'Rocky' club in excellent form racing into 2026

By Josh Spasaro

Reflecting on an excellent 2025, exiting Rockhampton Greyhound Racing Club president Mark Bube believes the venue is in great shape heading into next year.

Before that happens, the Central Queensland track will host an eight-race New Years Eve meeting on Wednesday night.

In the fifth race on the card, local trainer Darren Taylor appears to have a strong hand. 

He has two-year-old bitches Dish Liquor and Golden Envy in the race. 

Taylor also has a big year ahead after he was announced to take over Bube’s club president’s role at the Annual General Meeting on December 13.

Bube said the appointment is a popular one.

“Darren has stepped up to be president, which is good. He’s keen,” Bube said.

“There’ll be no problems with him being there.”

The 67-year-old Bube will enjoy a well-earned break after overseeing plenty of growth on and off the track.

“I was on the committee for 15 years in different positions,” Bube said.

“I was vice-president for a few years, secretary for a year and president for two or three years. But, I’ve been part of the committee for a long time.

“About 15 years ago we were racing on Saturday afternoon and it was a struggle. A lot of dogs really felt it. Racing at night was a big change.”

Bube added the club was strong financially heading into the New Year.

“The club is in a good financial position. Not just me, (former president) Dallas Beckett was a big part of that,” he said.

"We want to make sure everything keeps running as smoothly as possible.

“That’s one of the biggest things I’m happy with. The club is in a good financial state to cover whatever happens.”

Bube said all Rockhampton Greyhound Racing Club committee members should be proud of the fact the venue continues to host two race meetings every week.

“We’ve been able to maintain twice a week,” he said.

“We’ve been able to race, which has been good. And, the guys from Bundaberg have been coming up regularly, so that’s been a plus. Everything that’s needed to happen has happened.”

Crowd and sponsorship numbers were also good across the year.

“It has been a good year. The sponsorship has been a good thing for Rocky, for sure,” Bube said.

“And, we’ve had good racing. The Cup went well. Attendances have been the same as everywhere.

“We had a very big crowd on Christmas Eve. It was probably one of the biggest crowds we’ve had in a long time, which was good.”

Bube said Sweet Lollipop for Robert Weeding and Deep State for Steve Scott were among Rockhampton’s top-performing chasers for 2026.

Deep State turns two on January 27 and is two from two over 600 metres at Q2 Parklands this month.

Sweet Lollipop has 19 wins from 76 starts, including five in a row at free for all level at Rockhampton from August 24 to October 8.

“When Sweet Lollipop first started racing, I thought she’d be struggling to get past fourth grade. But, she’s done really well,” Bube said.

“Steven Scott’s Deep State I think will be a dog of the future. Those two stand out for me.”