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Sydney Morning Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Doomed from the start: Why the great Rosehill sell-off failed
'I was swamped afterwards for controlling a meeting that saw the best of ATC membership, civility, construction … yes, there were strong points of view on a couple of occasions, there was a response from the audience, but it was minor over more than an hour of speaker after speaker.' V'landys isn't untouched by the defeat. Racing NSW supported the sale behind the scenes, and the power he wields has also come under scrutiny as the Rosehill controversy became a proxy battle in a broader conflict over racing's direction and leadership. A disappointed Premier Chris Minns singled him out after the vote, saying, 'Sydney could do with 10 Peter V'landys rather than one, and we'd be a more exciting, more dynamic city'. As the racecourse's owner, though, it was the ATC that devised and delivered the proposal, and it was behind the pace from the outset. Minns and McGauran announced the proposal 18 months ago, and just weeks later, in February last year, blindsided turf club members gathered at Rosehill at one of several forums. McGauran, a former minister in John Howard's government, addressed members, as did renowned trainer Gai Waterhouse, who has eight wins in the Golden Slipper, Rosehill's signature race, to her name. But it was the reaction that day of fellow trainer Chris Waller – the man behind champion mare Winx's record-breaking career – which turned the dial. 'Gai spoke up on social media nearly straight away, so you knew immediately that she was against it,' said Vicky Leonard, a member of the Save Rosehill group of trainers, owners and breeders, which challenged the sale process. 'Obviously Gai got up at that [forum] and was fairly aggressive, and she doesn't mince her words. 'But a lot of people didn't realise how upset Chris was until then. He's a very considered person, and he's also got a very close relationship to V'landys. So to have him speak out against anything that PVL endorses is pretty rare. That's why it was quite staggering.' Plans were then in their infancy, and it showed. Waller, whose stables are at Rosehill, reportedly said in a prepared statement that the designs presented looked like they had 'just been whipped up overnight'. The reception set the tone for what was to come, with opponents of the sale seizing on uncertainty over what the Sydney racing landscape would look like without Rosehill, and other unanswered questions. A split on the ATC board and a public slanging match between McGauran and vice-chair Tim Hale over what price the track could fetch was another setback, as was a referral to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, even though it quickly dismissed concerns over Minns' dealings with race club official and long-time friend Steve McMahon. Loading An entrenched distrust of racing's institutions also played its part in the 'No' vote win, as did the timing issues faced because of the urgency of deciding while a station could still be built on the new Sydney Metro West line. While the vote was twice delayed, proponents of the sale recovered ground in the weeks in the run-up to Tuesday's finish line as the ATC finally settled on a way forward. Warwick Farm Racecourse would be redeveloped into a top-line metropolitan track at a cost of $800 million, and a golf course at Penrith would be converted into a fourth track for the city. A loyalty scheme in which members would have their fees waived and receive $1000 food and drink credits for five years also seemed to hit the right note, despite being derided by opponents as a bid to buy votes. A new 'lifestyle club' was also to be built at Randwick. 'There is a demographic that exclusively uses Randwick and they're probably younger … I think the free membership and the $1000 [credit] has resonated,' said former ATC chairman and Macquarie Group executive director Laurie Macri. 'I've spoken to a lot of members … I was at dinner the other night with four of my mates, and they were all voting 'No'. But between the four of them, they had six kids, all under 30, all live in eastern suburbs, and five had voted 'Yes' and one had voted 'No'. ' Prominent industry figures such as trainer Richard Freedman and Charles Kelly of leading horse stud Newhaven Park also publicly backed it this month, and V'landys moved to allay fears that Racing NSW would scoop up the proceeds. In the end, it wasn't quite enough. Those who pushed for the sale point the finger at vested interests and misinformation for bringing it undone. Loading The role of Waterhouse, who fought it tooth and nail despite her bookmaker husband Robbie offering up land in western Sydney for a new track, was also significant. McGauran admits the lack of detail provided to members until last month wounded the Yes cause but says it was the 'nature of the beast'. 'Unfortunately, because it was an unsolicited proposal process, everything was back to front,' he said. 'It was a land deal, so we couldn't talk about it until the deal was done. 'We had nothing to show for months except those basic drawings. It was always the cart before the horse. I would have loved to have spent months planning it down to its final detail and then releasing it to members, but it was never possible under the confidential negotiations with the government.' While Minns' housing solution is out the window, racing will go on, the grandstands populated during carnival time and mostly empty at others. With the ATC reliant on Racing NSW for top-ups from betting revenue, tired facilities in need of a revamp and McGauran worried about the sport's declining social standing, the question for Sydney racing is whether it will regret knocking back a so-called deal of a lifetime. The members, however, have spoken. As they say, that's racing.
