Im still tipping plans are in place or being assessed for the greyhounds to begone from Wentworth Park before 2027. The major redevelopment hub isnt going to wait around for greyhound racings expiry date!

I agree that it is a messy political thing but I have to point out that the Wenty area is designated parkland and it would require an Act of Parliament to change its purpose. Added to which there are a dozen organisations with a finger in the pie.

Any changes would start WW111, not least because there is a desperate shortage of playing fields in the region.

Wenty and its buildings were designed for another era. Times have changed, particularly since 2000 and the continuing growth of Olympic Park and the remorseless shift of population to the west of Parramatta. Those 15,000 fans are still around but they are sitting in clubs and pubs across the nation. They could not care less where the races are located.

So move. The quicker the better. However, try and do it with a partner or two, not as a lone ranger.

Im aware there are development restrictions with regard to the precinct. However, werent the Baird Govt going to get around the restrictions by relocating Glebe Public School to Wenty and give the old school site to developers? That was the big stuff up that Ray Hadley got tipped off to...with a secret meeting between developers and Govt. And now why weve seen the makeshift pop up school out the back at present. I always felt that was the first shot that Wentys days were well and truly numbered.

Theres no getting away from the major redevelopment of the area and greyhound racing being relocated. With it made mention in GRNSWs current 5 year strategic plan...its on the table and being discussed. Most likely at the direction of the NSW government?? Its well known the government want us gone...what Bairds MO was all about.

Why do we need a partner? Itll be a tradeoff in some form from the government. With the premier looking to fast track major works and projects to protect the economy...no better time for GRNSW and the NSW government to relocate greyhound racing away from Wentworth Park.

That period you are talking about contained all sorts of rumours and innuendos, some related to the fish markets. Never validated.

As for partners, it has long been my view that greyhound racing alone cannot achieve profitability from a dedicated use of a facility. Some get by by running twice weekly, others by combining with other codes or (in Vic) by running Tabarets. The trots tried the casino approach but failed badly (that was V'Landys work). Even galloping tracks are flogging off bits of land.

But the key is to create a facility which encourages people traffic at all times of the week. Intermingling. To illustrate the thought (not very practical though), stick a racetrack on top of a shopping centre - if you get my drift. Innovation and imagination.