GRSA MR - Final race for the Southern Greyhounds
Final race for the Southern Greyhound Raceway
The Southern Greyhound Raceway (SGR) at Strathalbyn will close its doors after the race meeting on Sunday October 21, in readiness for racing in the region to transition over to the new $8.5 million dual track facility at Murray Bridge. The occasion signals the end of a 47-year history at the Club, but also marks the beginning of a new era of opportunity for southern participants and the broader industry in general.
When Strathalbyn opened in 1971, it became only the second registered track to race in South Australia after Whyalla, the latter having opened earlier that year after the Government had passed legislation to legalise gambling on greyhound racing. In the first instance, racing was conducted over two distances – 585 yards (535 metres) and 825 yards (754 metres). Despite being one of the oldest Clubs in the state, the Strathalbyn track was only promoted to the status of being a Sky venue for broadcast into hotels, agencies and homes from 2010.
The SGR has a proud history of volunteer support. The longest-serving member of the Committee, Les Newton, played a role in the construction of the track – helping to dig out the holes for the lure rail posts by hand. More recently, long time track curator Neil Wright had his outstanding contribution in that field acknowledged when he received the 2014 Volunteer of the Year award which he jointly won with Yvonne King who was recognised for her countless hours in the canteen and managing the trials. Many others have contributed to the Club’s success over time with Alan McCulloch receiving recognition in the form of the Volunteer of the Year award and Lauren Harris taking out the industry’s Young Person award in 2006.
The Club has been tremendously supportive of the new facility at Kennetts Rd in Murray Bridge, which will be only the second venue in the country (other than Geelong in Victoria) to boast two TAB tracks – a modern one-turn circuit and a straight track. Racing in the region will take a temporary break in the lead-up to the commencement of racing at the Murray Bridge venue, currently expected to occur by late this year.
The number of race meetings conducted annually will grow from 26 (at Strathalbyn) to 78 at the new Murray Bridge facility and will drive a number of economic and employment benefits. It is anticipated that the new opportunities created by this venture will draw new and existing participants to establish new properties in the region. The Murray Bridge Council has been a keen supporter of the initiative from the earliest discussions.
The industry owes a debt of gratitude to the Strathalbyn Club for the role that it has played in keeping racing in the region strong and enabling the opportunity for future growth as a result of the Murray Bridge venture.
Media Enquiries:
Cathy McHugh – Director - Grays PR [email protected] 0412 515 819