An Australian Turf Club members’ vote on the future of Rosehill will not go ahead as planned following the intervention of industry regulator Racing NSW.
In a dramatic twist to a controversy that has beset the NSW thoroughbred industry since late 2023, Racing NSW has ordered the ATC to delay an extraordinary general meeting.
The voting process has been marred by claims that the ATC’s plan for Rosehill has lacked the necessary scope and financial details needed for members to cast a Yes or No vote.
“Racing NSW has today directed the Australian Turf Club to postpone its upcoming vote on the proposed sale of Rosehill racecourse,” a Racing NSW statement read.
“This decision follows concerns raised by members of the ATC and industry participants that the information that has been provided by the ATC is insufficient to enable them to make a properly informed decision on the proposed resolutions.
“The potential sale of Rosehill racecourse represents a matter of significant strategic importance with long-term implications for the entire racing industry.
“It is essential that any such decision is made on the basis of full and accurate information.”
Racing NSW said the ATC had confirmed the vote would be postponed until Monday, May 12 and it had received an assurance that further details would be provided to members a ”as soon as practically possible”.
Bren O’Brien
An ATC statement said it had no option but to adhere to the Racing NSW directive.
“The Australian Turf Club has this afternoon received a Direction from Racing NSW to postpone the extraordinary general meeting …” it read.
“The ATC must comply with this direction pursuant to the Thoroughbred Racing Act and the Totalizator Act.
“ATC Members will receive further information on the vote regarding Rosehill Gardens following further discussions with Racing NSW.”
The ATC confirmed the resolutions on which the members will vote on May 12.
It was expected the resolutions would clear the way for a higher degree of certainty after the ATC claimed the NSW government was a potential buyer for a $5 billion price tag.
Bren O’Brien
Instead, they created further confusion among the membership in what has become a highly legalised process.
“You can't expect for the club on April the 4th to have all of the details, given it's a decade-long infrastructure project that will involve many stakeholder groups,” chairman Peter McGauran told The Straight earlier this month.
Earlier this week, NSW Premier Chris Minns told parliament the government had ruled out compulsorily acquiring Rosehill racecourse if ATC members voted against the sale while dismissing the suggestion a price for the land had been established.
“It would be on the table for us to compulsorily acquire the course under eminent domain and take it from the organisation, but we are not doing that,” he said.
“We made it clear from the very beginning that this must be led by ATC members. They have to make the decision on it, and we will live with the consequences.”
Anti-sale group Save Rosehill said it is urgently seeking legal advice on whether the decision by Racing NSW and the ATC to postpone the vote is valid.
"Many ATC members have already voted - we view this move as a clear attempt to ignore the majority who voted 'no' and a clear deprivation of members rights," it said.
“It has been consistently stated at all levels that any decision about Rosehill Gardens is to be decided by the Members of the Australian Turf Club."
