A century-old tradition is coming to an end in Broken Hill, as the greyhound racing track prepares to close its doors. This decision, made by Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW), has sparked a wave of emotions and concerns within the community.
The Impact of Closure
The closure of the Broken Hill racetrack is part of a broader strategy by GRNSW, which has recommended the shutdown of 11 tracks across the state. This move will not only affect the future of approximately 200 greyhounds in the region but also the livelihoods of 30 to 40 local trainers.
Broken Hill and Muswellbrook will cease racing operations by June 30, while the Wagga Wagga track is scheduled to close by early 2027. The impact on Broken Hill is particularly significant, as trainers will now have to travel a minimum of four hours to the nearest track in Gawler, South Australia.
GRNSW CEO Steve Griffin acknowledges the adverse effects of this decision, especially for Broken Hill trainers who now face an uncertain future.
"We understand the impact this will have on the local community and trainers. While other regions have nearby tracks, Broken Hill trainers will have to adapt to a new reality," Griffin said.
The Future of Greyhound Racing in Broken Hill
With the closure of the track, the future of greyhound racing in Broken Hill hangs in the balance. Most of the greyhounds in the region are not competitive enough to be sold to other trainers, according to the club president, Regan Edgecumbe.
"The majority of our greyhounds are at the end of their racing careers, and finding new homes for them is a challenge," Edgecumbe explained.
GRNSW has proposed a solution by prioritizing the Broken Hill greyhounds for their Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) program. However, with the Muswellbrook track being repurposed as a GAP facility for the Hunter Valley, it may not be ready in time to accommodate the far-west greyhounds.
"We're looking at sending the majority of our greyhounds to GAP's Londonderry center in Sydney, which is over 1,000 kilometers away. It's a daunting task, but we're committed to finding them loving homes," Griffin added.
A Community in Mourning
For nearly 60 years, Max Gray has been a part of the greyhound racing community in Broken Hill. His first dog, Shoogman, became a local champion, and his family's involvement in the sport spans generations.
"The loss of greyhound racing is a blow to our community. It's more than just a sport; it's a social event that brings people together. We're a tight-knit group, and this decision has left us angry and heartbroken," Gray said.
Edgecumbe echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the social aspect of race meets.
"Racing here on Sundays is more than just the few minutes of actual racing. It's about catching up with friends and family, and creating lasting memories. I worry about those for whom greyhounds are their life," he added.
A New Beginning for Greyhounds
While the future of greyhound racing in Broken Hill is uncertain, there is hope for the greyhounds themselves. Mr. Gray, who expects to be the only trainer to continue in the sport post-June 30, believes in finding new homes and lives for these retired racers.
"Rambi and River, two of our former racing greyhounds, are now living their best lives as couch potatoes. Greyhounds make excellent pets; they're gentle and don't require vast spaces to run. They're content to lounge around and be part of the family," Gray said.
As the sun sets on greyhound racing in Broken Hill, the community comes together to support each other and find new beginnings for the beloved greyhounds.
And this is where it gets controversial...
What do you think about the closure of the Broken Hill track? Is it a necessary step towards optimization, or does it disregard the impact on the local community and greyhounds? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
