Due to Government Social Distancing Laws under COVID–19 and acting in accordance with GAR 51 (10), the Stewards have directed that the boxing process in Victoria will revert to and continue under the 4–wave model being 1 & 5 boxed first, followed by 3 & 7, followed by 2 & 6, followed by 4 & 8.  Handlers are required to exit the area after boxing and maintain their 1.5m distance from other handlers and staff at all times.

All persons (both Staff & Participants) attending today, undertook successful health screenings and wore facemasks/covers that in–turn, permitted entry to the venue for exclusive race–day functions and operations.

_____________

The boxing process was cancelled after the first two lines had been boxed, in order to remove wildlife from the track. The first two lines of greyhounds were removed from the boxes and the boxing process was restarted once the track had been cleared. The start of this event was delayed by approximately 2 1/2 minutes.

Mahogany Flame, Rakesh and Red Mahogany were slow to begin.

Mahogany Flame checked off Rakesh approaching the first turn severely checking Mahogany Flame which lost ground as a result. Nihari Bale checked off Always Cousins on the first turn. Nihari Bale and Always Cousins collided on the home turn. Mahogany Flame checked off Red Mahogany on the home turn. Rakesh shifted in and marred Daph's Echo several times in the home straight.

Rakesh underwent a post-race veterinary examination and was found to have a right monkey muscle injury. A 21 day stand down period was imposed. Stewards spoke to Mr Clint Capuano, the Trainer of Rakesh regarding the greyhound's racing manners in the home straight.  Acting under the provisions of GAR 69(1) Rakesh was charged with marring. Mr Capuano pleaded guilty to the charge, Rakesh is suspended for 28 days at ballarat and must perform a Satisfactory Trial (all tracks), pursuant to GAR 69(2)(a) before any future nomination will be accepted.