According to the steward's report, a series of 'checks' or interferences between dogs occurred at the start of the race before a collision between No. 5 'Rahim Bale' and No. 3 'Steven' on the home turn, "severely checking Steven which fell."

The dog was inspected by the track veterinarian, found to have a "right foreleg injury", and was put down.

Racing stewards then inspected the track between the first and the home turns.

The stewards "were not satisfied that the surface was suitable for racing. After consultation with club staff Races 2-12 were subsequently abandoned at 7.34pm," according to their report.

It is the second dog to die at Ballarat this year, with another euthanased in February. There have been 88 injuries at the track so far this year.

Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) president Dennis Anderson said the death of Steven highlighted again the inherent dangers of greyhound racing, and was critical of the stewards.

"Steven was a young greyhound running in only his second race. Like most greyhounds that die on the tracks, he fell at a turn after colliding with other dogs," Mr Anderson said.

"Greyhound racing is incompatible with animal welfare. Curved tracks, races with too many dogs, and unwarranted euthanasia are causing the deaths and injuries of thousands of dogs every year," he said.

Greyhound Racing Victoria told The Courier it is undertaking a review of what happened during the race on Wednesday night.

"All track deaths are investigated and GRV is committed to ensuring greyhounds race on the safest tracks possible," a spokesperson said.

"The findings of this review will further strengthen track safety measures."

The Courier contacted BGRC but no spokesperson was available.

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