The dogs are back at Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club from this Saturday when the club hosts its first official race meeting in more than 18 months.
The twilight race meeting on 15 January will formally launch the world’s most advanced greyhound racing track, designed to optimise both racing safety and the audience experience.
The $6 million upgrade has delivered a state of art J-curve track along with major upgrades to the club’s facilities including new outdoor decking and a massive semaphore screen.
Greyhound Racing Victoria’s (GRV) Chair Peita Duncan said the new Traralgon track sets a benchmark for greyhound racing worldwide.
“This is the biggest project undertaken by Victorian greyhound racing in decades, using the work of Professor David Eager and his University of Technology Sydney team to create the safest possible greyhound racing environment,” Ms Duncan said.
“The opening of the state-of-the-art design will not only capture eyes within Australia, but around the world. Just another reason that Victorian greyhound racing is leading the way in safe racing and animal welfare.”
“I would like to thank the local government who alongside GRV funded the $6 million project which has seen us use local companies all the way, to build a truly outstanding venue that maximises safety while also showcasing all the excitement of the sport.”
“It is also important to thank the Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club who have put in countless hours to ensure this is a success.”
Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club’s Manager, Steve Clarke, said there was an incredible nomination response for the first official meeting at the new track.
“We’ve had extensive trials followed by a Picnic meeting on Monday 10 January and the response to the new track and club facilities has been overwhelmingly positive from both participants and fans,” Mr Clarke said.
“Everyone from trainers to the local community has really gotten behind this major project and we are all very proud that our town now hosts the world’s best greyhound racing track.”
“And on Australia Day, this wonderful new track will host the first Traralgon Cup in nearly two years.”
