Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has confirmed the Muswellbrook track will close on June 30 as part of the next stage of its Racing Footprint Optimisation plan.
The decision follows recommendations from Deloitte and the Drake Inquiry, which called for a reduction in the number of tracks to improve safety and sustainability. Acting Commissioner Lea Drake advised the number of tracks should not exceed 14, while Deloitte recommended reducing the footprint to 12.
Maitland will remain open after strong feedback from Hunter stakeholders who argued the region needed a one-turn track for trainers and greyhound welfare.
Deloitte recommended that Wagga, Broken Hill and Maitland close, but after further investigation, and an evaluation of the cost of works required to bring Muswellbrook up to minimum track standards, GRNSW’s Board decided to expedite the closure of Muswellbrook, and retain Maitland.
GRNSW says race meetings will not be reduced despite the closures.
The Muswellbrook site, owned by GRNSW, will be repurposed as a Greyhounds As Pets facility, supporting the organisation’s welfare program.
Greyhound Clubs NSW President Shayne Stiff said the decision was difficult but necessary.
“If we want the industry to be around for another 10, 20 or 50 years, optimisation had to be done now,” he said.
