Rosehill

Chairman Peter McGauran insists the Australian Turf Club remains in a strong position despite a divisive vote over Rosehill, a racecourse he described as “nothing precious apart from its history and its location and the fact that we own it”.

The argument over the future of Rosehill may have been settled, but the way forward for racing in Australia’s biggest city is far from clear. Bren O’Brien wonders if the toxicity of the debate will continue to cloud real progress.

Members have voted against selling Rosehill for a $5 billion housing redevelopment during an Australian Turf Club extraordinary general meeting.

The Rosehill vote is more than just a decision on the future of the western Sydney racecourse, it is judgement day for the strategy led by Australian Turf Club chairman Peter McGauran and executive Steve McMahon, as well as a poll on the state of NSW racing under Peter V’landys.

The NSW government’s appetite for the risk of paying $5 billion for Rosehill is arguably a more important question than the support of the Australian Turf Club members, writes Bren O’Brien.

Racing NSW has confirmed that it no longer harbours concerns with the Australian Turf Club’s ability to manage a possible $5 billion windfall from the Rosehill proposal and supports the club’s plans for two racetracks at Warwick Farm.

Warwick Farm may be the beneficiary of an $800 million upgrade should the proposed sale of Rosehill proceed, but trainers at the south-western Sydney track are concerned about the impact such a dramatic renovation may have on their businesses.