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Selling Rosehill: A Loss Beyond the Ledger
The ATC chairman’s latest statement on the sale of Rosehill Gardens – Securing The Future Of Sydney Racing: A Historic Opportunity – frames the decision as a financial necessity and a strategic move to secure Sydney racing’s future. However, it neglects the venue’s deep historical and cultural significance and fails to address the broader impact of its closure. Rosehill Gardens is more than a racecourse—it is a cornerstone of Sydney’s racing heritage, spanning generations. While the statement highlights financial and operational benefits, it overlooks the emotional and historical value of Rosehill, leaving a critical gap in the justification for such a drastic move.
For decades, Rosehill has provided continuity and tradition for members, trainers, and racing enthusiasts. The proposed relocation to an unspecified site offers no guarantee of maintaining the same level of prestige or community engagement. This uncertainty raises concerns about the long-term impact on the sport’s heritage and whether current supporters will embrace this transition. While modernisation has its place, the absence of a clear strategy to protect Sydney racing’s rich heritage, enduring traditions, and deep cultural significance weakens the justification for such a profound change.
Equally troubling is the lack of transparency and meaningful stakeholder engagement in the decision-making process. While members are invited to vote, the statement does not clarify what aspects they will influence. If the vote is limited to the sale itself, without input on the new venue’s location, design, and strategic direction, members’ ability to shape the future of Sydney racing is severely restricted. This raises concerns about whether the decision prioritises the interests of ATC leadership over those of the broader racing community.
The impact of this decision extends beyond ATC members. Trainers, jockeys, stable staff, local businesses, and racing enthusiasts all stand to be affected—yet there is little indication they have been actively consulted. Without genuine consultation, this decision risks being seen as a top-down initiative that prioritises financial gain over the voices of those most affected.
Selling Rosehill Gardens is not merely a real estate transaction; it is a decision that affects the identity, heritage, and sustainability of Sydney racing. The lack of transparency and stakeholder engagement raises serious concerns about who truly benefits from this deal. While financial stability is necessary, the long-term success of Sydney racing depends on trust, and respect for its traditions. And what, exactly, is so unreasonable about upholding respect and tradition when heritage is worth more than a price tag?
ATC member
#00507611
NSW Government response to the inquiry of the Select Committee into the Proposal to Develop Rosehill Racecourse
'A blatant attempt to silence your voice': Rosehill vote halted by Racing NSW
In a dramatic late intervention, Racing NSW has directed the Australian Turf Club to postpone its highly anticipated vote on the proposed sale of Rosehill Gardens, originally scheduled for next Thursday, April 3.
The decision, announced Friday afternoon, pushes the vote back to May 12 and comes amid escalating criticism from ATC members and industry participants, many of whom have voiced concern over a lack of transparency surrounding the $5 billion proposal.
“The potential sale of Rosehill racecourse represents a matter of significant strategic importance with long-term implications for the entire racing industry,” Racing NSW said in its statement.“It is essential that any such decision is made on the basis of full and accurate information.”
The ATC confirmed it would comply with the directive, citing its legal obligation under the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996 and the Totalizator Act 1997.
“ATC Members will receive further information on the vote regarding Rosehill Gardens following further discussions with Racing NSW,” the Club said.
The Club has pledged to provide further detail “as soon as practically possible.” It is understood that current proxy nominations do not carry over and all votes will need to be re-submitted by members ahead of the new date.
Save Rosehill responds
The delay has triggered immediate backlash from anti-sale campaigners, most notably Save Rosehill, who are now seeking independent legal advice on whether Racing NSW has the authority to compel the ATC board to postpone the vote.
In a statement issued to members, campaign leader Julia Ritchie accused Racing NSW of undermining the democratic process:
“This last-minute directive is a blatant attempt to silence your voice – a desperate move that flies in the face of democratic process, and contradicts all prior statements made by the Premier in Parliament about the independence of the ATC and the rights of its members,” she wrote.
