Despite their public toughness, greyhound participants believed in their heart of hearts their industry was on borrowed time.

But it was different on Thursday.

Just 48 hours after Premier Mike Baird and his deputy Troy Grant announced a backflip on the controversial greyhound ban, there was a different feel at the home of Dubbo greyhounds.

“I think even if people come here and don’t get a winner, they will still go home happy,” said Dubbo club president Shayne Stiff, one of the key industry participants to fight the ban.

“It’s been a tough couple of months but to be here today with the weight off our shoulders is great for everyone.

“We have some work to do, but to know that after July 1 of next year we can still own, breed, love and race our dogs is a terrific feeling.

“I’m just thankful that Labor, the Nationals and the Liberals all fell into line and gave our participants the opportunity to keep doing what we love.”