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ABC News
30-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Death of Tasmanian champion greyhound Raider's Guide prompts renewed calls to shut down the industry
There are fresh calls to shut down Tasmania's greyhound racing industry following the death of one of the state's greatest ever runners earlier this week. WARNING: This story contains images of an animal suffering a serious injury and may cause distress. Raider's Guide, which had claimed a Tasmanian record of $664,975 in prize money from 79 starts, was put down after suffering a fall during Race 6 at Launceston on Monday night. The 4-year-old stayer bumped into another greyhound on the first turn of the race, forcing it to tumble and the race to be abandoned. According to the stewards' report, Raider's Guide was then taken to a veterinary clinic, and a post-race examination revealed it had suffered cervical spinal injuries which eventually proved to be fatal. TasRacing confirmed that Raider's Guide was euthanased as a result of its injuries. It is the second Tasmanian greyhound racing death this year, and the first at Launceston. Animal welfare advocates believe the death of Raider's Guide further justifies their position that government subsidy for the greyhound racing industry in Tasmania should end. "Grotesque track deaths are just the tip of a huge injury iceberg. There are thousands of greyhound track injuries in Australia every year according to the industry's own stewards' reports." Tasmanian Dog Walking Clubs is one of 11 community groups campaigning for an end to taxpayer-funded greyhound racing in Tasmania by 2029. "The RSPCA and every other significant animal welfare group in Tasmania agree dog racing is unavoidably cruel," Ms Fraser said TasRacing chief executive Andrew Jenkins paid tribute to the greyhound. "He will leave a legacy on Tasmanian and Australian greyhound racing for many years to come." In a statement, TasRacing said there had been a steady downward trend in greyhound "racing-related mortality", and that mortality had reduced by a factor of 7.5 since the 2016-17 financial year. In 2016-17, 15 greyhounds died from 12,724 starters, representing 1.18 greyhounds per 1,000 starters. The number of deaths peaked in 2018-19 when there were 18 deaths from 12,642 starters, but has reduced to 2 deaths from 11,927 starters or 0.17 per 1,000 so far this year. Raider's Guide was trained by Mangalore hall-of-famer Gary Fahey and was crowned Tasmania's Greyhound of the Year last year. In May, it became the first Tasmanian greyhound to win three Group 1 races when it won the Sandown Cup at Sandown Park in Victoria. But the death of Raider's Guide has emboldened calls for Tasmania to follow other jurisdictions in shutting down its greyhound racing industry. Last year, New Zealand's government decided to end greyhound racing, citing an "unacceptably high" rate of death and injury. It set up a committee to help manage a 20-month transition period for the industry, including the rehoming of almost 3,000 racing greyhounds. In February, Wales followed suit, with its government announcing it would end greyhound racing "as soon as practically possible". Greens animal rights spokesperson Cassy O'Connor said the Tasmanian greyhound racing industry was "irredeemably cruel" and should be wound up. "It's because of the 'unacceptably high' rate of injury and death to dogs that the conservative New Zealand government committed to ending greyhound racing by the middle of next year," Ms O'Connor said. A report by independent economist Saul Eslake, commissioned by the 11 community groups campaigning for an end to taxpayer-funded greyhound racing, found state-owned Tasracing funds greyhound racing at more than double the rate of other states and territories. "There does not appear to be a compelling reason — beyond inertia ('it has always been thus') — why Tasmanian greyhound racing should continue to receive the generous government funding which it has long enjoyed once the current funding deed expires in mid-2029," Mr Eslake wrote. The Tasmanian government has been contacted for comment.