“Even in the absence of full transparency or detailed planning documents, members overwhelmingly recognised what’s at stake – not just the loss of a racecourse, but a betrayal of everything Rosehill represents to the racing community,” the statement read.
“The widespread belief that Racing NSW would ultimately control the proceeds – just as they are now attempting to control the vote itself – has only deepened our conviction this whole process is a sham.”
Pressure mounts for greater transparency
The move is the latest twist in what has become a highly charged and legalistic process. The ATC’s proposal to sell Rosehill Gardens has stirred deep divisions within the membership, with critics claiming a lack of transparency and detail surrounding the transaction—particularly around financial modelling and the long-term implications for racing infrastructure.
Racing NSW has now publicly echoed those concerns, stating that “the information that has been provided by the ATC is insufficient to enable (members) to make a properly informed decision.” The regulator also described the sale as “a matter of significant strategic importance with long-term implications for the entire racing industry,” underscoring the need for greater clarity before any vote proceeds.
The NSW Government, widely believed to be the intended purchaser of the site, has distanced itself from any coercive role in the process. Premier Chris Minns told Parliament this week that the government would not forcibly acquire Rosehill if members rejected the proposal.
“It would be on the table for us to compulsorily acquire the course… but we are not doing that,” Minns 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.”
With the vote now delayed, all eyes turn to what additional information the ATC and Racing NSW will provide – and whether the rising tide of opposition can be stemmed ahead of May 12.
Open Letter to The Hon Stephen Kamper MP Minister For Sport
Dear Mr Kanper,
I have been alarmed at the very undemocratic and “unlabour” behaviour that has been used on an important issue under your watch as Minister for Sport. I am referring to the proposed sale of Rosehill racecourse.
You would be aware for the sale to proceed then the Members must agree to the sale. As a long time Australian Turf Club member, I can see the arguments for both sides. However, the proposal from the ATC fails to provide members with full transparency, accurate information and overall strategy to make an informed decision. The ATC and its chairman have only permitted one side of the argument to be presented. THEIR BEHAVIOUR HAS BEEN UNDEMOCRATIC.
The “Save Rosehill” group, that wants to present the opposing argument, has been prevented from doing so at every opportunity. Unlike the chairman and the ATC board, they have been unable to have direct email contact with Members. Regularly, the Chairman sends emails promoting the sale, but the “NO” case is never presented. Frustrated with what has been happening, the “ Save Rosehill” group tried to distribute leaflets at yesterday’s Rosehill meeting only to be told it was not allowed.
The ATC is using club funds to cold call Members pushing a “once in a generation opportunity “ and making sure that the message is the only one heard.
The ATC has the support of Tabcorp which owns Sky Racing. Sky Racing is the major television presenter for NSW racing and hence the major communicator. The “NO” case has never been presented or discussed. The television personalities have never discussed the issue. Last Monday night, a well-advertised hour-long interview with Gai Waterhouse and Ray Thomas was due to be aired. At the last moment the program was pulled and did not happen. Gai Waterhouse has said that in the program, she presented the “NO” case, and the program was pulled because the ATC didn’t want members to hear what she had to say.
I have been a lifelong supporter of the Labour Party and always believed that when voting on any issue, both sides of the argument had the right to be heard. This is not happening with the ATC and the vote to sell Rosehill racecourse.
As the NSW Minister for Sport, I understand that you would be responsible for ensuring fair and democratic behaviour within sporting bodies when making important decisions about sport.
I would be most grateful if you could investigate my concerns and respond accordingly.
Yours faithfully,
ATC Member
#05050451
ATC member’s timely reminder to the Chairman that the club’s sole purpose is the encouragement of horse racing
Dear Chairman,
Re: Response to A Message from the Chairman of the Australian Turf Club
I am writing in response to your recent message regarding the future direction of the Australian Turf Club (ATC) and the proposed sale of Rosehill. I must express deep concerns over its heavy focus on lifestyle and entertainment facilities rather than the core racing experience that members value. The shift in priorities raises serious questions about whether the ATC is placing commercial and property development interests ahead of its fundamental responsibility—horse racing.
