Upper Hunter Track In Line For TAB Status

TAB racing is on its way to Muswellbrook with Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) announcing that the Upper Hunter track will undergo significant upgrades.

On Wednesday morning, GRNSW boss Tony Mestrov was joined in Muswellbrook by Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson to announce what is a boon for greyhound racing in the Hunter.   

"To upgrade a Non-TAB track to the standard where it can conduct TAB racing is a process GRNSW completed in the past year at both Taree and Wauchope," Mestrov said.

"This is a tremendous announcement for the hard-working club and participants in the Upper Hunter.

"The Muswellbrook club has been operating for more than 60 years, has a rich history in this region, and this news is a reward for everyone involved with the club."

The Muswellbrook greyhound track is currently owned by the NSW GBOTA but it's understood discussions are well advanced for GRNSW to purchase the property from the Association.

"Because of its location the Muswellbrook club attracts trainers and dogs from Gunnedah and Tamworth in the New England region, as well as those right across the Hunter Valley," Mestrov added.

"Considerable work will begin very soon on the upgrade here at Muswellbrook, which will include the resurfacing of the track, the addition of new racing infrastructure including the lure rail and three electric starting boxes, and of course incorporating the latest safety standards.

"Once again, we as an industry, are grateful and appreciative of all the support we receive from the NSW Government which is pivotal in the growth of greyhound racing."

When work is completed, Muswellbrook will be assigned six to eight dates to stage TAB meetings each year, along with their regular Non-TAB dates.

The appearance of both the Deputy Premier and Racing Minister at Wednesday's announcement again underlines the importance the NSW Government place in ensuring the strategic future of greyhound racing.