Herald Sun
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Trainer Gavin Bedggood set to unveil St Lawrence
Group 1 Cranbourne trainer Gavin Bedggood is aiming new acquisition St Lawrence at Flemington on Saturday as a potential candidate for next month's Listed Winter Championship Series Final. Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. St Lawrence, ex-Ciaron Maher, has won eight of 23 starts and a tick under $1m prizemoney. The rising seven-year-old was last February purchased for $85,000 and transferred to Bedggood by passionate racehorse owner-breeder Paul Lofitis, of the Lofty Group. St Lawrence has tuned up with an impressive two-length 1300m Seymour trial win last Wednesday. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'He might run in The David Bourke or we might wait for an Open 1400m the following Saturday,' Bedggood said. 'We bought him online … he was a good get. 'He'll head towards the Winter Championship hopefully.' • Big Bets Review: War Machine delivers winning result for punters Bedggood also has new arrival, Casino Seventeen, 2024 Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) winner, set for a Victorian debut in The David Bourke (1600m). Former West Australian Casino Seventeen, previously trained by Grant and Alana Williams, last raced on New Year's Day when fifth in a bid to defend the Perth Cup title. Casino Seventeen also won a 1300m trial at Seymour last Wednesday. — Aushorse (@Aushorse_TBA) January 1, 2024 • Littlefield eyes Royal Ascot-Glorious Goodwood dream Bedggood confirmed Sandown Cup winner Diwali would contest the 2500m race at Headquarters on Saturday, a bridging run to the Flemington Cup (2800m) on July 19. The astute trainer conceded Diwali would need to go 'to another level' again after rising sharply in rating. Diwali received a 20-point boost – he now has an 86 benchmark rating – for the Sandown Cup win. 'He's only four and a very sound horse so hopefully he can keep on his upward trajectory,' Bedggood said. 'Our next run or two will tell us, it has to, because his rating jumped up 20 points from that win so he's got to go to another level now too.' • 'He was a legend': Bedggood, Bates dedicate Sandown win to Laing The lightly-raced stayer has thrived with Bedggood, going from a Benchmark 58 win at Moe to Listed Sandown Cup in four starts. He placed second on debut for the stable in April in a Benchmark 64. 'He was very good at his first run for me and that horse (winner Fernao) has gone on to run third in the Andrew Ramsden,' Bedggood said. 'We took him to Moe to get a win because his rating allowed us to … he was ridden too close here (Sandown) the (third) start (for stable) and ran a good second. 'We were rapt with his run a fortnight ago, so he should be competitive again.' Originally published as Trainer Gavin Bedggood to unveil St Lawrence at Flemington, with Sandown Cup winner Diwali to also be entered Horse Racing The lack of a first-up run in England doesn't have Francesca Cumani 'Believing' in Asfoora's chances of winning back-to-back Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot this week. Opinion Form analyst Gilbert Gardiner thinks an Alex Rae-trained gelding is primed to notch a second career victory on Monday's meeting at Pakenham Synthetic.
Daily Telegraph
01-06-2025
- General
- Daily Telegraph
Diwali springs a surprise in Sandown Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Developing stayer Diwali caused a minor upset in the Listed Sandown Cup (3200m) on Sunday. Diwali, aptly-named and trained for success on Australian Steeplechase race day, capitalised on the slowly-run Sandown Cup and finished better than favourites Through Irish Eyes and Alma Rise. A horse named Diwali, trained by the late Rick Hore-Lacy, won the 1982 Australian Steeplechase. Former jumps jockey-turned-trainer Gavin Bedggood, who trains the current Diwali, rode three Australian Steeplechase winners including Mazzacano (2007 and 2009) and Vindicating (2011). 'He presented well, he'd (Diwali) been running well… and the race was there,' Bedggood said. 'We thought it was probably going to end up like it was, horses from the Andrew Ramsden, a few jumpers… we were untried at the distance range but we thought with the right run in transit it should work well for him.' Diwali won a 2400m Benchmark 58 Handicap at Moe three back and most recently placed second at Sandown over the same distance in a midweek Benchmark 70. The four-year-old worked smartly last week, which convinced Bedggood to go for the Sandown Cup. 'We came here today with reasonable confidence, obviously a horse with a low benchmark rating but on fresh legs I suppose,' Bedggood said. Bedggood said the Deane Lester Flemington Cup (2800m) on July 19 at Flemington could be viable winter finale for Diwali. 'We got six weeks, we'll probably send him to the beach tomorrow and give him a week to freshen up a little bit,' Bedggood said. 'Maybe look for a 2500m run at Flemington in between time, we might get three weeks, three weeks into that race (Flemington Cup) and use it as our final.' Experienced jockey Joe Bowditch praised Bedggood's placement of Diwali. Gavin Bedggood with Joe Bowditch celebrate Diwali's win in the Sandown Cup. Photo:. 'Can't this bloke train a racehorse? Never put anything past Gavin,' Bowditch said. 'I won a Benchmark 58 at Moe on (Diwali) three starts back, he was impressive but I wouldn't have thought we'd be here… full credit to Gavin.' Bowditch had the race won a long way out on Diwali, who turned for home with plenty to offer. 'Once we came past the winning post (the first time) the anchor went out and everything steadied up,' Bowditch said. 'I was quite glad to see Linda (Meech) take off and get going and that just allowed me to get away from the fence and get off the back of Glentaneous. 'Bided my time and once Declan (Bates) got going I was able to get a beautiful cart up… I was a bit worried I was going to get there a little bit too soon. 'The horse was travelling that well I didn't want to stop his momentum over this trip, stop start on him, I just kept letting him flow and he was too good.' Originally published as Diwali relishes the step up to two miles in the Sandown Cup