One of the most significant flaws in your letter is its misalignment with the core interests of ATC members. Many of us are engaged in racing as owners, trainers, punters, or long-time enthusiasts. Our investment, both financial and emotional, is embedded in the sport itself. We expect racing to remain the club’s central focus, however, your letter fails to highlight any substantial racing-related improvements that would justify the sale of a premier venue like Rosehill. Instead, it overwhelmingly promotes amenities such as gyms, pools, and cafes—facilities that are not the primary reasons people join the ATC. Even more perplexing is the comparison to an elite fitness club like the Sporting Club of Sydney, which completely misses the point. ATC members are here for the racing, not for luxury leisure experiences that cater to an entirely different demographic.
The appeal of ATC membership has traditionally been the access to high-quality racing and historic race venues such as Rosehill, Randwick, and Warwick Farm, however, your letter devotes significant space to promoting facilities that bear little relevance to racing, including new wellness centres, lifestyle clubs, and function spaces. By emphasising these non-racing developments, the letter diminishes the very identity of the ATC as a racing institution. For members who have long supported the industry, this is not only disappointing but also concerning. The notion that ATC membership could be repositioned as a luxury club is a drastic and unwelcome departure from the club’s legacy.
Additionally, the letter suggests a troubling shift toward commercialisation at the expense of racing. Rather than outlining how the sale of Rosehill would enhance Sydney’s racing scene, the proposal reads more like a corporate investment prospectus. Key sections of the letter highlight luxury upgrades such as hotels, event spaces, and lifestyle clubs, yet there is little discussion of new racing infrastructure and track improvements. This raises legitimate fears that the ATC is veering away from its core purpose – hosting and improving horse racing – and instead prioritising commercial property development.
The heavy emphasis on hospitality ventures suggests that corporate partnerships and business deals may be exerting an outsized influence on ATC decision-making. This could compromise the long-term interests of the racing industry and its members, as racing-related decisions may be guided more by business interests than by what is best for the sport.
Ultimately, the ATC’s responsibility is to its members and to the broader racing community. If the ATC wishes to maintain the trust and support of its members, it must ensure that racing remains at the heart of its agenda. That means prioritising investment in track improvements, prize money, racing events, and member access to high-quality racing.
You should reconsider the current approach and provide a clear, racing-focused rationale for any proposed changes. The future of Sydney racing, and my membership, depends on it.
Sincerely,
Dr Jack Frawley
Member# 05076119
Concerned members table petition to remove ATC director - call for end of sales process
The Save Rosehill group confirmed today that a member petition calling for a General Meeting to consider and vote on a motion to remove Mr Peter McGauran as an Australian Turf Club director had been sent to the Club. It represented more than the five per cent threshold of voting members required in order to compel the Board to facilitate such a meeting.
Save Rosehill said evidence that emerged from the NSW Legislative Council inquiry into the proposed sale of Rosehill Gardens had completely destroyed member confidence in the ATC Chairman’s leadership. They also called for the process entered into with the NSW Government to be abandoned.
The inquiry’s key findings included that there was “conflicting evidence and uncertainty with the financial assumptions behind and the financial viability of the proposal to develop Rosehill Racecourse.”
Also, the inquiry not only confirmed that Mr McGauran’s only proposed alternative to Rosehill Gardens – a racetrack built around the Brick Pit at Sydney Olympic Park – was fanciful, but also that in the (then) six months since the plan was first publicly mooted, the ATC had not even engaged with Sydney Olympic Park Authority to investigate its feasibility.
Mr McGauran’s claim that the vulnerability of the green and golden bell frog, for which the Brick Pit is critical habitat, had “eased considerably” was refuted emphatically by Sydney Olympic Park Authority’s CEO, Carla Armanet.
Asked by the Committee Chair whether she agreed with Mr McGauran’s claim, Ms Armanet said:
“No, it is a high risk, very small population and we are one of the biggest populations in New South Wales.”
