NEWCASTLE CUP (715m)

G3 ($25,000 to the winner)

Heats: December 3. Final: December 10.

By TERRY WILSON

THERE is a strong history attached to the headquarters of greyhound racing in Newcastle, venue for the Newcastle Cup (715m) on December 10.

The Ladbrokes Gardens Greyhound and Sporting Complex, site of dog racing in the coal city has, and continues to be, home for a variety of sporting operations.

It was once the home of the Newcastle Breakers, who played in the National Soccer League (NSL) from 1991 until 2000.

It was also the home ground of the short-lived Hunter Mariners rugby league team, who participated in the only season of the Super League in 1997.

Now the stadium is currently used by local soccer team Wallsend FC.

The Newcastle Cup was first run at the old Newcastle track over 686 metres from 1985 until it was discontinued in 1994.

The feature was reintroduced when racing commenced at Ladbrokes Gardens in 2005 and is conducted over the rarely used distance of 715 metres.

The feature has been won by outstanding stayers at the Gardens including Miagi, Dashing Corsair and Poco Dorado to name a few.

Dashing Corsair was a crack Queensland stayer for Dwyer Lennon while Poco Dorado is also remembered for her win in the State Of Origin Distance Challenge of 2019 for John Finn.

Last year, leading Victorian trainer Rob Britton took Here’s Tears north and landed the Cup booty.