10:52am UK, Thursday July 22, 2010Alex Watts, Sky News Online
A greyhound race was thrown into chaos in Australia - when a real hare strayed on to the track.
A dog called Ginny Lou was in third place on the last bend when it spotted the animal and veered off after it.
The incredible scene was captured on TV cameras as the 20/1 outsider sprinted off the track at Shepparton in Victoria.
Angry gamblers were forced to tear up their betting slips when the 390m Finer Fruit Stakes race was then abandoned.
Bookmakers handed back the £18,500 that had been waged.
Racing officials spent the night searching for the hare, but it could not be found.
Trainer Scott Stefanos said the intruder had cost him $75 (£43) in prize money for the third place.
"Ginny Lou is pretty smart because she's the only dog who set off after the real thing," he told the Sydney Daily Telegraph.
"It's a shame she didn't get rewarded for her efforts.
"The lure must have scared it because it's come from underneath the inside fence, took a couple of strides towards the dogs, realised it was going the wrong way and then darted across the track.
"Ginny Lou has slammed on the brakes and off she went. To her credit she thought she was doing the right thing, then had the nous to carry on and join the rest of the field."
Shepparton club president John Martin said he had no idea where the hare had come from.
"We've got full-time staff here who are still looking for that damn rabbit," he added.
Racing experts said the odd snake or duck had been seen on greyhound courses in Australia, but never a live hare.
See video at: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Australia-Greyhound-Race-Hare-Strays-On-To-Wrong-Side-Of-Track-At-Shepparton-Victoria/Article/201007415669087?f=rss
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