Ready to send Cannon Park out with a bang
SINCE 1984, greyhound racing in Cairns has been Emma Bryant’s life.
With her partner Arthur Gosper, the pair have been the lifeblood of the small Cairns Greyhound Racing Club for decades, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the club afloat, despite the lack of widespread interest in the Far North.
They love their dogs, they get treated and loved like their own children, Bryant, in her mid 60s, said this week.
And, while the news of the Cannon Park-based club shutting its doors after tonight’s meeting was described as a “kick in the guts” by Bryant, the entire club is focused on going out on a high this evening.
The club has had 13 race meetings abandoned since July 1 due to low greyhound numbers and inclement weather.
But, they have all come out of the woodwork for the final race meeting to say goodbye to the club, which opened way back 1973.
“Hopefully this last night can be a great night for everyone involved and maybe down the line Racing Queensland can reconsider their decision,” Bryant said.
“We have a beautiful venue and the support we have received over the last week has been phenomenal, but we needed that support 12 months ago.
“The club has been our life for seven days a week for years.
“I am excited about the racing this week, plenty of trainers are coming from Townsville.”
Racing Queensland decided not to extend the licence of the club into next year after abandoned meetings marred the club in the second half of 2018.
While the club will not be licensed to conduct race meetings, the track will remain open and operational as a training and trialling track.
A disappointed Bryant will keep all her beloved greyhounds but is unsure if she will continue to train them for races in Townsville going forward.
“It is a real kick in the guts for people in the Cairns area, and Arthur and I, who have driven to keep the club going over the years,” Bryant said.
“I am a bit lost at the moment and disappointed.”