More than 50 years after it opened to a massive crowd, the iconic Appin Way greyhound racetrack will close at the end of next month.
The Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (GBOTA) notified participants this week that the straight track which has for several years been solely used as a trial track, will hold its final trial session on January 31, 2026.
“The NSW Government has forcibly acquired the property as part of the Cumberland Koala Corridor,” GBOTA chief executive officer Daniel Weizman said. “The GBOTA received the proposed acquisition notice in early December, which means the land will be acquired at the end of February.
“We approached the Government about the matter but were unsuccessful in having the acquisition of the track overturned.
“We have been offered remuneration for the site but feel the offer is totally unacceptable and we are in negotiations for a more satisfactory offer for the land, from the Government.
“If a satisfactory agreement has not been reached by January 31, the negotiations will continue until we obtain compensation we believe is equitable.
“It’s very disappointing for the industry but we will work with Greyhound Racing NSW to ensure participants have suitable trialling facilities available.”
For many, Appin dogs on a Saturday afternoon was an institution.
The track opened on October 4, 1975 with a crowd in excess of 12,000 on hand for the event.
The local betting ring was full of bookmakers and very strong as was the away betting ring which fielded on Saturday’s metropolitan thoroughbred meetings around the country.
The venue gained notoriety in August 1984 when Catholic priest, Father Edward ‘Ted’ O’Dwyer, allegedly backed Fine Cotton with $4,000 for those involved in the infamous sting.
It was also the venue for what would be the start of the famous radio career of Ray Hadley.
Hadley has told the story of how back in 1981 he would call the Appin Dogs on A Saturday “for $34.50 after tax.”
“At the time I was driving a cab on Friday night to survive, having given up my job as an auctioneer to try and make a go of broadcasting,” Hadley has recalled.
“I would drive the cab until 4am, grab some sleep and then go to Appin about 11am. After the races, I would jump into the cab and start work again.
“One time I asked Jock (McDonald the GBOTA boss at Appin) for a pay rise from the $34.50. He looked me up and down and said if I stopped catching a cab there every Saturday I’d have more money.
“When I told him I was actually driving the taxi he upped my pay to $40. They were great times at Appin.’’
The Appin track has been used to school many superstars of the industry in NSW for many decades, the uphill straight run a great test for young greyhounds.
For many years the Appin track was managed by Ron Oldfield, who along with his wife Christine, had much success in the industry. Ron passed away in 2024.
