On the eve of one of the biggest sporting nights in the region, and a significant event for the local greyhound club, Minister for Western NSW and Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has officially opened the new racing tower at Dawson Park.
The Minister was also updated by officials from the Dubbo Greyhound Club and Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) as they prepare to host the Stockman & Paddock Country Classic on Saturday evening.
“Dubbo is the hub of greyhound racing in Western NSW and it’s great to be able to unveil this new racing tower prior to the world’s richest middle distance race being held at Dawson Park tomorrow night,” Mr Saunders said.
“The old tower had a unique charm to it, but it really wasn’t fit-for-purpose when it comes to a major racing club in 2022 and what is needed when it comes to technology and facilities.
“If you’re going to have a race like the Country Classic, it’s pretty important to have appropriate facilities, and this will put the Dubbo club in a position to host other major races in the future. I’d love to see a Group 1 at Dawson Park one day.”
The new tower houses the judge, the lure driver, the racecaller and the stewards, and was built during summer with the old tower demolished to make way.
The work complements other recent projects funded by the NSW Government’s Capital Grants Program, which include a new electric braking lure motor system and the installation of associated infrastructure.
“In time for Dubbo’s biggest greyhound race we have upgraded a range of facilities, all part of a longer-term plan to further improve facilities at Dawson Park, which will benefit race goers and participants,” Dubbo Greyhound Club President Shayne Stiff said.
“We understand the importance of relationships with our stakeholders including the local Member, GRNSW, sponsors and participants, and this wouldn’t be possible without the help of GRNSW, our local MP Dugald Saunders – who has always been fully supportive of the racing industry – and the Club’s own efforts. It is fitting to have both Dugald and GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Tony Mestrov here today for this official opening.
“To welcome a marque event such as the Stockman & Paddock Country Classic is an honour for the club and the industry locally, and we can guarantee, whether you are an avid follower of the dogs or love a great local event, that anyone who heads to Dawson Park tomorrow night will be in for a night to remember.”
Semi-finals of the Stockman & Paddock Country Classic were held at Dubbo last Saturday with the eight qualifiers for the $125,000 final coming from across the State and Victoria.
“Everyone in our industry is looking forward to the inaugural running of the Stockman & Paddock Country Classic,” Mr Mestrov said.
“When we decided that Dubbo would be the perfect choice to host the first running of this event, we knew the club would leave no stone unturned in making the event, and the night overall, a huge success and a night we as an industry can be extremely proud of.
“I want to congratulate Shayne, his committee and his staff for their hard work and the amazing job they have done promoting, and preparing for the event and for what I am sure will be a spectacular night of racing and entertainment tomorrow night.
“It would be remiss of me not to sincerely thank the local Member here in Dubbo, Dugald Saunders, for all his support of the greyhound racing industry, and particularly his backing of the local club.”