Magnificent Seven for RSN927 Sandown Cup


Sandown Park will stage a record seven heats of the RSN927 Sandown Cup – the world’s richest race for stayers – this Thursday night.

The 56 greyhounds drawn into the heats are trained by 42 different trainers and represent 92 individual owners. The seven heats boost the total prize money for the series to $332,250 – a world record for a staying event.

“As far as we can tell, it is a record number not just for the Sandown Cup, but for any feature staying series,” said Sandown Park Racing and Media Manager, Michael Floyd.

“We think there are a few reasons for the increased number of nominations. The prize money is obviously a pretty good incentive, but we also think that the number of race programming initiatives undertaken by Greyhound Racing Victoria, such as increased prize money for staying events and the Go Distance Racing incentives, are certainly a big factor.

“Anecdotally we’re hearing more breeders focussing on stayers, and judging by the numbers, it appears to be translating to the race track. And that’s a great thing – staying races are an exciting feature of the sport.”

While the overall numbers are excellent, the quality of the heats is also very good. The 56 runners have combined to win more than $3.6m in prize money and features four group 1 winning stayers and 10 greyhounds that have broken 42 seconds at the View Road circuit.

“There are few races in the world as storied or as prestigious as the Sandown Cup. From the deeds of the great Lizrene, to Bold Trease’s four consecutive Cups – and even Don Hazzard’s mishap in 2007. The RSN927 Sandown Cup is a race that captures the imagination of the racing public and this year will be no different.”

The RSN927 Sandown Cup heats are just one feature on a big night of greyhound racing this Thursday which also includes the finals of the $145,000 group 1 Harrison-Dawson, and the $145,000 group 1 Sapphire Crown. In support of the meeting, TAB.com.au is offering a $20,000 quaddie jackpot, kicking off on race 5.

Entry to Thursday night’s race meeting is free.

Click here for your free Watchdog form guide for Thursday night’s meeting.

Related
Zogoulas’ Invictus road to recovery

 

Exciting NSW stayer Cardiology runs 41.93 in an exhibition trial ahead of Thursday night’s RSN927 Sandown Cup heats