[category]
[title]
For better or for worse, Wentworth Park has remained an iconic Sydney venue for the past 94 years.
That is, until now.
On October 17, the last greyhound races were called at Wentworth Park, with the Million Dollar Chase marking the end of operations in Ultimo.
The closure of the Sydney institution – which opened back in 1932 – has whipped up a dog’s breakfast of emotions including jubilation from animal rights activists and contempt from those who have a deep affection for the venue.
It was decided back in March that after a successful push from the City of Sydney Council – with support from NSW Premier Chris Minns – Wentworth Park would shutter to make way for additional public parkland.
Despite having the lease until September 2027, the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association confirmed that October of this year would be their final event.
And so, last month, long-time supporters and keen members of the greyhound racing community gathered to wave a collective raised paw to the place that held a special place in their hearts.
“There’s a lot of great memories. It’s going to be a sad night at the end,” said spectator Stephen Arnold, speaking to Sydney Morning Herald.
On the other side of the collar, fiercely vocal animal rights activists and politicians alike have championed the bold move to close Wentworth Park.
On the final night of operations, protesters gathered outside the venue, all passionately celebrating the end of a long battle in the fight to nix greyhound racing.
"We are here to say good riddance to greyhound racing in the city," Greens MP Kobi Shetty told ABC News.
"We want to see greyhound racing shut down for good so this is a step in the right direction."
As to the future of greyhound racing, there are a few bones in the air.
Greyhound Racing NSW has unveiled plans to relocate to a new facility in Richmond but will host races in Gosford in the interim. The NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association is also looking at a potential site in Appin.
Wherever the bones land, the NSW Government has offered $10 million in funding to help transition operations out of Wentworth Park – a sum that has elicited growls from opponents of greyhound racing.
For now, though, Wentworth Park as we know it will be demolished to make way for greenspace fit for pups who are looking to run around – recreationally, of course.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.