The Geelong Gold Cup is one of Victoria’s most prestigious greyhound races, holding Group 2 status and attracting some of Australia’s best sprinters. First run in 1962, this event is the premier race on the Geelong Greyhound Racing Club (GGRC) calendar and has built a strong reputation as a key fixture in the Victorian greyhound racing scene.
Traditionally run over 460 metres on the outside track, the Cup underwent a significant change in 2020, shifting to the inside track over 520 metres. This adjustment made the Geelong Gold Cup the only country cup in western Victoria to be contested on a two-bend track, bringing an exciting new dynamic to the competition.
The race forms part of Victoria’s Western Festival of Racing, with the heats and final held in April. The winner’s prize money currently stands at $75,000, making it a high-profile country cup that regularly attracts elite greyhounds.
The 2025 Geelong Cup odds are currently not available.
The 2025 Geelong Cup final field will be announced after the running of the heats
The Geelong Gold Cup is a major betting event, with large wagering pools and strong bookmaker interest.
The change in race distance to 520 metres has further increased its appeal, bringing in more well-credentialed greyhounds that excel at two-bend racing.
Top online bookmakers, including BlondeBet, Picklebet and PlayUp, offer fixed-odds betting on the final once the field and box draw are confirmed.
Neds and Bet365 also provide all-in markets before the heats, allowing punters to secure early value on greyhounds they believe will make the final.
As one of Victoria’s top Group 2 events, the Geelong Gold Cup offers plenty of betting options, including:
Our team at Australian Racing Greyhound will provide the betting strategy and our free greyhound tips as race day approaches.
Many betting platforms also offer exclusive promotions and bonuses for this marquee event, adding value to your betting experience.
Find out which bookmaker codes accept our GETON sign-up code.
The Geelong Gold Cup has been a cornerstone of Victorian greyhound racing since 1962, producing some of the sport’s greatest champions. It has become one of the most coveted Group 2 races on the provincial circuit, with many past winners going on to claim Group 1 success.
One of the most memorable winners was Fair Sentence in 1989, trained by Graeme Bate. At a time when top-flight greyhounds rarely competed in more than 50 races, Fair Sentence defied the odds by running 107 career starts, achieving 41 wins and over $86,000 in prize money. His Geelong Cup victory came after winning the Anniversary Trophy at Olympic Park, and he later went on to claim the 1989 Melbourne Cup at Sandown Park, clocking an impressive 30.19 seconds from Box 1.
Fair Sentence’s dominance at Geelong was undeniable—he competed 16 times at the track, winning 10 races, proving to be one of the most consistent and durable sprinters of his era. His 1989 Geelong Gold Cup victory helped secure his title as Victorian Greyhound of the Year, cementing his legacy.
Another standout winner was El Grand Senor in 2010, trained by Carolyn Jones. Known for his massive 39kg frame and explosive speed, El Grand Senor had one of the most dominant seasons in greyhound racing history. After his Geelong Gold Cup win, he went on to claim multiple Group 1 victories, including the Maturity Classic, the Topgun, and the Melbourne Cup. His Melbourne Cup victory was particularly memorable, as he surged through the first turn to claim one of the most dominant wins in the event’s history. In 2017, he was inducted into the Greyhound Racing Victoria Hall of Fame, further solidifying his status as an all-time great.
In 2020, the race shifted from 460m to 520m, moving from the outside track to the inside track at The Beckley Centre. This change was made to bring a new level of competition and make it the only two-bend country cup in western Victoria.
In 2023, the Geelong Gold Cup produced another exciting finish, with Deadly Class securing victory. Trained by Jason Thompson, he displayed exceptional tenacity and speed, clocking 29.62 seconds over the 520m trip. The win marked another major milestone in Thompson’s illustrious training career, reaffirming the race’s reputation for producing elite champions.
With its rich history, format changes, and track developments, the Geelong Gold Cup remains one of the most prestigious Group 2 events in Australian greyhound racing. The race continues to attract top-tier talent, provide exciting betting opportunities, and produce future champions, making it an unmissable event each April.