The Age
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
Doomed from the start: Why the great Rosehill sell-off failed
'I was swamped afterwards for controlling a meeting that saw the best of ATC membership, civility, construction … yes, there were strong points of view on a couple of occasions, there was a response from the audience, but it was minor over more than an hour of speaker after speaker.' V'landys isn't untouched by the defeat. Racing NSW supported the sale behind the scenes, and the power he wields has also come under scrutiny as the Rosehill controversy became a proxy battle in a broader conflict over racing's direction and leadership. A disappointed Premier Chris Minns singled him out after the vote, saying, 'Sydney could do with 10 Peter V'landys rather than one, and we'd be a more exciting, more dynamic city'. As the racecourse's owner, though, it was the ATC that devised and delivered the proposal, and it was behind the pace from the outset. Minns and McGauran announced the proposal 18 months ago, and just weeks later, in February last year, blindsided turf club members gathered at Rosehill at one of several forums. McGauran, a former minister in John Howard's government, addressed members, as did renowned trainer Gai Waterhouse, who has eight wins in the Golden Slipper, Rosehill's signature race, to her name. But it was the reaction that day of fellow trainer Chris Waller – the man behind champion mare Winx's record-breaking career – which turned the dial. 'Gai spoke up on social media nearly straight away, so you knew immediately that she was against it,' said Vicky Leonard, a member of the Save Rosehill group of trainers, owners and breeders, which challenged the sale process. 'Obviously Gai got up at that [forum] and was fairly aggressive, and she doesn't mince her words. 'But a lot of people didn't realise how upset Chris was until then. He's a very considered person, and he's also got a very close relationship to V'landys. So to have him speak out against anything that PVL endorses is pretty rare. That's why it was quite staggering.' Plans were then in their infancy, and it showed. Waller, whose stables are at Rosehill, reportedly said in a prepared statement that the designs presented looked like they had 'just been whipped up overnight'. The reception set the tone for what was to come, with opponents of the sale seizing on uncertainty over what the Sydney racing landscape would look like without Rosehill, and other unanswered questions. A split on the ATC board and a public slanging match between McGauran and vice-chair Tim Hale over what price the track could fetch was another setback, as was a referral to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, even though it quickly dismissed concerns over Minns' dealings with race club official and long-time friend Steve McMahon. Loading An entrenched distrust of racing's institutions also played its part in the 'No' vote win, as did the timing issues faced because of the urgency of deciding while a station could still be built on the new Sydney Metro West line. While the vote was twice delayed, proponents of the sale recovered ground in the weeks in the run-up to Tuesday's finish line as the ATC finally settled on a way forward. Warwick Farm Racecourse would be redeveloped into a top-line metropolitan track at a cost of $800 million, and a golf course at Penrith would be converted into a fourth track for the city. A loyalty scheme in which members would have their fees waived and receive $1000 food and drink credits for five years also seemed to hit the right note, despite being derided by opponents as a bid to buy votes. A new 'lifestyle club' was also to be built at Randwick. 'There is a demographic that exclusively uses Randwick and they're probably younger … I think the free membership and the $1000 [credit] has resonated,' said former ATC chairman and Macquarie Group executive director Laurie Macri. 'I've spoken to a lot of members … I was at dinner the other night with four of my mates, and they were all voting 'No'. But between the four of them, they had six kids, all under 30, all live in eastern suburbs, and five had voted 'Yes' and one had voted 'No'. ' Prominent industry figures such as trainer Richard Freedman and Charles Kelly of leading horse stud Newhaven Park also publicly backed it this month, and V'landys moved to allay fears that Racing NSW would scoop up the proceeds. In the end, it wasn't quite enough. Those who pushed for the sale point the finger at vested interests and misinformation for bringing it undone. Loading The role of Waterhouse, who fought it tooth and nail despite her bookmaker husband Robbie offering up land in western Sydney for a new track, was also significant. McGauran admits the lack of detail provided to members until last month wounded the Yes cause but says it was the 'nature of the beast'. 'Unfortunately, because it was an unsolicited proposal process, everything was back to front,' he said. 'It was a land deal, so we couldn't talk about it until the deal was done. 'We had nothing to show for months except those basic drawings. It was always the cart before the horse. I would have loved to have spent months planning it down to its final detail and then releasing it to members, but it was never possible under the confidential negotiations with the government.' While Minns' housing solution is out the window, racing will go on, the grandstands populated during carnival time and mostly empty at others. With the ATC reliant on Racing NSW for top-ups from betting revenue, tired facilities in need of a revamp and McGauran worried about the sport's declining social standing, the question for Sydney racing is whether it will regret knocking back a so-called deal of a lifetime. The members, however, have spoken. As they say, that's racing.