Ms Armanet’s evidence also addressed a number of serious concerns held by the Committee about a racetrack at Sydney Olympic Park, including the lack of space, the geotechnical stability of the site and the impact on other sensitive environmental areas adjacent to the Brick Pit.
In its report, the Select Committee said it “shares the incredulity of a number of witnesses that the Brick Pit could even have been proposed as an option.”
Save Rosehill said that there was simply no justification for the ATC to have embarked upon a MOU to sell the racetrack.
“No-one disputes that two first class racing tracks in metropolitan Sydney are necessary to sustain a viable thoroughbred racing industry in NSW. It is therefore beyond comprehension that the ATC Board entered into a MOU to sell Rosehill Gardens, without first having itself
identified and secured a viable alternative and putting that proposal to members for approval.
“Also, the excuse that government officials had communicated to ATC officials that the sale of the racetrack in its entirety was necessary to create sufficient housing to merit locating a metro station at Rosehill, as justification for rushing into the MOU, was shown to have no basis in fact,” Save Rosehill spokesperson, Ms Julie Ritchie said.
The Upper House inquiry also revealed that it was Racing NSW’s intention to deny the club and its members the true value that would accrue from a sale of its only meaningful asset. According to a disclosure by Racing NSW, which was forced by the Upper House Committee, the minutes of Racing NSW’s board meeting held on 21 November 2023, said this about the proposed sale of Rosehill:
“Having further considered the matter the Board resolved to endorse the proposal in principle subject to further negotiations with NSW Government. Further, Racing NSW to have oversight over the majority of the proceeds of the sale after providing a reasonable sum to the ATC (with a proviso that those funds only be used for racing and racing infrastructure).”
However, at the ATC’s AGM on Thursday, 28 November 2024, the ATC’s Chair, Mr Peter McGauran (in response to questioning) was still insisting that the “bulk of the money will come to us” and that Racing NSW would be given some accommodation for rest of the industry.
Save Rosehill said that the evidence unearthed by the Inquiry showed unequivocally that the MOU process was a ‘stitch up job,’ designed to disenfranchise ATC members.
“There is overwhelming evidence that the best interests of members and the wider racing industry can only be served by a change in leadership at the ATC and the board withdrawing from this highly flawed, controversial and biased process. The Club must regain control of our own destiny and end this charade now.
“Members can have no faith that any proposal emerging from this MOU process, concerning either the potential revenue the club would receive or the viability of an alternative to Rosehill Gardens in metropolitan Sydney, will have any foundation in reality and that is why the process should be halted now,” Ms Ritchie said.
The Save Rosehill campaign is comprised entirely of ATC members and is supported by many highly respected leaders in the racing industry who are also members of the ATC, including Julia Ritchie (former AJC Vice Chair), Debbie Kepitis, Matt McGrath (former ATC Chair), Frank Cook, Greg Kenny (former STC Vice Chair), Neil Werrett, Jason Abrahams and Annette English.
A number of leading Sydney trainers have already publicly expressed support for the campaign.
The Australian Turf Club is a company limited by guarantee and is governed by the Corporations Act (2001), which requires directors conduct a general meeting on the request of members with at least 5% of the votes that may be cast at the general meeting.
The Select Committee report into the sale of Rosehill is available HERE
SAVE ROSEHILL GROUP WELCOMES INQUIRY REPORT CALLS FOR ATC TO WITHDRAW FROM SALES PROCESS
The Save Rosehill Group today welcomed the key findings and recommendations of the NSW Legislative Council’s Select Committee Inquiry into the proposal to develop Rosehill Racecourse, including setting up an inquiry into the operations of Racing NSW and a review of the Racing Act.
