Wentworth Park ends greyhound racing after 94 years
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
On Friday night, Wentworth Park in Sydney, Australia, hosted its final greyhound race, ending a tradition that began in 1932.
The event drew a large crowd with divided feelings, as some celebrated the end of what they considered a cruel sport, while others mourned the loss of a community and hobby.
Nathan Horrigan, a long-time greyhound trainer and owner, attended the final race, stating the dogs are often “well looked after, better than most average pets.” Stephen Arnold, a 50-year attendee of Wentworth Park, engaged in a bidding war for the winning post, ultimately purchasing it for $16,500 to support the Mark Hughes Foundation.
While some, like Arnold, support the relocation of greyhound racing to a new site in Richmond, others, including trainer Horrigan, worry that the new location will not draw the same crowds. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore called the event the “Million Dollar Disgrace” and welcomed the return of the land to public parkland, anticipating benefits for the surrounding community and a potential addition of up to 2500 homes in a city facing a housing crisis.
The final race itself saw Magical Ang win the Million Dollar Chase in 29.46 seconds, reaching a top speed of 68.9 km/h.
