Devastating Flood Destroys Bathurst Track

Mother Nature has spared no community in NSW's central west and, just two weeks after flooding put an immediate pause on racing at the Kennerson Park track at Bathurst, greyhound racing's future at the site in now in jeopardy.

Floods in the first week of November had been assessed and repairs were costed at $140,000 before Sunday's overwhelming egress which has rendered the entire racing precinct as a disaster zone.

"The (adjacent) Macquarie River flooded to an extent we have never seen before," Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers' Association Chief executive Allan Hilzinger said.

"While the kennel, office and bar precincts are on higher ground and unaffected, the track was completely devastated by the vast torrent of water.

"There's a large cement water tank near the 307m boxes and such was the energy of the surge it was moved some 20m off the foundations.

"The perimeter fence in back straight was destroyed, only one of the four starting boxes are considered operational while all the associated electronics do not make good friends with water and the sand track is back to the base.

"Being realistic, I feel we may have seen the last race at Kennerson Park – it's sad but we have to face reality."

The central west is a pivotal racing and breeding centre in NSW and plans are afoot to upscale the use of the Lithgow circuit in the short term.

"Greyhound Racing NSW and the GBOTA understand the importance of the continuance of racing and we are working together to find the best outcome for all," Hilzinger added.

"The Bathurst TAB dates – in the short term – have been transferred to Dubbo and Gunnedah but we'd like to have TAB racing at Lithgow in the not-too-distant future.

"Just where the GBOTA and GRNSW might relocate Bathurst greyhounds is in the lap of the Gods but there's plenty of room in the area and a new one-turn track is a priority for the Association."