Three greyhound tracks to close in NSW, but Maitland wins reprieve

Greyhound Racing NSW has announced that the second stage of Racing Footprint Optimisation will see the Muswellbrook and Broken Hill racetracks close on June 30, while the Wagga Wagga track will remain open until upgrades at Temora are completed, expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

Maitland, initially slated for closure, will continue to operate.

Acting Commissioner Lea Drake’s inquiry recommended no more than 14 tracks remain open across the state, with decisions guided by injury rates, compliance with Minimum Track Standards, and regional needs.

“Of course it’s a difficult time for the clubs which are impacted by these decisions, but it was a decision based on criteria which was formulated and unanimously agreed upon by all parties including GCNSW, at the Industry Summit last May,” Greyhound Clubs NSW (GCNSW) President Shayne Stiff said.

“That’s important here. This was not my decision or Steve Griffin’s (GRNSW CEO) decision, it was an industry decision for the betterment of the industry following the recommendations of Deloitte and the Drake Inquiry that will result in sustainability and viability of the industry. 

“The industry needs optimisation. We cannot continue to support the number of clubs we have.”

“If we want the industry to be around for another 10, 20 or 50 years, optimisation had to done now.”