7NEWS
27-05-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
NSW Premier Chris Minns not happy as members vote against Rosehill racecourse proposal
Australian Turf Club members have rejected a proposal to sell Rosehill racecourse – the home of Sydney's traditionally most famous race, the Golden Slipper – at an extraordinary general meeting held at Randwick on Tuesday. Conducted by in-person voting, online voting and also by post, 56.1% of members voted 'no' to the ATC committee's plan to sell Rosehill for $5 billion with the funds to be received over 15 years from the New South Wales government to then use the site for housing development. 'While the resolution will not proceed, the robust debate and considered views expressed throughout the process has put us in good stead for our next phase of strategic planning and development,' ATC chairman Peter McGauran said. 'With the vote behind us, the club's focus is firmly on the future - one that honours our proud heritage while continuing to evolve and grow. 'Our priorities remain enhancing our tracks and welfare systems, growing participation through deeper community engagement, and continually improving the raceday experience for members and visitors. 'We will also continue to explore opportunities to diversify the revenue streams our racecourses and assets generate to reduce the reliance on wagering.' Horse racing has been held at Rosehill since 1888. It is unclear whether proposed redevelopments of Warwick Farm racecourse which was dependent on the windfall had the 'yes' vote been successful has any future prospects of proceeding through any other funding mechanism. NSW Premier Chris Minns said a 'golden opportunity' had 'slipped through our fingers'. 'I'm obviously disappointed by the decision of ATC members, I'm not going to lie. 'I think this would have been a great opportunity for Sydney, and the fact that it's not going to be realised, is obviously disappointing,' he said. 'The truth of the matter is, it feels like the closeness of the result makes it more difficult to take, not easier.' Minns said the government wold accept the ruled out a forcible acquisition of the racecourse, saying he would honour the result.
Herald Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Rosehill sale vote: Australian Turf Club meeting reveals result
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. To sell or not to sell, that is the question. The Australian Turf Club's proposal to sell Rosehill Gardens racecourse for a reported $5 billion to make way for 25,000 new homes will be determined by the club's 11,000-plus members on Tuesday. This is a defining moment for Sydney and NSW racing. It is up to the members to decide the fate of Rosehill, the home of the Golden Slipper. Rosehill is a historic venue and all the greats of Australian racing like Phar Lap, Tulloch, Bernborough, Todman, Vain, Luskin Star, Manikato, Kingston Town, Octagonal, Lonhro, Makybe Diva and Winx won major races there. But only 12,111 attended the Golden Slipper earlier this year and less than 100,000 people came to Rosehill meetings during the 2023-24 season. This is a disturbing decline in race day crowds given 191,671 came through the turnstiles in 2012-13. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! So, if this issue is not burdensome enough already for members, they also have to work out what is fact or fiction from what has been a very robust and often heated debate from proponents of the Yes and No votes. There have been so many claims and counterclaims from both sides of the argument that it has become increasingly difficult to work out what is right or wrong. ATC chairman Peter McGauran has said if members vote to sell Rosehill it will secure the future of Sydney racing. 'We believe it is the biggest and most important decision in the history of the club,'' McGauran said. 'It will make us the most financially secure race club in the world.'' Marhoona (green and white silks) wins the 2025 Golden Slipper at Rosehill. Picture: Bradley Photos • ATC tees off on Penrith golf course plan for new track in Sydney's west But Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse has led the charge against the sale, urging members to vote 'No'. 'Members still have no definitive proposal of any sort to justify a sale,'' Waterhouse wrote on social media earlier this month. 