The Golden Easter Egg is a premier Group 1 greyhound race held annually at Sydney’s Wentworth Park. Established in 1990, it has become a cornerstone of Australia’s greyhound racing calendar.
The event spans three weeks, beginning with heats, followed by semi-finals, and culminating in the final on Easter Saturday. The race covers a distance of 520 metres and offers a substantial prize, with the winner receiving $250,000.
The 2025 Golden Easter Egg series is scheduled to commence with heats on March 29, leading up to the final on April 12.
As the series approaches, early betting markets have identified rising star Miss Envy as a notable contender, currently listed at $10. Other well-supported greyhounds include Dalwhinnie and Excavation, each demonstrating impressive form in recent races.
The Golden Easter Egg not only showcases elite racing talent but also holds historical significance, with past winners such as Ultra Sense, Brett Lee, Rapid Journey, and Tenthill Doll.
The 2024 edition was claimed by Mackenna, who delivered a standout performance throughout the series.
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
The final field will be released after the heats and semi-finals have been run.
Betting on the Group 1 Golden Easter Egg attracts massive pools and there is always plenty of value to be found within the race, with most of the eight greyhounds sharing a realistic chance of snaring the prize.
For those punters skilled enough to spot the winner three weeks out, most online bookmakers also offer an all-in market for the final, offering some superb prices about some of the series’ leading contenders. This means you might get $15 on the eventual winner, which may start the race as a short favourite.
The benefits of betting with an online corporate bookmaker include the outstanding odds bonuses you can get with Australia’s greyhound betting sites.
Other benefits of placing your Golden Easter Egg bets at online bookmakers include specific race specials and other promotions that are legally allowed from time to time.
The Group 1 Golden Easter Egg is the pinnacle of New South Wales greyhound racing, held annually at Wentworth Park on Easter Saturday. Since its inaugural running in 1990, where it was won by Ultra Sense, the race has maintained its Group 1 status and cemented its place as one of Australia’s most prestigious greyhound events.
The race has always been run over the 520m distance, with the first three editions held on a grass surface before the track transitioned to loam in 1993. This iconic surface change has remained ever since, ensuring a consistent and world-class racing standard.
As a three-week series, the Golden Easter Egg begins with heats, followed by semi-finals, culminating in the grand final on Easter Saturday. The series is open to the top 80 greyhounds nominated, plus reserves, ensuring only the nation’s finest compete. Greyhounds can also secure their place in the heats by winning one of the Easter Egg Preludes held in the weeks leading up to the series.
This event is more than just the feature race; it’s a highlight of the Australian greyhound racing calendar, with thousands of spectators gathering at Wentworth Park to witness an electrifying night of racing.
Alongside the Golden Easter Egg final, the evening features a strong support card, including the Group 1 Association Cup, Group 3 New Sensation, Group 3 Magic Maiden, and the Group 3 Ambrosoli, further enhancing its reputation as a premier night of the sport.
In 2010, the Golden Easter Egg prize money skyrocketed to $250,000 for the winner, making it the richest greyhound race in New South Wales at the time. This was further increased to $350,000 in 2024, reflecting the event’s continued growth in prestige and popularity, but has now been moved back to $300,000 due to budget cuts.
The Golden Easter Egg has a rich history, boasting past champions such as Brett Lee, Rapid Journey, and Tenthill Doll, whose victories are etched into the annals of greyhound racing. It continues to honour its legacy while showcasing the best talent in the sport each year.
2019 Easter Egg Cup results
| When | April 20, 2019 |
|---|---|
| Where | Wentworth Park |
| First Prize | $250,000 |
| Winner | Zipping Bailey |
| Trainer | Jason Mackay |
| Born | 23/07/2016 Black Bitch |
| Owner | Hallinan Hallinan (SYN) |
| Margin | 1.00 |
| Time: | 29.92 |
| Others in finishing order | |
| Federal Lilly, Black Forge, Blue Striker, Miss Splendamiro, Irinka Lizzy, Banjo Tifia, Black Opium | |
Trained in Victoria by David and Rose Geall, it was her second group 1 but her first in the Harbour City after previously running second in the Group 1 National Futurity, the Peter Mosman Classic, the Bob Payne Sprint, third in the Group 1 Paws of Thunder and sixth in the 2017 Golden Easter Egg – all of which were run and won at Wentworth Park.
