Revolutionary rapid fire racing is coming to Sandown Park this September with the launch of the Speed Star series in what is a massive shake up to traditional greyhound racing.
To be run on Thursday 24 September, the inaugural Speed Star will see the fastest greyhounds in Australia race head to head in four, two dog matches. The winner of each match will receive $10,000 and overall placings for the race will be determined by the official time recorded by each greyhound. The greyhound that records the fastest time will be crowned the winner of the event and receive an additional $15,000.
“Two canine athletes competing against each other and against the clock – it’s as pure as racing can get,” said Greg Miller, Chief Executive at Sandown Park.
“The format of the race will also allow us to showcase the fastest greyhounds in the country in a way never before seen in greyhound racing, giving punters and fans a whole new perspective of the sport.”
Miller was enthusiastic about the quality of the greyhounds that are likely to contest the series.
“We’ve canvassed a number of trainers with some of the likely contenders and their response has been extremely positive. It’ll be an exciting night of fast paced, rapid fire racing!”
The four match races will be conducted in rapid succession with gaps of about 6 minutes between each match race, meaning that the final result will be known within 30 minutes.
For TAB’s Nick Quinn, the series represents not only an exciting night for fans of the sport, but for punters as well.
“It’s an exciting concept, pitting the fastest greyhounds in the country in battle against the clock,” he said.
“There will be a host of unique wagering options available to punters on the series, and it will be fascinating to see how the punters evaluate the form.”
Parimutuel betting, including the usual exotics, will be available up until the beginning of Match 1 and will be paid out upon the finalisation of times following Match 4. A huge variety of Fixed Odds markets will be available for this unique racing concept.
The final field will be determined by the 8 fastest nominated greyhounds at Sandown Park from 1 March 2015. Special qualifying trials will be conducted on Sunday 6, 13 and 20 September for trainers who wish to try and qualify for the series, and interstate greyhounds that have not raced at Sandown Park during the qualification period will have the opportunity to trial on Thursday 17 September.
Click here for the full conditions of the Speed Star.
For further information, please contact Mick Floyd on 03 9546 9511 or email mfloyd@grv.org.au.
Fastest 25 chasers at Sandown Park
1 March – 1 September 2015
