MEDIA RELEASE
September 5, 2012
GRNZ to assess Ascot Park equipment

Greyhound Racing New Zealand will undertake an immediate assessment of Southland Greyhound Racing Club equipment at Invercargill’s Ascot Park track following recent failures of the lure and starting boxes.

The most recent breakdown involved a power cut to the motorised lure during the running of race 11 on Tuesday and follows other mechanical issues in the past two months.

GRNZ General Manager Jim Leach said GRNZ and Southland GRC recognised the breakdowns were not acceptable and required urgent remedial action.

GRNZ Racing Manager Stuart Cashen will travel to Ascot Park to assist in formulating a repair and maintenance programme with regards to lure and starting box equipment.

“We treat these malfunctions extremely seriously and Tuesday’s failure is all the more disappointing given the hard work the club has done previously to ensure its equipment works correctly,” said Mr Leach.

“Thousands of greyhound races are run each year without any issues and although the incidents at Ascot Park are isolated, GRNZ and Southland GRC consider it imperative that urgent action is taken.

“The integrity of all aspects of greyhound racing, particularly the safety of the dogs themselves, is paramount and we’ll be taking all action necessary to put this right.”

ENDS

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