Gosford Greyhounds sacks track manager after one day on job

A track manager has been sacked after one day on the job and a race meeting has been cancelled at the last minute in a horror week for Gosford Greyhounds.

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IT was a week that “went to the dogs” for Gosford Greyhounds.

The Gosford venue has come off a tumultuous week, with the cancellation of a meeting due to an“unfit racing surface” following the sacking of the newly appointed track manager. Alan Smith was sacked after just 24 hours in the role.

The NSW Greyhound Breeders Owners & Trainers Association (NSW GBOTA) released a statement, saying the decision to terminate Mr Smith’s probationary employment was “related to disclosure failings during the recruitment process”. Mr Smith was stood down on September 8.

Alan Smith - Gosford greyhound boss for a day

NSW GBOTA general manager Brenton Smith said the recruitment process had started for a new track manager.

“Greyhound racing in NSW is embarking on a massive renewal opportunity,” he said.

“The Central Coast is an important growth region for the sport and the Gosford venue is a high potential site.”

Work was carried out at the Showground Road track last week to restore moisture to the track, following cancellation of the meeting on September 5.

Workers conducting a deep harrow of the Gosford track last week. Picture: Troy Snook

Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) stewards identified an inconsistent racing surface, in particular a section close to the inside rail in the home straight.

Kennelling went ahead to allow for the surface of the track to be restored, however the meeting was cancelled at the last minute due to concerns for the welfare of the greyhounds.

GRNSW said a “decision to abandon a meeting after kennelling is never made lightly”.

NSW GBOTA Operations Manager Ellen Harris said water supply to the track was interrupted the weekend before the meeting due to a mechanical failure.

“There was in inconsistency in the track which results in more risk of injuries,” she said.

Last Thursday, track staff were on site undertaking a deep harrow in excess of 50mm to ensure sufficient time to reinstate the moisture. Friday’s practice was also cancelled at the Gosford venue.

It’s been a horror week at Gosford Greyhounds.

“We need a consistent blend of sand so it’s consistent and cushioned,” Ms Harris said.

“We want to take some of the G-force from the dog into the track and we need the track to firm up with water to take the impact of the dogs running on it.”

She said the GBOTA head office, Gosford track staff and GRNSW have reviewed the circumstances and worked cohesively to bring the track back up to standard.

Mr Scott said NSW GBOTA regretted the meeting cancellation due to track preparation, and would react to the situation professionally.

“We have been at the forefront of standardising track preparation standards in NSW and remain heavily invested in the objective of providing all greyhounds with the safest and fairest possible racing surfaces at all trial and race sessions at its tracks,” he said.

The Tuesday meeting went ahead without any concerns.