3 minute read
Nothing hurts more in a owner or trainers lifetime than announcing the end of a greyhounds career. That was the sad fate awaiting astute trainers Mark and Rachael Busuttil with the announcement of the immediate retirement of Mr. Audacious.
The immensely talented son of Beast Unleashed had in a limited career faced the starter just 18 times and saluted on 14 occasions. And in doing so obliterated the track records at Shepparton over the 450 metres running 24.66 and the Traralgon 450 metres running 24.43. At the time of his retirement just days ago both these records remian in his keeping.
The Group 3 Warragul St Leger winner recently undertook a Traralgon trial which led to him suffering another seizure post trial. Sadly this was not the first time he had suffered such an event and after numerous issues with this condition, it was decided to put the welfare of the greyhound first and retire him from racing.
Victorian stewards had asked the Busuttil's to show just cause as to why he should race again, however without any disrespect to officials they did not respond undertaking the decision in their own hearts that sadly his career was finished. A decision that would have been nothing short of heartbreaking and devastating as he has shown he is a quality greyhound.
The talented black dog will now live out his days laying around on the family couch as he heads to stud. Breeding wise alone he is an interesting commodity as his mother is Audacious Bell who from the same litter has produced noted speed dog Unleash Collinda trained by Jason Thompson and also listed winner Modern Collinda.
Stories are always abound in greyhound folklore about trials and a greyhounds exploits. Whispers about Mr. Audacious had a similiar ring tone. It was well known on numerous occasions that he had run near track records in trials even after extended lay offs from the track. No doubt he had the ability to be one of the fastest dogs Australia had seen in a number of years.
The Wainwrights who own Mr. Audacious are to be applauded for their patience. They have at all times put the dogs welfare first and never pushed about getting the talented sprinter back to the track in pursuit of prizemoney. Respectfully they have done the right thing by the talented chaser and have put his health first and foremost.
We wish Mr. Audacious all the best in retirement, may it be long and well deserved and heres hoping breeders recognise that the son of Beast Unleashed was a freak of a talent. As sad as it is that his career is over. His track record runs will be remembered for a long time to come.
