left.

"He can live the life of luxury at home and hopefully kick off a stud career now. He only had 18 starts but he got to show just what a freak he is. That's the main thing."

Mr. Audacious, from a litter by Beast Unleashed and Audacious Bell which has already won 64 races and also boasts straight track freak Unleash Collinda and Listed winner Modern Collinda, finishes with the Shepparton 450 metre track record (24.66)  and Traralgon 450 metre track record (24.43) in his keeping. 

Only adding to his remarkable racing exploits, including a sizzling 29.28 Sandown Park victory last September, was that the majority of his performances came following extended layoffs and limited preparations.

"He'd trial you a track record after being at home for two months – you'd just shake your head in disbelief," Busuttil said.

"It's scary to think what he could have achieved with a decent preparation under his belt. We saw how special he was but I've got no doubt there was more left in the tank."

While the Busuttils are very grateful for having overseen the career of one of the most naturally talented greyhound's to hit the track, it hasn't come without its share of stress along the way.

"Yeh, it's been a constant battle and while it's sad his racing has come to a close in a way it's a relief as well," Busuttil added.

"Just the constant issues with stewards and looking over our shoulder. Right from the start we've said his welfare was the number one priority and that never changed.

"Mentally and emotionally we are both drained but we're looking forward now to a stud career with him. He'll stand for $1250 and we've already had a few inquiries.

"And can I say a big thank you to his owners Kevin and Diane Wainwright who has been so supportive right the way through.

"The dog is just one in a million."