Lithgow On The Verge Of An Unlikely Return

LITHGOW is on the cusp of a return to trialling, and possibly racing, with the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) planning to inspect the venue as early as next week.

Back in February, GWIC announced the suspension of racing and trialling at the venue pending completion of significant track remediation work following a number of meeting abandonments due to the unacceptable state of the track surface.

In recent months, Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) and the Lithgow GRC have been in communication about the prospect of the venue returning to trialling, the result of those discussions seeing Brian Barrington engaged recently to restore the track surface to a fit standard.

And while a return to just trialling was initially mooted, recent moves has seen the prospect of racing at Australia's oldest greyhound track become a reality, potentially as early as mid-December, a scenario that has Lithgow president Rod Bragg grinning from ear to ear.

"I had a look at my phone records the other day and worked out I've made about 200 calls to get us to where we are now … it's been a tough slog," Bragg said.

With the track by all reports in terrific shape, Bragg was quick to heap praise on Minister for Racing Kevin Anderson and Upper House member Mark Latham, the two he believes instrumental in breathing life back into the birthplace of Australian greyhound racing.

"I obviously can't say to what extent because I don't know but I get the feeling both the Minister and Mark have been very supportive behind the scenes," Bragg said.

It is understood that GRNSW and GWIC are planning to visit the venue in the next week with a view to assessing the track before trials are scheduled.

"Work is being done on the irrigation system as we speak and we have a working bee planned for Sunday," Bragg said.

"The facility is like anything that hasn't been used for a long time .. it can get run down but we'll fix that up over the coming week. Everyone is very enthusiastic."

The return of Lithgow has been lauded by Group 1-winning trainer Sid Swain, who since 2012 has called Lithgow home.

"The way I've been explaining it all along, is that if you run a business you can't take away an asset that people use to produce your product," Swain said.

"And it's not just because I live here now. I've spoken to so many trainers in the area that have been crying out for Lithgow to return, even if it was just for trialling.

"A lot of people don't like sending their dogs away to get broken-in so Lithgow is another outlet for people to do it themselves.

“It's great for educating pups as well, it's a big plus for the industry.

"Last Thursday Richmond had well over 100 trials … the demand is there in the area.

“I'm pushing the (Lithgow) club to program 500 maidens as a priority, we need them. Lithgow is an easy 500 and has a six second run into the first turn. Perfect for educating young dogs."