It is the end of an era for the iconic Dapto Dogs, while the Local Show Society is preparing to complete racing at the location at the end of June next year.
Greyhound Racing NSW (GrnSW) Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin said it was an unfortunate decision.
“After 88 years of racing, we will close racing in Dapto from June next year after the Agricultural Society has advised us that they will not extend our lease,”
he said.
“Very sad for the industry and for us. We were a bit shocked and surprised. We had hoped that we would have an extension of 20 years, but society has decided to go in a different direction.”
Greyhound Racing NSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin. ((Delivered: Grnsw))
Grnsw had been in negotiations Dapto Agricultural and Horticultural Society about rental and facility upgrades, including moving the kennel block to the western part of the district.
Griffin had visited the site last week to inspect the proposed areas.
“We respect their decision. They have the country and have to make the best of the district,”
Said Mr Griffin.
The news was shared on Friday evening with Grnsw.
End of an era
Racing started on the circuit on February 25, 1937.
Griffin said that people “mourn for the loss of the sport icon”.
“It is clear that there will be people who will hurt, because this has been their home for their lives and probably their reservation for them.
The “world famous” Dapto Dogs will close next year and end up at the location for 88 years. ((ABC News: Billy Cooper))
“It is iconic and synonymous with Greyhound Racing and has a well -recognized brand in sports codes in Australia. It is even recognized abroad.“
Almost 100 trainers limit their dogs every week on the circuit.
Two full -time and four part -time employees are offered opportunities at the Bulli and Nowra tracks.
Grnsw has a plot of land on the nearby Bong Bong Road and will continue to explore opportunities – but it would entail considerable work to determine whether it would be suitable for a straight job.
Shellharbour -State MP Anna Watson said the decision was sad, but she is happy that it was not bitter.
“It is a large plot country. It is community. It offers a great opportunity to see what will come from the Dapto Agricultural and Horticultural Society in the future,” she said.
Mrs. Watson said she looked forward to seeing how Grnsw de Bong Bong Road site progressed.
The Dapto Agricultural and Horticultural Society said in a statement that the request for a 20 -year lease “presented a fundamental barrier for the ability of society to meet the developing needs of the broader community”.
It said that the decision was not about “forcing greyhound racing out”, but Greyhound Racing had been granted various extensions in recent years “that further strengthens the need for a defined transition time line”.
“We are open to discussing a short -term agreement if that helped GRNSW with transition planning,” said the statement.
“If not, society will continue to work on the conclusion of Greyhound Racing Operations on the site at the end of June 2026.”
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