Lithgow greyhound track completed ahead of November reopening
Greyhound Racing NSW has completed a full track rebuild, adding new safety infrastructure, broadcast-standard lighting and upgraded facilities for regional participants.
Key takeaways:
- Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has completed the redevelopment of the Lithgow greyhound track. The redevelopment includes a new rail system, a SafeChase lure and a 620-metre start.
- Racing is scheduled to return to the Central West on November 2, ending a four-year absence following Bathurst’s closure in November 2022. GRNSW plans to hold a gala event on November 15.
Australia.- Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has announced the completion of the new Lithgow greyhound racetrack as it prepares for racing to return to the Central West region of New South Wales for the first time since Bathurst closed in November 2022 following flooding. The track was handed over to GRNSW last Monday, and the first trials are scheduled for October 19.
Further trials will take place on October 22, followed by race simulation trials on October 26 and a final session on October 29. The venue’s first race meeting is scheduled for November 2, with a twilight card, while a gala opening for the wider community is planned for November 15.
Safety and facility upgrades
Construction began in January and involved a complete rebuild of the racetrack to meet minimum track standards. The works included the installation of a new rail system and a SafeChase lure, alongside improvements to the track layout and supporting infrastructure.
The track has been widened, with radii of 52.7 metres and a new 620-metre start. Broadcast-standard lighting averaging 900 lux has also been installed to support racing and coverage.
The redevelopment also included refurbishment of the kennel block and public amenities, construction of a new stewards’ and judge’s tower, and the demolition and reconstruction of the maintenance shed. Improvements to the venue’s main entrance were also completed. Some unexpected issues drove up costs, including asbestos found in landfill.
Steve Griffin, GRNSW chief executive officer, said: “This facility at Lithgow will not only serve those greyhound participants west of the Mountains, but I envisage many will make the trek from this side to race there regularly once they see this safe, state-of-the-art facility up and running,” Griffin said.
