It was a night of mixed emotions at Grafton on Monday evening. Most on course reflected on decades of memories, nostalgia and told stories of the past. Others optimistically glimpsed into the future and smiled about what lies ahead.
It was the final meeting at what will become known as the “old Grafton” racetrack, the gates now closed with work to begin shortly on a state of the art, new racetrack.
Many reminisced about so many brilliant dogs to have raced at the venue, the likes of superstar sprinters Brother Fox and PRETTY SHORT. Other looked fondly back on the iconic winter carnivals which ran parallel to the Grafton Race Club’s Ramornie Handicap carnival in July each year.
On Monday the Club staged their final 11-race card on the “old Grafton” track, and for trivia buffs in years to come, the last event, the aptly named Farewell To The Old Track Pathways, was taken out by the Trevor Rice-trained, Mixed Bag.
The doors then swung shut, with work to commence in coming weeks, and the planned date for the reopening, March 15, 2021.
The Grafton track was originally built in the 1940’s, and due to its age, the track construction, shape, and the current bends did not meet the Minimum Standards for Track Design and Construction. Changes had to be made and the decision was to build a new track.
The new Grafton track will be the first new greyhound track built in many decades and will be at a cost of $4.6 million.
The new track will be built to the latest Design and Construction Minimum Standards with wider turn radius, improved track cambers and transitions and strategically placed starting positions to provide a safer transit for greyhounds
The new track build will feature the latest technology in starting box design and presentation, latest technology in lure and lure rail design with the installation of a fail safe remote controlled lure system and lure rail, and latest technology in track lighting design with full LED lighting of the oval track.
The track will also have NSW’s first full IsoLynx Timing System and timing and message display boards, while all safety aids will be installed in accordance with the Track Safety Standards, including, safety rails and protective fence and catching pen safety padding.
The new Grafton track will also be irrigated with a fully automatic sprinkler irrigation system to ensure the correct moisture levels are maintained in the track at all times.
The kennel design will also be state of the art to rival the best greyhound on track facilities in the country and will be built to the new Minimum Standards for Facilities and Amenities and feature, 12 air-conditioned race bays, air conditioned welfare and integrity rooms, the latest light and security systems, and state of the art kennel parking.
“When completed, the new Grafton track will become the benchmark for greyhound racing facilities in Australia providing Northern Rivers’ participants and their visitors, a suite of safety, amenity and welfare upgrades and initiatives,” Greyhound Racing NSW Chief Executive Tony Mestrov said.
“This project ensures that greyhound racing can grow in the region, while at the same time ensuring the welfare of our greyhounds and the sustainability of the sport.”
