A pre-race sample was taken from Empress Tears.

War Drum Express, Radek Bale and Mepunga Felix were slow to begin.  Radek Bale and Mepunga Felix collided approaching the first turn checking Radek Bale.  Lola Coaster and Mepunga Felix collided on the first turn checking Mepunga Felix.  Empress Tears, Suntory Rose and Golden Teddy collided on the first turn checking Empress Tears.  War Drum Express and Empress Tears collided approaching the third turn checking Empress Tears.  Empress Tears brushed the running rail approaching the third turn checking Mepunga Felix.  Empress Tears and Mepunga Felix collided in the back straight checking Mepunga Felix.  War Drum Express and Golden Teddy collided on the fourth turn checking both greyhounds.  War Drum Express looked inwards in the home straight.

War Drum Express was vetted following the event.  It was reported that the greyhound sustained an injury to the right calf muscle, a 5 day stand down period was imposed.  Stewards spoke to Representative, Mr C. Darmanin regarding the greyhound's racing manners in the home straight.  Acting under the provisions of GAR 69B (1), War Drum Express was charged with failing to pursue the lure with due commitment (by reason of injury).  Mr Darmanin pleaded guilty to the charge, War Drum Express was found guilty and must perform a Satisfactory Trial in accordance with GAR 69B (1) and pursuant to GAR 72, before any future nomination will be accepted.