The final night of racing at Wentworth Park has delivered outstanding results for the sport with a staggering $9.37 million invested across the 10 races, the second highest in NSW greyhound racing history.
Last Friday’s Last Lap at Wenty was a night of nostalgia, celebration and saying farewell to an iconic racing venue in the heart of Sydney, but the excellent results in wagering and viewing numbers have indicated it also was a night which showed growing support in the sport.
It was the final race meeting after 94 years at Wentworth Park, the culmination being the $1 million to the winner Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase won by Magical Ang, and not only was the night a tremendous success on track with a sellout crowd of over 6,000, but it was just as popular off track.
Wagering figures on the night saw the meeting turnover $9.37 million, second only behind the 2021 Group 1 Vic Peters & Peter Mosman meeting which turned over $9.4 million. The night also surpassed the previous best Million Dollar Chase race night which was in 2020 when turnover was $8.8 million.
Both of those meetings had the advantage of being held during COVID-19, a beneficial time for wagering on all racing, whereas this year’s event comes at a time of tighter household budgets due to rising interest rates and inflation.
The feature race was the last race on Friday, the final race ever run at Wentworth Park, and it held $2.42 million.
The entire race meeting was also televised live on free-to-air television through 7Plus with selected events also shown on Racing.com, as well as coverage through traditional partner and broadcaster Sky Racing. Early indications are those viewing figures were also beyond expectations.
“I think we all knew it would be a memorable evening having experienced the final night at Dapto last year, but I don’t think anyone expected what was delivered,” GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin said.
“I know the crowd was a sellout at just over 6,000 but I spoke to plenty of people on the night and all said there seemed like twice as many there, and it was a return to the halcyon days when the only way to watch and bet, was at the racetrack.
“To not only have so many at the venue, but to see the results away from it, exudes confidence and support for our sport which is what we have always believed to be the case.
“And a fairytale finish with Peter Lagogiane – or three-Pete as he is being called - winning his third Million Dollar Chase final with Magical Ang was the perfect way to cap an incredibly emotional the evening.
“From the moment the decision was made that we should exit Wentworth Park before the official end of the lease in September next year, our teams began working on making the Last Lap at Wenty a spectacular night never to be forgotten. We wanted it to be the farewell the iconic venue thoroughly deserved and judging by the comments and feedback I received on the night and since then, that mission was accomplished.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in putting on a night to remember.
“It’s said that saying goodbye is never easy and after 94 years, to walk out of Wentworth Park for the last time brought a tear to the eye, but we now move on to the next chapter for the sport, and that will be a new city racing precinct built at Richmond.”
GRNSW announced last week that following an extensive assessment of potential sites located in Western Sydney, the existing Richmond Club site has been selected as the site to replace Wentworth Park.
With the assistance of Deloitte Australia, GRNSW assessed 12 potential sites across Western Sydney with the assessment determining that a rebuilt, multi-purpose facility at the existing Richmond site was the best option.
The options being pursued by GRNSW will see a multi-purpose facility built either on the existing Richmond Club footprint or expanded footprint. The new facility will be multi-purpose to ensure that it is utilised by the community 24/7 and provides revenue streams for the sport from outside of racing.
The proposals being considered include the building of three new tracks, new club facilities (under a joint venture arrangement), 24/7 attended boarding kennel and training facilities in addition to a veterinarian practice. The proposals also contemplate a joint venture for the construction of motel accommodation on site.
“We have said farewell to what has been our spiritual home at Wentworth Park, but I can tell you that the sport in flourishing and the success and figures from last Friday verify that fact,” Mr Griffin said.
“We’re sad of course, but everyone in our sport is excited for the future and what comes next at Richmond.”