In 2024, Shima Shadow, trained by Thomas Dailly, delivered a dominant performance in the Group 2 Geelong Cup. Racing over 520m, he completed the race in 29.77 seconds and won by an impressive 4.75 lengths, leaving Zipping Gryllis well behind in a race that highlighted his superior form.
In 2023, Kelsey Bale, under the guidance of Daniel Gibbons, demonstrated tactical brilliance by finishing the 520m race in 29.62 seconds. His 2.19-length victory over Storm Stroller made it one of the most competitive editions of the Geelong Cup for greyhounds.
In 2022, Yozo Bale proved his class by racing the 520m distance in 29.69 seconds. Under the training of Correy Grenfell, he won by 2.50 lengths ahead of Aston Merit, solidifying his reputation as a top performer at Geelong.
In 2021, Weblec Jet, trained by Jeffrey Britton, showcased an impressive performance over 520m by finishing in 29.54 seconds. With a winning margin of 4.04 lengths, he left the likes of Yozo Bale in his wake.
2021 Group 2 Geelong Cup Results
In 2020, Simon Told Helen, under the guidance of trainer David Burnett, delivered a strong performance over the 520m distance. Clocking 29.98 seconds and winning by 1.03 lengths, he outpaced Bobby The Brute.
2020 Group 2 Geelong Cup Results
| Date | Winner | Trainer | Dist | Box | Margin | Time | Runner-up | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Darkie Bobs | ? | 500y | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1963 | Mardec | ? | 500y | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1964 | Silver Cadet | ? | 500y | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1965 | Amasta | ? | 500y | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1966 | Billy Vee | ? | 648y | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1967 | Haydale | ? | 500y | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1968 | Radial | ? | 648y | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1969 | Miram Miss | ? | 648y | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1970 | Phantom’s Heir | ? | 648y | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1971 | High Volant | ? | 500y | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1972 | Ranee’s Magic | ? | 648y | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1973 | The Little Gent | ? | 457m | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1974 | Ty Court | ? | 592m | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1975 | Zero Ranger | ? | 592m | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1976 | Tivashley | ? | 592m | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1977 | Smart Roman | ? | 592m | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1978 | Race Not Held | |||||||
| 1979 | Rustic Star | ? | 457m | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1980 | Tempix | ? | 457m | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1981 | Worthy Weston | ? | 457m | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1982 | Satan’s Shroud | Graeme Bate | 457m | 8.1.6 | ? | 26.19sec | Full Score | |
| 1983 | Diamond Tempix | Jack Gieles | 457m | 6.5.8 | ? | 26.27sec | Chief Babwe | |
| 1984 | Pomona’s Tigress | Steve Healey | 457m | 8.5.7 | ? | 25.90sec | National Star | |
| 1985 | Dublin Flyer | Gary Ennis | 457m | 7.2.8 | ? | 26.14sec | Terrylee’s Black | |
| 1986 | Thorgil Magic | Patricia Hope | 457m | 8.7.5 | ? | 26.06sec | Henry Murray | |
