The 11-race program took place a week after the Dapto Dogs meeting was cancelled by Greyhound Racing NSW as part of a move to postpone racing for seven days. The decision was made in the wake of the NSW Government’s decision to wrap up racing in the state by July 1, 2017.

Thursday is the regular night for racing at Dapto and the crowd was starting to swell by 7pm. Wollongong ultra-marathon legend Dave Taylor thinks those doing the right thing should not have to suffer because of those who have not. “I’ve got five dogs. It is good to be back. You have got to try and keep your dogs fit. Everyone is positive. There is not one person I know in the greyhound game who condones what has happened”.

Mr Taylor said it was important to remember the towns and people whose livelihoods depend on the industry. He said everyone agreed with what Premier Baird was saying about cruelty and those who have done the crime should be put out of the industry for life. He said Dapto enjoyed a good crowd every week and everyone he knows are good people doing the right thing.

Dapto president Tony Glackin and secretary Katrina Novak said the first race was run a little earlier than usual and they were happy with the early turnout. They noticed many people still in shock. Mr Glackin was still waiting on the official word from a meeting with the Premier on Thursday.  “We haven’t got any feedback yet from that meeting today with Mr Baird and our steering committee”.

Dapto hopes to race every week while the industry tries to work out how to fix the situation. Mr Glackin said it was a tall order but some things were being put in place to try and achieve a result.

For many Thursday’s meeting was the first chance to come together since the announcement.

“We have got to look positively now. It is a pretty tight community. Getting back here at the meeting is good for them. We are up and going and trying make it business as usual and trying to move forward,” he said.

Ms Novak said many were experiencing a roller coaster of emotions.

“They feel hopeful and then they feel they have little chance. Dapto consistently gets high numbers. We have 11 races tonight. We usually have 10,” she said.

Mr Glackin said with legislation expected to go through on August 3 there was not much time but the industry would soon put a plan forward.

Racing returns to Bulli this Saturday.