The Golden Sands is one of the premier events in Australia’s greyhound racing calendar, held annually at Albion Park Raceway in Brisbane. As a highlight of the Golden Greys Summer Carnival, the event attracts elite greyhounds from across the nation to compete over the challenging 600-metre distance. With its growing prestige and a substantial $150,000 prize pool for the 2026 edition, the Golden Sands continues to set the standard for summer greyhound racing.
There are currently no odds for the 2026 Golden Sands
The filed will be announced after the heats are run.
The Golden Sands offers a plethora of betting opportunities, making it a favourite for punters.
Futures markets allow early wagers on contenders, while traditional win and place bets cater to straightforward on the day bets.
Exotic bets, including exactas, quinellas, and trifectas, add intrigue and the potential for higher payouts. Boxed options provide flexibility for those betting on multiple greyhounds.
The leading bookmakers also offer race-day promotions, such as enhanced odds and money-back specials with the top betting apps, adding excitement for punters.
Our detailed form guides and expert tips closer to raceday further assist bettors in making informed choices, ensuring they can fully immerse themselves in the Golden Sands action.
First established as a marquee event in the Golden Greys Summer Carnival, the Golden Sands has steadily grown in prominence, attracting some of the best greyhounds in the country, with the first Golden Sands race being run in 1949 with Amorous Amour winning at the Beenleigh Showgrounds.
Since relocating from the Beenleigh Showgrounds to the Albion Park Greyhound Racing Club in 2004, the race initially held Group 3 status. In 2021, it was elevated to Group 2, with Adam Richardson securing victory with Mepunga Isla in an impressive time of 34.72.
In 2024, the Golden Sands earned Group 1 status and now stands as one of three Group 1 races held at Albion Park each January, alongside the Gold Bullion and the Gold Cup, kicking off the racing calendar in style.
Each year, the Golden Sands attracts growing crowds and media attention, boosting the profile of greyhound racing in Queensland and beyond. The 2025 edition was the final running of the Golden Sands at Albion Park, with the race moving to The Q.
2026 will be the innagural running of the Golden Sands at The Q.
In a dazzling display of stamina and track sense, Nangar Gypsy secured a thrilling victory in the Group 1 Golden Sands Final at Albion Park. The Dennis Barnes-trained star utilised her inside draw perfectly, storming home to win the 600m feature in 34.97 seconds, claiming her fourth consecutive victory over the distance at the track at $4 odds with the top greyhound bookmakers.
On January 4, 2024, at Albion Park, Fahey’s Magic, trained by Tyson Barton, secured a significant victory in the Group 1 Golden Sands. Starting from box six, Fahey’s Magic demonstrated exceptional speed and stamina over the 600m distance, finishing 1½ lengths ahead of Father Rick with a time of 34.89 seconds. This win marked a notable achievement in Fahey’s Magic’s racing career, showcasing the greyhound’s prowess in middle-distance events.
On January 5, 2023, at Albion Park, Shaye, trained by Jedda Cutlack, delighted local fans with a victory in the Group 2 Golden Sands. Breaking from box one, Shaye utilized the advantageous draw to lead the race, finishing 1½ lengths ahead of Milligan with a time of 35.02 seconds. This win underscored Shaye’s affinity for the home track and added a prestigious title to her racing record.
On January 6, 2022, at Albion Park, Jungle Deuce, under the training of Raymond Smith, delivered a dominant performance in the Group 2 Golden Sands. Starting from box two, Jungle Deuce showcased superior racing ability, finishing 2½ lengths ahead of McCooly’s Lad with a time of 34.61 seconds.
2022 Golden Sands Results
On January 7, 2021, at Albion Park, Mepunga Isla, trained by Angela Richardson, secured a commanding victory in the Group 2 Golden Sands. Breaking from box eight, Mepunga Isla overcame the wide draw to lead the race, finishing 4 lengths ahead of Run Like Jess with a time of 34.72 seconds.
2021 Golden Sands Results
On January 8, 2020, at Albion Park, Velocity Bettina, trained by Kevin Ellis, achieved a breakthrough victory in the Group 3 Golden Sands. Starting from box three, Velocity Bettina utilized her early speed to secure a one-length win over Defy, clocking a time of 34.72 seconds.