2018 Easter Egg Cup results
| When | March 03, 2018 |
|---|---|
| Where | Wentworth Park |
| First Prize | $250,000 |
| Winner | Up Hill Jill |
| Trainer | David Geall |
| Born | 20/02/2015 Black Bitch |
| Owner | ROSE GEALL |
| Margin | 0.25 |
| Time: | 29.77 |
| Others in finishing order | |
| Striker Light, Fernando Express, Dual Keroma, Miss Splendamiro, Two Times Twice, Crash Bandicoot, Bombshell Bandit | |
The black bitch held off a late challenge from Lagoon Jazzy to score in 29.99 – recording her 13th career victory and second group 1 win, having already won the National Futurity at Wentworth Park.
2017 Easter Egg Cup results
| When | April 15, 2017 |
|---|---|
| Where | Wentworth Park |
| First Prize | $250,000 |
| Winner | Striker Light |
| Trainer | Brett Bravo |
| Born | 04/03/2015 Black Bitch |
| Owner | Kelly Bravo |
| Margin | 0.25 |
| Time: | 29.99 |
| Others in finishing order | |
| Lagoon Jazzy, Big Flood, Lucky Chap, Slamming Thunder, Up Hill Jill, Aqua Cheetah, Mack Tux> | |
It was a remarkable week for Thompson with the Victorian conditioner claiming three group or listed races and over $425,000 in prize money. Read a full report here.
Jason Thompson previously won the race with Don’t Knocka Him in 2012. 2016-03-26
2016 Easter Egg Cup results
| When | March 03, 2016 |
|---|---|
| Where | Wentworth Park |
| First Prize | $250,000 |
| Winner | Moreira |
| Trainer | Jason Thompson |
| Born | 09/09/2013 Brindle Dog |
| Owner | Adean Manolitsis |
| Margin | 0.25 |
| Time: | 29.70 |
| Others in finishing order | |
| Brad Hill Bill, Knight Sprite, Blue Revolver, Asa Killa Queen, Dawkins Bale, Mitcharlie Mia, Rare Pearl (FTF)> | |
2015 Easter Egg Cup results
| When | April 04, 2015 |
|---|---|
| Where | Wentworth Park |
| First Prize | $250,000 |
| Winner | Fernando Bale |
| Trainer | Andrea Dailly |
| Born | 12/03/2013 White and Dark Brindle Dog |
| Owner | Brendan Wheeler |
| Margin | 4.25 |
| Time: | 29.48 (Race Record) |
| Others in finishing order | |
| Dawkins Bale, Dyna Nico, Zipping Midge, Dyna Double One, Ronray Spirit, Over limit, Recruitment> | |
| Year | Distance | Winner | State | Margin | Time | Trainer | Runner-up | Boxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 520m | Ultra Sense | NSW | 3/4L | 30.39sec | Christine Coleman | Acacia Ablaze | 5,3,7 |
| 1991 | 520m | Highly Blessed | VIC | 5L | 30.29sec | Lorraine Ferremi | Cool Marvel | 4,5,6 |
| 1992 | 520m | Jessica Casey | NSW | 3L | 30.32sec | John Finn | South Road Sid | 1,4,2 |
| 1993 | 520m | Billy Binjang | NSW | 2-1/2L | 30.70sec | Pauline Seymour | Star Title | 7,2,8 |
| 1994 | 520m | Mancunian Girl | VIC | 4L | 30.20sec | Peter Wardle | Swibo | 1,2,3 |