The Committee found that the manner in which the Government announced the proposal to develop Rosehill Racecourse was in breach of the unsolicited proposals guidelines and referred aspects of the matter to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Save Rosehill’s submission to the inquiry and evidence its members gave highlighted its misgivings about how the proposal came about, how it was communicated by the Government and by the Chair and CEO of the ATC, including that some ATC Board members appeared to publicly and privately endorse the proposal before any due diligence had occurred and before there had been any consultation with the members. The Committee’s findings endorsed and expanded on these misgivings.
Save Rosehill’s submission also highlighted its concern that Racing NSW attempt to divert the majority of the revenue the ATC would be due (if its premier asset were sold) “represents a bid for further consolidation of power and financial resources in the industry on the part of Racing NSW, and denies the central role of clubs in the generation of wagering revenue”. Save Rosehill said it therefore welcomed the Committee’s recommendations that the Legislative Council consider establishing an inquiry into the operations of Racing NSW and that the NSW Government conducts a thorough review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996.
According to a disclosure by Racing NSW to the Upper House inquiry, the minutes of its board meeting held on 21 November 2023 said this about the proposed sale of Rosehill: “Having further considered the matter the Board resolved to endorse the proposal in principle subject to further negotiations with NSW Government. Further, Racing NSW to have oversight over the majority of the proceeds of the sale after providing a reasonable sum to the ATC (with a proviso that those funds only be used for racing and racing infrastructure).“
However, at the ATC’s AGM on Thursday, 28 November 2024, the ATC’s Chair, Mr Peter McGauran (in response to questioning) was still insisting that the “bulk of the money will come to us” and that the ATC would make some accommodation for the industry. Save Rosehill said that the evidence unearthed by the Inquiry showed unequivocally that ATC members could have zero confidence that a government-driven process overseen by Racing NSW was in the best interests of the ATC and its members. The Select Committee also found the Brick Pit site at Homebush was not a viable alternative to Rosehill Gardens saying, “The committee shares the incredulity of a number of witnesses that the Brick Pit could even have been proposed as an option”.
“We believe that there is now overwhelming evidence that the best interests of Australian Turf Club members and the wider racing industry can only be served by the ATC board withdrawing from this highly flawed, controversial and potentially corrupt process,” Ms Julia Ritchie said.
The Save Rosehill campaign is supported by many highly respected leaders in the racing industry who are also members of the ATC, including Julia Ritchie (ATC Vice Chair), Debbie Kepitis, Matt McGrath (former ATC Chair), Frank Cook, Greg Kenny (former STC Vice Chair), Neil Werrett, Annette English, David Walter and Jason Abrahams.
To view the full report, click HERE
For further information:
Gabriel McDowell
+61 417 260918
gmcdowell@respublica.com.au
ATC Election: A Win for Transparency
The ATC board election was a closely contested affair with the highest voting turnout most members can remember. Annette English secured one of the two spots, with the other one going to Tim Hale by a nose, who has also recently been highly critical of the process to sell Rosehill. Our other candidate, David Walter finished with the 3rd highest vote.
Our thanks to everyone who voted for Annette and David, and we look forward to an opportunity to vote for David at the next ATC election. Also, we look forward to more transparency and accountability from the Board as a result of last week’s election.
Public hearing - Select Committee on the Proposal to Develop Rosehill Racecourse
Evidence given by Kiersten Fishburn, Secretary of the Department of Planning, is well worth listening to because it confirms the Brick Pit at Homebush is not an alternative to any development and questions the narrative of how the total redevelopment of Rosehill Gardens came into play. Evidence given by Terry O’Brien of the Office of Racing confirms its very limited role in any meaningful discussion of strategy in racing’s future and the Premier’s Chief of Staff evidence creates even more questions than answers about how this proposal actually came about.
ATC and the future of Rosehill
The future of Rosehill Gardens is the single most important issue impacting the future of thoroughbred racing in NSW, so Save Rosehill is encouraging members to ask ATC Board candidates to be fully explicit about their position on the proposal to sell Rosehill Gardens. No evidence has yet emerged of a viable alternative to Rosehill Gardens, if it were to be sold for development, and we know that first-class racing in metropolitan Sydney cannot prosper without a second Group-One quality track alongside Royal Randwick.