'Warwick Farm is unsuitable, there is no supporting evidence to say a track can be built, and if 'yes' wins then voting members lose all control of Rosehill. We may as well throw our betting tickets away.'' The Daily Telegraph, however, recently revealed Waterhouse has not attended a Rosehill meeting in five years and is more often seen at Melbourne race tracks. ATC expects at least half of the club's membership base of nearly 11,500 to vote on the issue. The 'no' vote is favourite with the Save Rosehill group having the support of many leading industry participants. But if members vote in favour of selling Rosehill, the land will be used to build 25,000 new homes while ATC has unveiled plans to redevelop Warwick Farm and build a new training facility near Penrith which has the potential to also to be a Group 1 racetrack. The $5 billion sale price is a one-off and is dependent on a decision being made in time for the NSW Government to build a new Metro station to service the homes that would be built on the racecourse land. In an endeavour to provide some clarity for those members still trying to decide how they will vote on Tuesday, this is a snapshot of the most pressing issues concerning the Rosehill sale proposal. 1: What does selling Rosehill mean for Sydney racing? If Rosehill is sold, ATC has stipulated racing will continue at the track until at least 2031. During this period, $800 million will be spent on transforming Warwick Farm, $520 million on upgrading stabling facilities and other infrastructure at Royal Randwick, and another $520 million allocated to building the training centre at Penrith. In total, $1.9 million will be spent on various infrastructure projects with the remaining $3 billion invested into a Future Fund. 2: Is the $5 billion guaranteed if Rosehill is sold? The resolution to sell Rosehill ensures that the deal will only proceed if the State Government agrees to pay ATC a net of $5 billion. Payment will be secured through a legally binding contract with the NSW Government, which will provide a mechanism to safeguard payment. 3: Who will have control of the funds? The ATC owns Rosehill Gardens and has stipulated it will retain complete legal and financial control over every dollar if the sale goes ahead. Racing NSW has provided written confirmation to the ATC that it will not seek to recover any of the net $5 billion in sale proceeds. 4: Is Warwick Farm a suitable and viable alternative to Rosehill? Under the ATC masterplan, Warwick Farm will undergo an $800 million transformation, including flood proofing, and a completely new racetrack and grandstand. At 87 hectares, it is vastly larger than Rosehill Gardens (60 hectares). 5: Is there a transition plan for trainers if Rosehill is sold? This is one of the most difficult aspects of the sale proposal as any potential sale of Rosehill and rebuild of Warwick Farm will directly impact trainers and their stable staff. ATC has vowed to work individually with all trainers on transition plans with the consultation period to last at least 12 months. No trainers at either Warwick Farm or Rosehill Gardens will be relocated for at least two years and the new Racing Advisory Board is there to provide advice and input on transition plans. 6: ATC's loyalty program for members The ATC is planning to introduce a loyalty program for members funded by proceeds from the proposed sale. Critics have described as a 'gimmick or bribe' while the club is hoping to use the program to increase club membership and what have been poor race-day attendances. The Loyalty program will provide free annual membership fees for five years, free annual membership for life for those members who already have been at the club for 20 or more years, and $1000 per annum food and beverage credits for five years. Originally published as Defining moment for racing in Sydney and NSW as Rosehill sale vote revealed by Australian Turf Club
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Defining moment for racing in Sydney and NSW as Rosehill sale vote revealed by Australian Turf Club
To sell or not to sell, that is the question. The Australian Turf Club's proposal to sell Rosehill Gardens racecourse for a reported $5 billion to make way for 25,000 new homes will be determined by the club's 11,000-plus members on Tuesday. This is a defining moment for Sydney and NSW racing. It is up to the members to decide the fate of Rosehill, the home of the Golden Slipper. Rosehill is a historic venue and all the greats of Australian racing like Phar Lap, Tulloch, Bernborough, Todman, Vain, Luskin Star, Manikato, Kingston Town, Octagonal, Lonhro, Makybe Diva and Winx won major races there. But only 12,111 attended the Golden Slipper earlier this year and less than 100,000 people came to Rosehill meetings during the 2023-24 season. This is a disturbing decline in race day crowds given 191,671 came through the turnstiles in 2012-13. So, if this issue is not burdensome enough already for members, they also have to work out what is fact or fiction from what has been a very robust and often heated debate from proponents of the Yes and No votes. There have been so many claims and counterclaims from both sides of the argument that it has become increasingly difficult to work out what is right or wrong. ATC chairman Peter McGauran has said if members vote to sell Rosehill it will secure the future of Sydney racing. 