2020 Golden Sands Results
| Year | Winner | Trainer | Dist | Boxes | Margin | Time (s) | Runner-Up | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | Amorous Amour | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1950 | Amorous Amour | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1951 | Saibot King | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1952 | Chaw | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1953 | Yullulla | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1954 | Sid Beck | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1955 | Susie’s Dream | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1956 | Japara | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1957 | Johnny Linen | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1958 | Tax Chief | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1959 | Famous Find | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1960 | Like Bubs | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1961 | Gay Saibot | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1962 | Tree Lover | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1963 | Husky Jan | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1964 | Itallic | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1965 | He’s Lightning | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1966 | Lightning Bay | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1967 | Lady Minsby | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1968 | Val’s Gleam | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1969 | Pied Rebel | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1970 | Golden Gear | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1971 | Jim Snell | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1972 | Lord Moreton | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1973 | Hi Factor | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1974 | Northop Tuesday | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1975 | Kabisa Gem | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1976 | Jimbobnat | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1977 | Foggy Trail | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1978 | Sir Oliver | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1979 | Lee Van Land | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1980 | Megsieloo | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1981 | Call Me Roscoe | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1982 | Call Me Roscoe | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | |
| 1983 | Mathew’s World | D. Winter | 555m | ? | ? | 33.34sec | ? | |
| 1984 | Magic Gull | G. Cameron | 555m | ? | ? | 32.72sec | ? | |
| 1985 | Get Behind Me | J. Ward | 555m | ? | ? | 32.24sec | ? | |
| 1986 | Glinell Steven | S. Lennon | 555m | ? | ? | 32.50sec | ? | |
| 1987 | Fifi She’s Not | N. Moawad | 555m | ? | ? | 33.52sec | ? | |
| 1988 | Miller’s Love | L. Ivanovic | 555m | ? | ? | 32.71sec | ? | |
| 1989 | Metal Springs | D. Simpson | 555m | ? | ? | 32.12sec | ? | |
| 1990 | Cool Marvel | T. Zammit | 555m | ? | ? | 32.80sec | ? | |
| 1991 | Your Attention | J. Rogers | 555m | ? | ? | 32.33sec | ? | |
| 1992 | Coven Miss | T. Zammit | 555m | ? | ? | 32.26sec | ? | |
| 1993 | Dilston Prince | R. Watson | 555m | ? | ? | 32.57sec | ? | |
| 1994 | Shining Osti | A. Chauncy | 555m | 1,8,4 | 2L | 32.27sec | Look Out Max | Grp 2 |
| 1995 | Diamond Rell | L. Holbron | 555m | 3,7,1 | 1/2L | 32.10sec | Jurassic Vapour | Grp 2 |
| 1996 | Ultra Dreams | T. Zammit | 555m | 8,2,7 | 1L | 32.10sec | Jurassic Vapour | Grp 2 |
| 1997 | Welder Jack | E. Haldane | 555m | 7,4,2 | 3L | 32.46sec | My Souvenier | Grp 2 |
| 1998 | Rapid Journey | J. Carruthers | 555m | 1,2,8 | 4-1/4L | 31.75sec | Heart Spark | Grp 2 |
| 1999 | High Minko | S. Sorrenson | 555m | 2,6,1 | 2-1/4L | 33.33sec | Questions | Grp 2 |
| 2000 | Viper’s Sting | K. Beech | 555m | 3,7,8 | 2L | 33.35sec | Questions | Grp 3 |
| 2001 | Kippax | R. Giltnan | 555m | 1,4,7 | 2-1/2L | 33.14sec | Shiraziam | Listed |
| 2002 | Subic City | T. Zammit | 555m | 7,1,2 | 1-3/4L | 32.93sec | Schooner Of Gold | Listed |
| 2003 | Annie’s Commando | M. Reid | 555m | 6,7,4 | 3-3/4L | 32.57sec | Twirly Girl | Grp 3 |
| 2004 | Kelly’s Spirit | M. Zammit | 600m | 5,8,1 | 1-1/4L | 35.21sec | Tiger Strong | Grp 3 |
| 2005 | Ray Reltub | R. Britton | 600m | 2,1,4 | 3/4L | 35.55sec | Pace Fury | Grp 3 |
| 2006 | Andy Palmer | J. Thompson | 600m | 2,8,5 | 2-3/4L | 35.50sec | Pororoca | Grp 3 |
| 2007 | Technoman | R. Burman | 600m | 5,8,6 | 1-1/2L | 35.59sec | Special Phantom | Grp 3 |
| 2008 | Race Not Held | |||||||
| 2009 | Santino Marella | S. Rolf | 600m | 2,3,5 | 1-1/4L | 34.79sec | Smart Betsy | Grp 3 |
| 2010 | Pulp | C. Chappelow | 600m | 7,1,5 | 1L | 34.97sec | Dashing Corsair | Grp 3 |
| 2011 | Dashing Corsair | D. Lennon | 600m | 4,6,1 | 2-1/4L | 35.17sec | Do That | Grp 3 |
| 2012 | Tonneli Bale | G. Bate | 600m | 8,3,1 | 4L | 34.87sec | Surfin’ Steffi | Grp 3 |
| 2013 | Starliner | G. Petterson | 600m | 2,7,1 | 3/4L | 35.33sec | Irma Bale | Grp 3 |
| 2014 | Benarkin | T. Brett | 600m | 1,5,2 | 1-1/2L | 34.72sec | Wag Tail | Grp 3 |
| 2015 | Ralphy Cinel | J. Borg | 600m | 5,2,9 | 5L | 34.70sec | Come On Fantasy | Grp 3 |
| 2016 | Velocity Shirl | P. Wilson | 600m | 7,1,6 | Head | 35.04sec | Smashniak Gold | Grp 3 |
| 2017 | Cyndie’s Magic | W. Elson | 600m | 8,2,6 | 1/2L | 34.80sec | My Awesome Magic | Grp 3 |
| 2018 | Jalapeno | T. Apap | 600m | 6,3,5 | 1L | 34.73sec | Cyndie’s Magic | Grp 3 |
| 2019 | Infrared Star | J. Price | 600m | 8,6,5 | 3-3/4L | 34.76sec | Slingshot Hammer | Grp 3 |
| 2020 | Velocity Bettina | K. Ellis | 600m | 3,2,4 | 1L | 34.72sec | Defy | Grp 3 |
| 2021 | Mepunga Isla | A. Richardson | 600m | 8,7,1 | 4L | 34.72sec | Run Like Jess | Grp 2 |
| 2022 | Jungle Deuce | R. Smith | 600m | 2,8,6 | 2-1/2L | 34.61sec | McCooly’s Lad | Grp 2 |
| 2023 | Shaye | J. Cutlack | 600m | 1,2,7 | 1-1/2L | 35.02sec | Milligan | Grp 2 |
| 2024 | Fahey’s Magic | T. Barton | 600m | 6,3,9 | 1-1/2L | 34.89sec | Father Rick | Grp 1 |
| 2025 | Nangar Gypsy | D. Barnes | 600m | 1,2,6 | 1L | 34.97sec | Gold Scotch | Grp 1 |