Herald Sun
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Diwali springs a surprise in Sandown Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Developing stayer Diwali caused a minor upset in the Listed Sandown Cup (3200m) on Sunday. Diwali, aptly-named and trained for success on Australian Steeplechase race day, capitalised on the slowly-run Sandown Cup and finished better than favourites Through Irish Eyes and Alma Rise. A horse named Diwali, trained by the late Rick Hore-Lacy, won the 1982 Australian Steeplechase. Former jumps jockey-turned-trainer Gavin Bedggood, who trains the current Diwali, rode three Australian Steeplechase winners including Mazzacano (2007 and 2009) and Vindicating (2011). 'He presented well, he'd (Diwali) been running well… and the race was there,' Bedggood said. 'We thought it was probably going to end up like it was, horses from the Andrew Ramsden, a few jumpers… we were untried at the distance range but we thought with the right run in transit it should work well for him.' Diwali won a 2400m Benchmark 58 Handicap at Moe three back and most recently placed second at Sandown over the same distance in a midweek Benchmark 70. The four-year-old worked smartly last week, which convinced Bedggood to go for the Sandown Cup. 'We came here today with reasonable confidence, obviously a horse with a low benchmark rating but on fresh legs I suppose,' Bedggood said. Bedggood said the Deane Lester Flemington Cup (2800m) on July 19 at Flemington could be viable winter finale for Diwali. 'We got six weeks, we'll probably send him to the beach tomorrow and give him a week to freshen up a little bit,' Bedggood said. 'Maybe look for a 2500m run at Flemington in between time, we might get three weeks, three weeks into that race (Flemington Cup) and use it as our final.' Experienced jockey Joe Bowditch praised Bedggood's placement of Diwali. 'Can't this bloke train a racehorse? Never put anything past Gavin,' Bowditch said. 'I won a Benchmark 58 at Moe on (Diwali) three starts back, he was impressive but I wouldn't have thought we'd be here… full credit to Gavin.' Bowditch had the race won a long way out on Diwali, who turned for home with plenty to offer. 'Once we came past the winning post (the first time) the anchor went out and everything steadied up,' Bowditch said. 'I was quite glad to see Linda (Meech) take off and get going and that just allowed me to get away from the fence and get off the back of Glentaneous. 'Bided my time and once Declan (Bates) got going I was able to get a beautiful cart up… I was a bit worried I was going to get there a little bit too soon. 'The horse was travelling that well I didn't want to stop his momentum over this trip, stop start on him, I just kept letting him flow and he was too good.' Originally published as Diwali relishes the step up to two miles in the Sandown Cup
News.com.au
01-06-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Diwali relishes the step up to two miles in the Sandown Cup
Developing stayer Diwali caused a minor upset in the Listed Sandown Cup (3200m) on Sunday. Diwali, aptly-named and trained for success on Australian Steeplechase race day, capitalised on the slowly-run Sandown Cup and finished better than favourites Through Irish Eyes and Alma Rise. A horse named Diwali, trained by the late Rick Hore-Lacy, won the 1982 Australian Steeplechase. Former jumps jockey-turned-trainer Gavin Bedggood, who trains the current Diwali, rode three Australian Steeplechase winners including Mazzacano (2007 and 2009) and Vindicating (2011). 'He presented well, he'd (Diwali) been running well… and the race was there,' Bedggood said. 'We thought it was probably going to end up like it was, horses from the Andrew Ramsden, a few jumpers… we were untried at the distance range but we thought with the right run in transit it should work well for him.' Diwali won a 2400m Benchmark 58 Handicap at Moe three back and most recently placed second at Sandown over the same distance in a midweek Benchmark 70. The four-year-old worked smartly last week, which convinced Bedggood to go for the Sandown Cup. Diwali relishes the two-mile test of the Listed Sandown Cup â�ï¸� @GavinBedggood 's strong form continues ðŸ'¥ — (@Racing) June 1, 2025 'We came here today with reasonable confidence, obviously a horse with a low benchmark rating but on fresh legs I suppose,' Bedggood said. Bedggood said the Deane Lester Flemington Cup (2800m) on July 19 at Flemington could be viable winter finale for Diwali. 'We got six weeks, we'll probably send him to the beach tomorrow and give him a week to freshen up a little bit,' Bedggood said. 'Maybe look for a 2500m run at Flemington in between time, we might get three weeks, three weeks into that race (Flemington Cup) and use it as our final.' Experienced jockey Joe Bowditch praised Bedggood's placement of Diwali. 'Can't this bloke train a racehorse? Never put anything past Gavin,' Bowditch said. 'I won a Benchmark 58 at Moe on (Diwali) three starts back, he was impressive but I wouldn't have thought we'd be here… full credit to Gavin.' Bowditch had the race won a long way out on Diwali, who turned for home with plenty to offer. 'Once we came past the winning post (the first time) the anchor went out and everything steadied up,' Bowditch said. 'I was quite glad to see Linda (Meech) take off and get going and that just allowed me to get away from the fence and get off the back of Glentaneous. 'Bided my time and once Declan (Bates) got going I was able to get a beautiful cart up… I was a bit worried I was going to get there a little bit too soon. 'The horse was travelling that well I didn't want to stop his momentum over this trip, stop start on him, I just kept letting him flow and he was too good.'
