The Geelong Greyhound Racing Club is proud to be one of Australia’s leading regional hubs for greyhound racing, located in the heart of Corio at the Beckley Centre. Our club is dedicated to delivering thrilling race experiences, fostering community connections, and supporting local initiatives.
Greyhound racing began under private ownership at Nelson Park, near the Ocean Child Hotel in North Geelong. Hugh Emmerson supplied pacemakers, which chased live hares until drag lure racing was introduced in 1955. Fox terrier races were also held at Nelson Park. Emmerson worked with notable names in the sport, including Harold Matthews and Buc Buchanan.
The Greyhound Racing Control Board (GRCB) was established, permitting only non-proprietary tin-hare racing. A new track was built at Corio Oval, Eastern Park, with races held inside the trotting circuit. Club popularity grew, with 25 bookmakers at each meeting during the post-war industrial boom.
Notable leaders included:
• Mr Fulton Knowles as first president.
• W.A. Horrie Capron, a long-serving president during the club’s flourishing years.
• Mr Ted Turner, who became chairman during the late 1970s.
Due to the construction of the Australian National Animal Health Laboratory, the club had to relocate to Princes Highway in Corio.
The Trotting Club moved to Beckley Park in 1978, and greyhound racing followed on March 7, 1980, with state-of-the-art facilities costing $650,000.
Opening night highlights:
• The top greyhound Tempix dominated the 457m U-shaped circuit.
Marketing and promotions brought high-profile entertainers to attract crowds.
• Club chairmen at Beckley Park included Steve McKee, Jack Howard, Wendy Pearl, and Max Scott.
In 1997, a $250,000 grandstand upgrade introduced fully sheltered, carpeted viewing areas. Geelong became the home track for leading trainers like Graeme Bate, Allan Britton, and Tom Dailly.
The Beckley Centre marked a new era for greyhound racing in Geelong. This redevelopment cemented Geelong Greyhound Racing Club as a leader in the sport and Geelong as a hub for greyhound racing in Australia.
Upgrades included:
• A $1.2 million kennel and administrative facility.
• An $8 million redevelopment of the grandstand, restaurant, bar, and TAB facilities.
• A newly configured two-track complex for both country and city racing configurations.
The Geelong Greyhound Club is proud to support a wide range of local sporting groups and community initiatives. Each year, we host a free Children’s Day, giving families the opportunity to enjoy a fun, inclusive day out.
We also run our Community Clubs Challenge, bringing local clubs together and providing valuable support to grassroots sport in our region.
Our commitment goes beyond racing we’re dedicated to strengthening the local community and creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect and thrive.
Our committee brings a wealth of experience and passion for the sport, ensuring the club operates at the highest standards while remaining connected to our community.
Club Manager: Brodie Oakford
Chairperson: Gary Robb
Vice Chair: David Walmsley
Board Members: Jason Sharp, Jeffrey Cockerell Allan Meyer, Leslie Wood
I make this application and payment of $30.00 in the knowledge that all new memberships must be approved by the current Board.
