Baker hits out over distribution of prize-money
Bjorn Baker has cited the prize-money on offer for Rosehill’s most valuable races as a large contributing factor to the Australian Turf Club’s (ATC) admissions that the club are struggling to maintain their current facilities.
Rosehill Turf Club (RTC) has been making headline news ever since it was proposed in January by the ATC that the course be sold, a move that they say would create $4.8 billion for the ATC and 25,000 new houses.
However, through a public submission to a select committee that has been established to inquire into and report on the proposal to develop Rosehill racecourse, Baker has cited prize-money for races like the Golden Eagle (1500m) and Big Dance (1600m) as a large contributing factor into problems with funds.
“Selling Rosehill is a discussion of huge importance to the racing industry. Rosehill is regarded as a premier racecourse throughout Australia and the world. It is vital that Sydney has two premier racecourses that can host elite races,” Baker said in his statement.
“I own stables at Warwick Farm and could well be a beneficiary of the sale of Rosehill but feel it would be detrimental to the Thoroughbred Racing Industry as a whole.
“It is of concern to hear that the chairman of the Australian Turf Club, Peter McGauran, state the club are struggling to afford to maintain the current facilities; with Mr McGauran having told a recent meeting that $12 million should be spent annually on this task, but the ATC can only afford $4 million.
“This admission comes despite the significant sums that are available in prize-money: the ATC’s five most valuable races are worth a combined $45 million. While I have been the beneficiary of such prize-money, I and others would contend that some races have prize-money that is beyond their standing.
“For example, the Golden Eagle is worth $10 million and the Big Dance $3 million [this is the sixth most valuable race held at the ATC].
“If these races were worth less I contend they would still attract the same quality of racehorses in the field.
“I was fortunate to have four runners in the field of the Big Dance in 2023 [and will certainly try to qualify more horses this year], but the field was far from top class and I am sure there would have been similar quality, and the same excitement amongst owners, if the race had been held for $1 million.
“As a trainer in Sydney the prize-money on offer has been a great benefit but the facilities available to trainers in Sydney are substandard.
“The Rosehill boxes and training precinct are the most modern, largest and well managed stables in Sydney.
“The stabling is of huge importance to the health and wellbeing of the horses and modern, clean and safe stabling is imperative in the current environment.
“If Sydney is to maintain its standing in global racing it needs to invest far more in its training and racing facilities, not consider selling off its most valuable asset.”