‘Record returns to the people who give this sport its heart and soul’ – Cooke spruiks NSW strength, condemns ‘agitators’

Racing NSW chair Saranne Cooke has used national data issued via Racing Australia to argue that the state delivers the best returns on investment in Australia and has taken aim at “a small minority of agitators” who she says threaten the future growth of the NSW industry.

In a participants’ bulletin issued on Wednesday, Cooke pointed to data from the delayed Racing Australia Fact Book which she says “confirm the continued strength and success of NSW”.

She pointed out that returns to participants in NSW in 2024/25 reached $420.2 million, $110 million higher than in the nearest jurisdiction, Victoria.

“This represents a clear and measurable demonstration of the scale, sustainability and financial strength of our industry,” she said.

What wasn’t mentioned was that NSW runs 25.2 per cent more races, or 1087 more, than Victoria. An average return to participants per race has NSW ahead, $77,728 to $71,753, when compared to Victoria.

Cooke detailed that a decade ago, Victoria’s returns exceeded those of NSW but now, racing in the state her board oversees has superior annual returns by more than $117 million.

“On a cumulative basis since 2016, NSW has delivered $421 million more in returns than any other state – with NSW distributing $3.02 billion compared to $2.6 billion over the same period for the next highest state,” she said.

“It is clear that, for anyone wishing to invest in any facet of the Australian thoroughbred racing industry they should do so in NSW.”

Cooke’s figures around annual returns to owners being inferior in NSW have been taken from 2015/16. It is worth noting that in the previous three seasons to that year, NSW’s gross returns were actually higher than Victoria’s.   

In 2015/16 total prize money for black-type races in NSW was $58.6 million, while in 2024/25 it was $130.3 million.

It means that of the additional $189 million a year returned to participants in NSW, $71.8 million, or 38 per cent, has gone into additional black-type prizemoney.

The comparative figures in Victoria for black-type prize money in 2015/16 were $61.8 million, which has now grown to $100.9 million.

Racing Victoria has added $39.1 million annually to black-type and feature races, which is 34 per cent of the additional $114.9 million returned to participants.

There was also no comparative wagering statistics included in either the Racing Australia Fact Book or Cooke’s notice, which points to key trends in the growth of ongoing revenue streams.   

Cooke, who also highlighted the $104 million in prize money reserves sustained by Racing NSW. was keen to emphasise that the additional returns were about supporting participants first and foremost.

“These figures represent far more than statistics. They reflect real income supporting thousands of owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff, breeders and industry participants whose livelihoods depend on a strong and growing racing industry,” she said.

She also used the opportunity to take aim at those who have been critical of Racing NSW.

“The continued growth of NSW racing has been achieved through disciplined financial management, strategic investment, and a clear focus on maximising returns to participants,” she said.

“It is therefore disappointing that a small minority of agitators have chosen to engage in divisive and personality-driven politics at a time when industry unity and stability are critical.

“Actions that undermine confidence in the industry risk harming revenue growth and, ultimately, participant returns. Constructive engagement and collective effort will always deliver better outcomes than internal disruption for self-interest.”

The fallout from the Australian Turf Club’s (ATC) failed attempt to sell off Rosehill has unleashed a tide of discontent among high-profile participants.

Scrutiny has been placed on the executive of Racing NSW, led by long-term boss Peter V’landys, and the board, which has been led by Cooke since late 2023.  

Racing NSW is also in a major Supreme Court action brought by the ATC after the regulator attempted to place the metropolitan racing club into administration, while V’landys is also involved in defamation proceedings with a small publisher.

Cooke reaffirmed her belief that the NSW industry is in an enviable position.

“NSW racing is strong. It is financially secure. And right now, it is delivering record returns to the people who give this sport its heart and soul,” she said.

“Our job, my commitment to you, is to protect what we have built and keep pushing it forward, for every participant who depends on a thriving industry.”