It is Save Rosehill’s view that the ATC leadership should not have entered into a memorandum of understanding with the NSW government to sell the Club’s most important asset, without first having identified and secured another Group One racetrack in western metropolitan Sydney. As a consequence, we believe the ATC Board should withdraw from the sales process it is undertaking with the NSW Government.
In the upcoming election, we believe that candidates’ positions on the threat to sell Rosehill should be a threshold issue when members consider their vote. Save Rosehill is confident that ATC Board candidates Annette English and David Walter understand the vital importance of preserving two Group One racetracks in metropolitan Sydney and are opposed to the sale of Rosehill Gardens if there is a possibility this principle may be compromised. We believe these two candidates possess the necessary governance skills and commercial acumen to contribute to the future of our Club. We respectfully ask you to consider voting for these candidates.
The Save Rosehill campaign is supported by many highly respected leaders in the racing industry who are also members of the ATC, including Julia Ritchie (former AJC Vice Chair), Debbie Kepitis, Matt McGrath (former ATC Chair), Frank Cook, Greg Kenny (former STC Vice Chair), Neil Werrett and Jason Abrahams.
A number of leading Sydney trainers have already publicly expressed support for the campaign.
The Save Rosehill Group submission to the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry is available here: https://www.parliament.nsw.
Please feel free to contact us via hello@saverosehill.com if you wish to discuss this.
Public hearing - Select Committee on the Proposal to Develop Rosehill Racecourse
Evidence given by Kiersten Fishburn, Secretary of the Department of Planning, is well worth listening to because it confirms the Brick Pit at Homebush is not an alternative to any development and questions the narrative of how the total redevelopment of Rosehill Gardens came into play. Evidence given by Terry O’Brien of the Office of Racing confirms its very limited role in any meaningful discussion of strategy in racing’s future and the Premier’s Chief of Staff evidence creates even more questions than answers about how this proposal actually came about.
Sydney Olympic Park Authority CEO rejects ATC's endangered frog assessment
Video evidence by Sydney Olympic Park Authority CEO rejecting ATC Chairman’s assessment of the endangered frogs and why the brick pit’s development potential is so severely limited.
Errol Chant letter to the Board of the Australian Turf Club
Dear Directors,
RE: YOUR CHAIRMAN MR. McGAURAN
I refer to the recent letter to members from Mr. McGauran dated 26th August 2024 sent after evidence was recently given by a range of interested parties at the Parliamentary Inquiry.
A number of serious concerns have emerged from that evidence and Mr. McGauran’s letter including the following:-
Special report on a possible contempt in the inquiry into the proposal to develop Rosehill Racecourse
Rosehill inquiry committee asks the NSW Upper House to refer Racing NSW correspondence for investigation because it may constitute a substantial interference with the work of the committee and therefore be a possible contempt.
Latest video evidence from the NSW Select Committee Inquiry
- Julia Ritchie responds to NSW CEO accusations and Jason Abrahams explains Save Rosehill's concerns about process and governance at 05:01:53
- Racing NSW CEO makes extraordinary claims against industry participants who made submissions against Racing NSW at 02:48:00
- ATC Board members Caroline Searcy and Tim Hale on members’ frustrations, governance and valuation concerns at 01:18:00
- Racing NSW’s Garry Charny on governance challenges in racing and lack of facts about the proposed sale of Rosehill at 01:48:32
- ATC Chair Peter McGauran and key executive Steve McMahon take questions on how the proposed sale of Rosehill came about at 00:16:23
Latest from the NSW Select Committee Inquiry
- Gai Waterhouse’s powerful opening statement (00:03:15)
- Leading Trainer John O’Shea on the absurdity of selling Rosehill and industry’s broken funding model (00:09:00)
- Former AJC Chair David Hall’s perspective on the industry’s power dynamics (01:19:11)
- Thoroughbred Breeders’ Hamish Esplin on breeders’ governance concerns (05:18:00)