To my fellow breeders, trainers, owners, and horse racing industry participants,
My professional life has been devoted to the thoroughbred industry, driven by a purpose to help strengthen its future. I co-founded The Thoroughbred Report (TTR) with Gary King because this industry deserves its stories told well - and its leadership examined openly. Without transparency, there is no growth, and without accountability, there is no future.
In November, TTR published what we maintain was a measured analysis discussing a simple governance question: Is a 21-year tenure as CEO still serving the best interests of our industry?
Our story is now the subject of Supreme Court legal action for personal defamation by Mr V'landys, CEO of Racing NSW.
I want to be very clear: our article was not defamatory of Mr V’landys. It was an objective discussion of tenure and governance, published squarely in the public interest while the NSW Government is actively reviewing the Thoroughbred Racing Act. We will be defending this claim vigorously.
But defending a Supreme Court action of this scale is not something one person can shoulder quietly - and it comes with significant financial cost. Which is why I need your support.
Silencing the media for asking uncomfortable questions is not acceptable. It suggests a leadership structure that has become resistant to any scrutiny or debate.
This is textbook “chilling effect”, where participants feel reluctant to speak openly for fear of consequences. The NSW Parliament itself cautioned Racing NSW only months ago about conduct that may discourage scrutiny.
It is deeply concerning that this behaviour is allowed to continue unchecked. To suppress a valid, objective discussion about CEO tenure - a cornerstone of accountability in any organisation - is a clear failure of governance.
I am speaking out because many others feel they cannot. I am standing for the trainer or jockey who fears professional consequences for expressing concern. I am standing for breeders whose integrity was publicly accused in the parliamentary inquiry. And I am standing for an industry I love - whose resources are routinely being used to fund costly litigation.
Racing NSW is currently engaged in Supreme Court proceedings against the ATC and has previously funded defamation litigation for Mr V’landys. When asked whether Racing NSW is funding this personal defamation action, Mr V’landys did not deny it.
Every dollar Racing NSW spends on legal action is taking away from trainers, owners, participants – as well as equine welfare, infrastructure and the future of our sport.
NSW industry governance has consequences beyond NSW. Through the structure of Racing Australia, it is a national concern, affecting participants across the country. Because the Racing Pattern underpins the international bloodstock market, it also has global consequences.
I am prepared to defend this action, but I need your help. Defending a Supreme Court action of this scale is designed to be prohibitively expensive - a strategy of attrition.
I have established a dedicated legal defence fund to ensure we can respond properly.
Whether your contribution is small or significant, your support helps ensure that accountability and open discussion remain part of our industry’s future.
Or, if you wish to contribute directly, please feel free to contact me at vicky@ttrausnz.com.au.
Because if we do not stand up for accountability now, when will we?
With gratitude and determination,
Vicky Leonard
