2:56pm Friday 24th July 2009
By John Gaisford
Racing manager Gary Baiden has called in BRGB track specialist John Haynes to take a closer look at the first bend action which has caused owners, trainers and punters alike to complain about the greyhounds bunching.
Recent 'improvements' to the Oxford Stadium track, instigated originally by the BGRB, have, in the opinions of many, made the situation a whole lot worse.
Baiden, who only last week said he had not noticed that much difference, agreed that the latest incident on Saturday was a bad one.
In that incident, Easter Dolly stumbled and fell at the first bend, bringing down Pawseys Pride and Boomtown Prince, while Steel Diamond and Killishin Sixty were very badly impeded.
That left early leader Kumala well clear to win by twelve-and-a-half lengths and some 451/2 lengths in front of the last dog.
Following the race, punters were breathing fire and brimstone at me asking when something is going to be done and would they get any help with vets fees as a result of the injuries!
Baiden said: "In the light of that race and a few complaints about the track I decided to call in John Haynes to observe yesterday's BAGS meeting to see if any changes need to be made."
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