Dubbo Set for Exciting Ladbrokes Country Classic This Weekend
The fifth edition of the prestigious Ladbrokes Country Classic is scheduled for this Saturday, March 21, at Dawson Park in Dubbo. Following intense heats last weekend, the 2026 event promises to be a highlight of the greyhound racing calendar, showcasing elite talent from across the region.
Top Contenders and Rising Stars in the Spotlight
Among the standout finalists are Without A Trace, a Victorian star, and Magpie Hector, a dual Group One winner from Forbes. The field is packed with class, including Minnie Finn's Zipping Xaden, local favorite Tank Keeping, and Queenslander Tempting Dash, all vying for the $100,000 winner's prize. In related news, He's A Pearl, son of champion sprinter She's A Pearl, recently secured a victory in the Temora Cup, continuing a family legacy under trainers Jodie and Andy Lord. Andy Lord expressed his commitment to supporting the event annually, noting plans for He's A Pearl to compete in the upcoming Wheeler Kennels Golden Easter Egg heats.
Golden Easter Egg Carnival Kicks Off with New Sensation Final
This Saturday night also marks the start of the Golden Easter Egg Carnival with the New Sensation event at Wentworth Park. Five heats held last week have set the stage for a thrilling final, featuring past winners like Feral Franky, Jungle Deuce, and Good Odds Cobber, who have gone on to achieve notable careers in the sport.
Significant Decline in Injury Rates Prompts New Safety Strategy
In a positive development for the industry, Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has launched a new Race Injury Reduction Strategy following reports of falling injury rates. Data from the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) shows an 87 percent reduction in on-track euthanasia since 2017-18 and injury rates 91 percent lower than the spring average over the past five years. Additionally, over the last ten months, there has been a 42 percent decrease in tarsal fractures of the right hindlimb. Steve Griffin, chief executive of GRNSW, emphasized that while progress is encouraging, the new strategy aims to further reduce serious injuries, ensuring the welfare of the animals remains a top priority. The full strategy is available on the GRNSW website.
This article highlights the vibrant state of greyhound racing in New South Wales, from high-stakes competitions to ongoing efforts in safety and animal welfare.
