Racing Industry

Racing NSW should be made more accountable for the presentation of its financial records, an inquiry into the proposed sale of Rosehill has been told.

What was supposed to be an examination of the relationship between the Australian Turf Club and the Chris Minns-led government has now turned into the sternest scrutiny of Racing NSW in the 20-year-long reign of CEO Peter V’landys, writes Bren O'Brien.

Gai Waterhouse has called for change at the top of Racing NSW as a parliamentary inquiry begins into the Australian Turf Club’s proposal to close, redevelop and sell Rosehill racecourse.

Eagle Farm is expected to be out of action for the next month as Queensland officials resolve construction site issues that jockeys said contributed to a race fall at the track.

The short-term future of racing at Brisbane’s Eagle Farm is under a cloud with jockeys refusing to ride at the track until a resolution is found to horses shying at a new construction project alongside the track.

Trainers Gai Waterhouse and John O’Shea will be the first two people to speak before the Parliamentary Committee into the proposal to close, redevelop and sell off Rosehill racecourse.

A winter wet spell on the eastern seaboard has shone a light on the virtues, or otherwise, of synthetic tracks in Australian racing. But 20 years after their widespread introduction, their future role as a racing surface of meaning remains uncertain.