Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
The 'Save Rosehill' group has pitched its intentions to ensure that any decisions regarding the future of the racecourse are made with the consent of a majority of Australian Turf Club (ATC) members.
Group spokesperson Jason Abrahams emphasised that the primary intention is to ensure that decisions about western Sydney’s premier racecourse follow due process while protecting members' rights.
“This is about preserving a racecourse that is vital to not only western Sydney but the wider racing community and equally about defending our right as members to decide Rosehill’s fate, stressed Abrahams in the statement.
“As members of the ATC, we demand full voting rights on the future of Rosehill. This process should not be taken over by politicians or unelected racing officials.”
“As members of the ATC, we demand full voting rights on the future of Rosehill. This process should not be taken over by politicians or unelected racing officials.” - Jason Abrahams
The campaign, backed by industry leaders including trainers Gai Waterhouse and Chris Waller and prominent owner Debbie Kepitis, aims to hold the ATC Board accountable. Abrahams told the Sydney Morning Herald it would “vigorously pursue all avenues to hold the board of the ATC accountable to the members”.
Transparency questioned
Concerns over the transparency of the proposal to sell Rosehill Racecourse have been a focal point which have led to an Upper House parliamentary inquiry which will investigate the timelines and processes of the controversial proposal.
“There has been a lack of transparency about how a proposal to sell off the Rosehill Racecourse has come about and legitimate fears persist that proponents of the sale will pursue options to sell-off the land without allowing ATC members to vote on a proposal,” Abrahams expressed.
Jason Abrahams | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Documents provided to parliament by the NSW government reveal that officials considered four different options to acquire the racecourse last year, including compulsory acquisition. Additionally, the NSW Cabinet Office was advised that only the ATC board would need to approve the submission of a proposal to sell Rosehill, excluding the ATC members from the decision-making process.
The statement also detailed that Racing NSW was lobbying the state government in support of selling Rosehill Racecourse in its entirety and to control all proceeds from the sale. This lobbying occurred four days before the full board of the ATC was informed of the potential sale and nearly three weeks before members were notified.
“A recent letter to members by the ATC Chairman, saying members will be consulted on any sale, has not assuaged our mistrust in the ATC Board and the senior executives involved in negotiations. The revelations in the NSW parliament and the fact that the assessment of the Rosehill sale proposal has been handed over to Racing NSW to manage have also caused us great concern,” Mr Abrahams said.
“A recent letter to members by the ATC Chairman, saying members will be consulted on any sale, has not assuaged our mistrust in the ATC Board and the senior executives involved in negotiations.” - Jason Abrahams
“Flip-flopped dramatically”
The ATC board's position on the saga has seen significant changes with Abrahams noting “the Board of the ATC has flip-flopped dramatically on the future of Rosehill".
Rosehill racecourse | Image courtesy of the Australian Turf Club
In October 2023, the ATC informed the NSW Planning Department of no interest in selling the racecourse and instead developed proposals to develop land adjacent to Rosehill and Canterbury racetracks to create space for residential housing. However, within weeks, following a meeting between the Premier and ATC Head of Memberships and Corporate Affairs Steve McMahon on October 30, 2023, some ATC board members and Racing NSW executives supported a proposal to redevelop Rosehill Gardens Racecourse and establish a horse training facility at Horsley Park.
“In our view, this whole process contemplates disenfranchising ATC members and threatens the future of premier racing in Greater Western Sydney, because there is no viable alternative to Rosehill Racecourse in the foreseeable future.
“All options presented so far are significantly flawed and highly unlikely to be implemented. Metropolitan Sydney racing cannot survive with only one Group One quality track, that being Randwick.
“This is about preserving a racecourse that is vital to not only western Sydney but the wider racing community and equally about defending our right as members to decide Rosehill’s fate.
“As members of the ATC, we demand full voting rights on the future of Rosehill. This process should not be taken over by politicians or unelected racing officials,” said Abrahams.
Industry encouraged to register support
The group has established a dedicated website and social media presence to disseminate information and engage with the public and media. All interested parties, especially ATC members and local residents, are encouraged to visit the Save Rosehill website www.saverosehill.com to register support and stay updated on upcoming events and key developments. Community leaders and industry stakeholders are urged to share their thoughts on the future of Rosehill.