'We believe it is the biggest and most important decision in the history of the club,'' McGauran said. 'It will make us the most financially secure race club in the world.'' • ATC tees off on Penrith golf course plan for new track in Sydney's west But Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse has led the charge against the sale, urging members to vote 'No'. 'Members still have no definitive proposal of any sort to justify a sale,'' Waterhouse wrote on social media earlier this month. 'Warwick Farm is unsuitable, there is no supporting evidence to say a track can be built, and if 'yes' wins then voting members lose all control of Rosehill. We may as well throw our betting tickets away.'' The Daily Telegraph, however, recently revealed Waterhouse has not attended a Rosehill meeting in five years and is more often seen at Melbourne race tracks. ATC expects at least half of the club's membership base of nearly 11,500 to vote on the issue. The 'no' vote is favourite with the Save Rosehill group having the support of many leading industry participants. But if members vote in favour of selling Rosehill, the land will be used to build 25,000 new homes while ATC has unveiled plans to redevelop Warwick Farm and build a new training facility near Penrith which has the potential to also to be a Group 1 racetrack. ATC Chairman Peter McGauran joined 2GB Sydney's Ben Fordham this morning to discuss the potential sale of Rosehill Gardens for $5 billion. @BenFordham | @2GB873 Find out more: — Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) March 12, 2025 The $5 billion sale price is a one-off and is dependent on a decision being made in time for the NSW Government to build a new Metro station to service the homes that would be built on the racecourse land. In an endeavour to provide some clarity for those members still trying to decide how they will vote on Tuesday, this is a snapshot of the most pressing issues concerning the Rosehill sale proposal. 1: What does selling Rosehill mean for Sydney racing? If Rosehill is sold, ATC has stipulated racing will continue at the track until at least 2031. During this period, $800 million will be spent on transforming Warwick Farm, $520 million on upgrading stabling facilities and other infrastructure at Royal Randwick, and another $520 million allocated to building the training centre at Penrith. In total, $1.9 million will be spent on various infrastructure projects with the remaining $3 billion invested into a Future Fund. 2: Is the $5 billion guaranteed if Rosehill is sold? The resolution to sell Rosehill ensures that the deal will only proceed if the State Government agrees to pay ATC a net of $5 billion. Payment will be secured through a legally binding contract with the NSW Government, which will provide a mechanism to safeguard payment. 3: Who will have control of the funds? The ATC owns Rosehill Gardens and has stipulated it will retain complete legal and financial control over every dollar if the sale goes ahead. Racing NSW has provided written confirmation to the ATC that it will not seek to recover any of the net $5 billion in sale proceeds. 4: Is Warwick Farm a suitable and viable alternative to Rosehill? Under the ATC masterplan, Warwick Farm will undergo an $800 million transformation, including flood proofing, and a completely new racetrack and grandstand. At 87 hectares, it is vastly larger than Rosehill Gardens (60 hectares). 5: Is there a transition plan for trainers if Rosehill is sold? This is one of the most difficult aspects of the sale proposal as any potential sale of Rosehill and rebuild of Warwick Farm will directly impact trainers and their stable staff. ATC has vowed to work individually with all trainers on transition plans with the consultation period to last at least 12 months. No trainers at either Warwick Farm or Rosehill Gardens will be relocated for at least two years and the new Racing Advisory Board is there to provide advice and input on transition plans. 6: ATC's loyalty program for members The ATC is planning to introduce a loyalty program for members funded by proceeds from the proposed sale. Critics have described as a 'gimmick or bribe' while the club is hoping to use the program to increase club membership and what have been poor race-day attendances. The Loyalty program will provide free annual membership fees for five years, free annual membership for life for those members who already have been at the club for 20 or more years, and $1000 per annum food and beverage credits for five years.