| 1987 | Modern Gossip | Graeme Bate | 457m | 8.1.2 | ? | 26.39sec | Roden Star | |
| 1988 | Benito’s Boy | John Bliss | 457m | 2.8.1 | 3L | 26.12sec | Broberg | |
| 1989 | Fair Sentence | Graeme Bate | 457m | 7.2.1 | 2-3/4L | 26.24sec | Elusive Action | |
| 1990 | Ravello | Robert Britton | 457m | 7.8.5 | 1/2L | 26.05sec | Singalong | |
| 1991 | Honourly | Gary Shingles | 457m | 6.7.8 | 0.10L | 26.31sec | Miss Ionor | |
| 1992 | Golden Ridge | Kenneth Holland | 457m | 5.6.2 | 2L | 26.15sec | Bomber Gleeson | |
| 1993 | Golden Currency | Kevin Mugavin | 457m | 8.2.1 | 3L | 25.69sec | Carry On Coley | |
| 1994 | Tantallon | Ray Cunneen | 457m | 2.4.8 | 1L | 26.24sec | Terasaki | |
| 1995 | Painted Wish | Allan Britton | 457m | 4.5.3 | 2L | 25.92sec | Silent Assassin | |
| 1996 | Sobbing Sal | Edward Swallows | 457m | 5.3.6 | 3-1/2L | 26.11sec | Balmeiro | |
| 1997 | Power Zone | Edward Watt | 457m | 8.6.1 | 3L | 25.37sec | Macorna Lad | |
| 1998 | Cerin Bale | Graeme Bate | 457m | 1.8.3 | 7L | 25.60sec | Dark Chill | |
| 1999 | Pete’s Boss | Peter Giles | 457m | 3.6.7 | 2-1/2L | 25.52sec | Baron D’or | |
| 2000 | Suellen Bale | Graeme Bate | 457m | 7.2.4 | 5L | 25.34sec | Miss Tantine | |
| 2001 | Modern Assassin | Mary Mugavin-Brown | 457m | 7.4.8 | 3L | 25.50sec | Carlisle Jack | |
| 2002 | Bear Creek | Allan Britton | 457m | 1.3.6 | 2-1/4L | 25.32sec | Proven Wizard | |
| 2003 | Puzzle Prize | Peter Giles | 457m | 5.4.6 | 2-3/4L | 25.37sec | Bear Creek | |
| 2004 | Whisky Assassin | Jason Thompson | 457m | 8.1.2 | 7-1/4L | 25.23sec | Scorchin’ Bale | |
| 2005 | Brilliant Lee | James Ennis | 457m | 5.2.1 | 3/4L | 25.57sec | See You Later | |
| 2006 | Dyna Checa | Graeme Bate | 457m | 1.5.4 | 1L | 25.49sec | Vapour Whirl | |
| 2007 | Cool Effort | Darren McDonald | 457m | 3.8.4 | 3/4L | 25.34sec | Coulta Bomber | |
| 2008 | Birthday Boy | Stephen Elsum | 457m | 6.8.7 | 4L | 25.39sec | Taipan Bale | |
| 2009 | Gripen Bale | Brendan Wheeler | 457m | 4.6.3 | 2-3/4L | 25.45sec | Ned’s Pedro | |
| 2010 | Track Closed Renovations – Race Not Held | |||||||
| 2011 | Dyna Tron | Andrea Dailly | 460m | 7.8.3 | 1.50L | 25.61sec | Dyna Bert | |
| 2012 | Hurunui Hitman | Stephen McKenna | 460m | 5.8.1 | 3.25L | 25.58sec | Blackalls Boss | |
| 2013 | Black Magic Opal | Jason Thompson | 460m | 4.2.8 | 2.11L | 25.10sec | Farmor Las Vegas | |
| 2014 | Luca Neveelk | Gerald Kleeven | 460m | 5.1.8 | 1.75L | 25.41sec | Top Secret | |
| 2015 | Dalgetty | Jason Thompson | 460m | 1.2.6 | 1.84L | 25.60sec | Cut loose Max | |
| 2016 | Shima Song | Andrea Dailly | 460m | 4.6.5 | 0.11L | 25.39sec | Judicial Man | |
| 2017 | Thirty Talks | Tony Brett | 460m | 2.6.4 | 2.21L | 25.38sec | Bewildering | |
| 2018 | Aston Kimetto | Jason Thompson | 460m | 3.2.5 | 0.13L | 25.45sec | Orson Allen | |
| 2019 | Hooked On Scotch | Jason Thompson | 460m | 3.8.5 | 1.11L | 25.31sec | Runnin’ Royalty | |
| 2020 | Simon Told Helen | David Burnett | 520m | 7.3.4 | 1.03L | 29.98sec | Bobby The Brute | |
| 2021 | Weblec Jet | Jeffrey Britton | 520m | 4,3,9 | 4.04L | 29.54sec | Yozo Bale | |
| 2022 | Yozo Bale | Correy Grenfell | 520m | 3,2,4 | 2.50L | 29.69sec | Aston Merit | |
| 2023 | Kelsey Bale | Daniel Gibbons | 520m | 7,3,4 | 2.19L | 29.62sec | Storm Stroller | |
| 2024 | Shima Shadow | Thomas Dailly | 520m | 8,7,6 | 4.75L | 29.77sec | Zipping Gryllis | |