Tasracing shifts focus for new NW greyhound track to Spreyton
Tasracing has formally abandoned the proposed new greyhound track development location near Devonport Airport and will instead investigate building the much-needed new North West (NW) greyhound track in the infield of the Tapeta Park thoroughbred track at Spreyton.
Tasracing is currently conducting research on the construction of a greyhound racetrack in the middle of the Ladbrokes All Weather Spreyton horse racing site.
This track is intended to cater to both training sessions and racing events.
Tasracing will also look into ways to improve harness racing training facilities in the NW.
The latest developments are aimed at providing a solution for participants involved in greyhound racing on the NW Coast following the closure of the Devonport Showground track in 2022.
Tasracing will be putting together a business proposal to support the new training and racing components of the project.
These decisions come after the Tasracing Board recommended against pursuing a development application for greyhound and harness training or racing tracks near Devonport Airport at Mill Road due to cost escalations and uncertainties in the planning appeal process.
The budget blowout and uncertain variables rendered the development financially unviable, especially as the struggling Tasmanian racing industry and Tasracing would have needed the Tasmanian Government to significantly fund the project.
Tasracing continues to maintain its commitment to supporting all three racing categories across all regions.
It was that commitment and the need for Tasracing to commit substantial funds and absorb risk that ultimately led to the new greyhound and harness track becoming unpalatable to thoroughbred stakeholders.
Constructing two new race tracks on the NW Coast is currently not feasible due to financial constraints, so while Tasracing pursues a greyhound track solution, harness racing participants have been left high and dry.
While understanding and acknowledging concerns from stakeholders and participants about racing facilities along the NW Coast, Tasracing has assured participants that discussions will continue regarding enhancing harness training facilities at existing leased premises instead of a new harness track.
Tasracing reports that conversations have already started with the Devonport Racing Club and horse racing participants about finding a way for thoroughbred and greyhound racing groups to safely share access to the Spreyton location if the greyhound track proposal ends up being viable.