| 1995 | 520m | Malawi’s Law | VIC | 3L | 30.44sec | Graeme Bate | Railway Rocket | 1,5,3 |
| 1996 | 520m | Tenthill Doll | NSW | 3/4L | 30.51sec | Harry Sarkis | Magic Slippers | 4,8,7 |
| 1997 | 520m | Bahama Image | VIC | 3/4L | 30.59sec | William McNally | Kedo’s Millie | 4,6,1 |
| 1998 | 520m | Rapid Journey | NSW | 2-1/2L | 30.17sec | Jane Carruthers | Cerin Bale | 3,8,7 |
| 1999 | 520m | Faithful Hawk | QLD | 1-3/4L | 29.93sec | Peter Rayner | Brookside Red | 2,6,5 |
| 2000 | 520m | Stately Bird | NSW | 1-1/4L | 30.35sec | Kenneth Paull | Mystical Gem | 5,1,6 |
| 2001 | 520m | Brett Lee | VIC | 3L | 29.75sec | Darren McDonald | Creative Whisky | 8,1,3 |
| 2002 | 520m | Carlisle Jack | VIC | 4-1/2L | 30.09sec | Robert Douglas | Mint Mogo | 4,8,6 |
| 2003 | 520m | Cyrus The Virus | NSW | 4-1/4L | 30.21sec | Sydney Swain | Jimmy Neutron | 8,5,6 |
| 2004 | 520m | Bogie Leigh | QLD | 4-3/4L | 30.07sec | Tony Brett | Spring Secret | 5,6,3 |
| 2005 | 520m | Paua To Burn | NSW | 3/4L | 29.98sec | Steve White | Eiffella | 6,1,5 |
| 2006 | 520m | Edie Beauchamp | NSW | 6-1/4L | 29.80sec | Mary Wright | Berella Electra | 8,4,1 |
| 2007 | 520m | Slater | VIC | 5-1/2L | 30.09sec | Darren Murray | Jinderra Flame | 8,2,1 |
| 2008 | 520m | Blazing Token | NSW | 1-1/2L | 30.16sec | Max Burdekin | Winoki | 3,1,8 |
| 2009 | 520m | Dana Beatrice | NSW | 5-1/2L | 29.70sec | Rodney McDonald | Miss Elly Mint | 2,1,4 |
| 2010 | 520m | Cosmic Rumble | VIC | 1-1/2L | 30.12sec | Darren McDonald | Banger Harvey | 6,1,2 |
| 2011 | 520m | Radley Bale | VIC | 8-3/4L | 29.67sec | Graeme Bate | He Knows Uno | 7,1,4 |
| 2012 | 520m | Don’t Knocka Him | VIC | 1-1/2L | 29.60sec | Jason Thompson | Dyna Bert | 1,8,4 |
| 2013 | 520m | Grigorieva Bale | VIC | 3-3/4L | 29.60sec | Andrea Dailly | Turanza Bale | 4,5,1 |
| 2014 | 520m | Tonk | VIC | 4-3/4L | 29.62sec | Brooke Ennis | Hawk Alone | 2,8,1 |
| 2015 | 520m | Fernando Bale | VIC | 4-1/4L | 29.48sec | Andrea Dailly | Dawkins Bale | 8,1,5 |
| 2016 | 520m | Moreira | VIC | 1/4L | 29.77sec | Jason Thompson | Brad Hill Billy | 1,2,5 |
| 2017 | 520m | Striker Light | VIC | Neck | 29.99sec | Brett Bravo | Lagoon Jazzy | 7,8,4 |
| 2018 | 520m | Up Hill Jill | VIC | 1/4L | 29.77sec | David Geall | Striker Light | 6,1,4 |
| 2019 | 520m | Zipping Bailey | NSW | 1L | 29.92sec | Jason Mackay | Federal Lilly | 6,5,3 |
| 2021 | 520m | Tommy Shelby | WA | 1-1/2L | 29.27sec | Steven Withers | Wow | 8,3,4 |
| 2022 | 520m | She’s A Pearl | NSW | 3-3/4L | 29.73sec | Jodie Lord | Good Odds Cash | 5,7,3 |
| 2023 | 520m | Simply Limelight | NSW | 1-3/4L | 29.48sec | Peter Rodgers | Baby Jaycee | 3,1,2 |
| 2024 | 520m | Mackenna | VIC | 1-1/4L | 29.33sec | Michelle Sultana | Zipping Megatron | 2,3,1 |