Reform group condemns Racing NSW decision to appeal ATC case
Racing NSW’s decision to appeal its recent Supreme Court loss has been criticised by the Racing Reform Group, who said the move will divert industry funds to legal fees and unnecessarily distract from the autumn carnival.
The industry lobby group response to Racing NSW’s notice to participants on Friday where it advised it would pursue the appeal as it places at risk its ability to support the state’s 120 race clubs.
“More of the industry’s money will now be spent on lawyers, at a time when racing should be focused on delivering a strong autumn carnival,” the RRG statement said.
Racing NSW has argued that the Supreme Court ruling could affect its ability to fund operations, infrastructure and facilities at race clubs across the state.
The Racing Reform Group rejected that claim, saying any genuine concerns should be dealt with through legislative reform.
Former NSW minister Brad Hazzard is currently finalising his independent review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act, the legislation at the centre of the Court’s decision.
“If there are legitimate issues arising from the ruling, they should be addressed through the Hazzard review,” the RRG said. “That review exists for this exact purpose, and the Act can be amended on Mr Hazzard’s recommendation if required.”
The Group said the review was a far more constructive mechanism for resetting the relationship between Racing NSW and race clubs than what it described as costly and adversarial litigation.
Racing NSW has previously stated that provincial and country clubs are in a strong financial position, but the Racing Reform Group said that assessment did not match what it was hearing from clubs.
“Time and again, clubs across the state have told us a very different story,” it said.
The RRG also renewed calls for greater financial transparency, urging Racing NSW to publish a detailed breakdown of its income, including wagering revenue, and to disclose its financial transactions with clubs.
“Only with full transparency can participants properly assess how industry funds are being spent,” it said.
