Wentworth Park’s 94-year greyhound racing era to end in October
Greyhound racing at Sydney’s iconic Wentworth Park will end in October, bringing the curtain down on 94 years of continuous racing at the sport’s historic metropolitan home.
The NSW Government has reached an agreement with the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (GBOTA) for racing to cease at the inner-city venue following the Million Dollar Chase carnival, with the final race meeting scheduled for October 16.
The closure will end a racing legacy that stretches back to 1932. Under the agreement, GBOTA will terminate its land-use licence early to facilitate the transition of racing operations to other venues from November.
The move clears the way for the 3.9-hectare site to be redeveloped into community sporting fields and public open space, expanding the existing Wentworth Park precinct and eventually forming part of a larger 14-hectare recreational hub under City of Sydney management.
Acting Minister for Lands and Property Kate Washington said the closure would usher in a new era for the historic site.
“Wentworth Park has played an important role in New South Wales’ sporting history, and today we’re beginning an exciting new chapter for this iconic public site,” Washington said.
Racing Minister David Harris acknowledged the significance of the venue’s departure from the sport.
“Wentworth Park has contributed much to greyhound racing in NSW since punters first came through its gates in 1932,” Harris said.
The NSW Government said it would continue working with the industry through the transition and will allocate $10 million through the Greyhound Capital Grants Program to help fund upgrades at alternative tracks.
