The Casino Greyhound Club will this Friday celebrate a major milestone, commemorating 90 years since their first race meeting was staged.
On March 18, 1936, the Casino Tattersalls Jockey Club, ran its inaugural greyhound racing meeting at Carrington Park, a venue later to be renamed Queen Elizabeth Park.
Around 1,500 patrons attended that first day’s racing, although many also watched from outside with those under 18 not permitted to attend.
“My grandfather and his family were there that night, and that’s where it all started for the Northfields in greyhound racing,” said Casino President Mitch Northfield whose family have been synonymous with the sport in the Northern Rivers.
The mechanical lure was introduced in 1938, track lightning installed in 1978, in 2015 the grass track was ripped up and replaced by loam, a $750,000-plus upgrade, and new lights were installed in 2022.
“Probably the most satisfaction in my 20 years as President at the Club, was putting the sand track down. We sort of did 90% of that ourselves with our money,” Northfield said.
“We’ve had some very good secretaries throughout the time here at the club. We've been very lucky having the likes of Don Waldron, Bruce Knight, Ronnie Herd - who steered us through the sand track renovation, and the new lighting - and now Donna Pezet is doing a great job.”
Twelve races will be run during the afternoon race meeting, with the club generously boosting prizemoney with an additional $2,000 added to each race.
There will be something for everyone with a barbeque, raffles, free face painting and sample bags for the kids, and $5 beers and $8 mixers/cruisers for adults.
Greyhound Racing NSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin will be attending the 90th anniversary meeting on Friday and congratulated the club on the achievement.
“It will be a wonderful occasion for the Casino Club on Friday and I encourage locals to come along and join in the celebrations,” Mr Griffin said.
“Throughout the years the Casino Club’s committee and staff have always worked tirelessly to ensure their club, the track and their weekly race meetings are a success, and also to support the local participants in the region which is a real heartland for our sport.
“On behalf of greyhound racing in NSW and my organisation, I congratulate Mitch, Donna and all the committee and staff at Casino on reaching this milestone and I can’t wait to celebrate with them on Friday.”
