Important information for trainers engaged at Sandown Park on Friday 18 November
Thank you for being a part of TAB Melbourne Cup night! The club is anticipating a massive crowd at its showcase event, and while we aim to keep the greyhound’s racing preparation as normal as possible on the night, there are a number of things happening on course that we seek trainers understanding and cooperation with.
Parking
Given the traffic on Friday night and the expected crowd at Sandown Park, trainers are advised to allow plenty of time to arrive at the track, and to aim to arrive early to avoid issues with finding a parking space.
Greyhound ‘vigi’l
As you may be aware, a small group of anti-greyhound racing lobbyists are planning a ‘vigil’ at the front of the track. Trainers, owners and patrons are strongly encouraged not to engage with them. Security will be in place and local police have been advised of their presence. These groups thrive on confrontation, the best way to deal with them is non-engagement.
Dining
With the dining room at capacity, we are unable to offer the regular $15 trainers meals.
For those booked into the dining room, entrée will be served to the tables at 6.45pm, with the buffet open from 7.15pm to 9.15pm.
There are several casual dining options on course for those not dining upstairs.
For trainers engaged in races 4 and 5 – Afghan race after race 4
The popular afghan race will be conducted after race 4. The afghans will enter the track from the catching pen immediately following race 4 and parade briefly before heading to the 595m boxes as soon as the greyhounds from race 4 begin returning to the kennels.
The race will be run from the 595m boxes to the catching pen. Trainers with greyhounds in races 4 and 5 are advised to be mindful of what is happening on the track at this time.
The stir up for race 5 will be conducted as normal.
For trainers engaged in race 7
After race 7, all greyhounds are to return to the kennels promptly via the back of the track immediately following the conclusion of the race. Catchers will return the greyhounds on the handlers behalf.
For trainers in race 7 and 8 – Pre-Cup entertainment and presentation of finalists
Entertainment ahead of the Cup final will begin as soon as the runners from race 7 are returned to the kennel area. The act will be similar to that conducted in previous years, including sparklers and loud music. While the speakers at the kennels will be turned off during the act, trainers are encouraged to keep any nervous greyhounds within the kennel block until the act has finished.
The stir up for the Cup will be conducted as normal. Cup finalists will parade briefly in the yard closest to the starting boxes, presented individually as they walk to the far parade yard, then all greyhounds will be escorted to the starting boxes by a TAB hostess.
For trainers engaged in races 9 and 10
The entertainment will play a second set immediately following race 9. All greyhounds are to return to the kennels via the back of the track.
The stir up for race 10 will be conducted as normal, however depending on timing, may head straight to the boxes.
The club thanks all trainers, owners and participants for their understanding and cooperation as we showcase our great sport on TAB Melbourne Cup night.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact the club on 9546 9511.
