Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has officially announced the return of the highly anticipated Puppy Auction in 2026. This decision comes on the eve of the inaugural GRNSW Puppy Classic final, which will take place tonight at the Richmond Race Club. The winner of this event will receive a substantial prize of $150,000, making it the fourth richest payout on the New South Wales racing calendar.
The Puppy Classic final will feature eight finalists who advanced through a series of heats held last week. These heats were exclusively for greyhounds purchased at the GRNSW Auction in May 2024. The recent auction saw a remarkable participation of 154 lots, which is an increase of more than 50% compared to the previous year. Overall sales reached over $1.1 million, demonstrating a growing interest in the event.
In his remarks, GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin expressed enthusiasm about the auction’s return. He noted that since the auction resumed in 2024, there has been a clear demand from breeders and buyers alike. “To have 154 lots go through the auction this year at an average of around $7,300 was a further step up from the success of the event in 2024,” Griffin stated.
Before the auction’s revival after a five-year hiatus, breeders had indicated a need for a marketplace to sell their puppies. The positive response to the auctions in 2024 and 2025 has led Griffin to anticipate continued support in 2026. He highlighted that public syndication, a key component of the GRNSW Industry Future Blueprint released earlier this year, would further enhance participation. The upcoming auction is expected to serve as a valuable avenue for newly formed syndicates to engage with the sport.
As for the Puppy Classic, GRNSW is currently reviewing the race series to identify potential improvements based on feedback from industry stakeholders. “We have reviewed the race series to see if improvements can be made for the benefit of the industry, our greyhounds, and our participants,” Griffin explained. “As a result, there will be changes made, and we will announce the details early next year.”
The 2026 Puppy Classic series is set to proceed as planned, with enhancements considered for future events. The final race tonight at Richmond is slated for 21:23 local time, featuring a strong field of emerging sprinters competing for the significant prize.
Overall, the confirmation of the Puppy Auction’s return indicates a bright future for greyhound racing in New South Wales, fostering both competition and community engagement within the industry.
