Wentworth Park in Glebe is set for a major change, with the final greyhound race meeting confirmed for 16 October as the historic inner-Sydney site moves towards its planned transformation into public open space and community sporting facilities.
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The farewell meeting will feature the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase, described as the world’s richest greyhound race. It will mark the end of almost a century of greyhound racing at Wentworth Park and give the venue a high-profile final meeting.
The earlier departure follows an agreement involving NSW and the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (GBOTA), bringing the end of racing forward from the previous lease timetable. The change is expected to allow the next stage of the site’s redevelopment to begin sooner.
A New Future For Wentworth Park
The City of Sydney has already developed a long-term vision for Wentworth Park, with plans for the park to become a larger, unified public space serving Glebe, Ultimo, and Pyrmont.
The existing greyhound precinct is planned to be converted into community sporting fields and public green space. The broader 14-hectare park vision includes five sports fields, a new large playground, walking and cycling paths, areas for community events, picnic facilities and additional landscaped open areas.
The plans were shaped through community consultation, with residents and other participants highlighting the importance of sport, exercise, nature, social activities, and easier movement through the park.
That work gives the October racing deadline a wider significance for Glebe. Once the greyhound facilities are removed, the central part of Wentworth Park can move towards becoming part of a more connected public park.
The City of Sydney’s current planning material says it is working on the removal of the existing greyhound facilities and the transfer of the land to the City.
Racing Moves Beyond Glebe
The final meeting will also signal a change for metropolitan greyhound racing. Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has said it worked with GBOTA and NSW authorities to bring forward the industry’s departure from Wentworth Park rather than continuing until the lease was due to expire in 2027.
GRNSW chief executive Steve Griffin said the organisation wanted the final meeting to coincide with the Million Dollar Chase, providing a significant farewell for the venue and those connected with the sport.
GBOTA chief executive Daniel Weizman similarly described the departure as a significant moment for participants, while indicating that the organisation would continue working with GRNSW on the future of metropolitan greyhound racing.
After the final Wentworth Park meeting, Saturday metropolitan racing is scheduled to move to Gosford before later relocating to Richmond while a new Sydney Metropolitan Racing Precinct is developed. GRNSW has said it expects to announce the location of the replacement venue before the end of 2026.
From Racing Track To Public Park
The closing date has prompted different responses. Racing representatives have focused on the venue’s long history and the significance of its final meeting, while anti-racing advocates have welcomed the decision and called for further closures.
For Glebe, however, the most visible change will come after the final race. The site is planned to become part of a larger public park with new sporting and recreational facilities.
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Wentworth Park has long been part of the sporting and recreational life of Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont. Its next chapter will place greater emphasis on how the space can be used by the wider community.
With racing scheduled to finish on 16 October 2026, attention is now turning towards the work required to move the site from a greyhound venue towards its planned future as community open space.
Published 8-August-2026
