Trainer's Appeal Successful On Eve Of Egg

TRAINER Rob Tyler will steer Richmond Oaks winner Crazy Cool's Golden Easter Egg campaign after successfully appealing an interim-suspension imposed by the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC).

Late last week the Racing Appeals Tribunal overturned GWIC's decision to interim-suspend Tyler in relation to alleged breaches of Greyhounds Australasia Rule 87 which prohibits owners and trainers from laying their own greyhounds.

Represented by lawyer Paul O'Sullivan, the Tribunal declared that Tyler was entitled to a stay of proceedings on the information before them.

"The Tribunal orders that the decision of GWIC of 5 March 2021 not be carried into effect pending the finalisation of the appeal on condition that the appellant prosecute the appeal expeditiously," the findings read.

"The Tribunal is satisfied that on a stay basis a determination of the factual and legal arguments is not required, only that an arguable case be demonstrated.

"It finds that the appellant satisfies that test. There are legal issues for consideration and it is proper they be ventilated at a hearing by GWIC. That is not to state on this application that the Tribunal has formed any concluded view."

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The decision means last start Group 2 Richmond Oaks winner Crazy Cool and Group 1 National Derby placegetter Rowdy Roddy will line-up in Saturday night's Golden Easter Egg heats under the guidance of Tyler.

The pair are owned by Queenslander Bob Jacobsen who returned the star duo to Sydney following the decision of the Racing Appeals Tribunal to uphold the stay of proceedings application.

Crazy Cool, making her Wentworth Park debut in heat five, is currently a $2.90 favourite from box three, while Rowdy Roddy steps out in heat nine from box five where he is monster odds at $51.

The topic of what does and doesn't contravene GA Rule 87 has generated plenty of discussion in recent weeks among industry participants.

In response, GWIC recently issued a press release titled ‘GWIC's intention to strengthen the integrity of wagering within the NSW Greyhound Racing Industry'.

"After receiving recommendations from the former Chief Steward of Racing NSW, Mr Ray Murrihy, following his review  last year, GWIC has strengthened its capability and capacity to inquire into all wagering activity in the industry," the release read.

"It is critical that those who bet on greyhound racing have full confidence that any wagering by those participating and  officiating in the greyhound racing industry is conducted within the rules and regulations governing the sport.

"All other sporting codes go to great lengths to ensure that wagering on their sports is not undermined by activity that  brings their codes into disrepute. The greyhound racing industry should be no exception.

"I urge all participants and racing officials to familiarise themselves with these GA rules, which govern any wagering  they may be considering, as breaches of these rules could result in either suspension or disqualification from the sport."

The press release goes on to say that GWIC intends to inform participants as to what is and isn't acceptable in terms of wagering in races they are engaged in over the coming weeks.