NSW Government and GBOTA Reach Agreement to End Greyhound Racing at Sydney’s Wentworth Park in October 2026

The New South Wales Government has secured a formal agreement with the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (GBOTA) to conclude greyhound racing at Sydney’s historic Wentworth Park, scheduling the final race meeting for October 2026.

The landmark agreement will culminate with the prestigious Million Dollar Chase event, drawing a close to ninety-four years of racing at the venue and allowing the land-use licence to terminate ahead of schedule so that remediation and infrastructure removal can commence before Christmas.

To assist the racing sector through the transition, the NSW Government has committed to a $10 million Greyhound Capital Grants Program aimed at funding infrastructure upgrades at metropolitan and regional tracks to meet updated safety standards.

NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris acknowledged the historical weight of the closure for participants, noting that Wentworth Park has contributed significantly to the sport since initial race meetings commenced in 1932.

Acting NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Kate Washington, emphasized the long-term community benefits of returning the land to public control.

“Wentworth Park has played an important role in New South Wales’ sporting history, and today we’re beginning an exciting new chapter for this iconic public site.”

“The Government is delivering on its commitment to return this land to the community, creating new sporting fields, more open space, thousands of new homes and lasting community infrastructure for a growing inner Sydney.

“This is about unlocking public land for public benefit, creating more homes and ensuring future generations have great places to play, connect and enjoy,” Washington said. 

Once restoration works are complete, the site will be transferred to the City of Sydney to be integrated into an expanded fourteen-hectare public park featuring multipurpose sporting fields, open green spaces, and community recreation facilities.

Located adjacent to the upcoming Pyrmont Metro station and near existing light rail and ferry transport networks, the revitalised precinct will form a core component of the broader Pyrmont-Ultimo renewal, which includes the nearby Sydney Fish Market redevelopment and plans for thousands of new residential dwellings.

The announcement coincides with international regulatory shifts, arriving as New Zealand prepares to host its final commercial greyhound race meeting at Hatrick Raceway in Whanganui on July 31 following the passage of legislation ending the industry nationwide due to animal welfare and injury rate concerns.

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