Save Rosehill group amps up pressure on ATC
A group of prominent thoroughbred industry figures have come together as one to continue to protest the proposed sell-off of major Sydney racecourse Rosehill.
The Australian Turf Club last November, in concert with the Labor state government, went public with plans to potentially sell the inner western Sydney site for upwards of $5 billion and be redeveloped into 25,000 new homes.
High-profile champion trainers Gai Waterhouse and Chris Waller have been among those who have spoken out against the Australian Turf Club’s proposal.
“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,” Save Rosehill spokesperson Jason Abrahams, the principal of syndicator Champion Thoroughbreds, told the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday.
“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.
“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.”
Members of the Save Rosehill group includes well-known owners Debbie Kepitis and Julia Ritchie and former ATC chair Matt McGrath as well as Waller and Waterhouse and fellow trainers John O’Shea and Anthony Cummings.
The NSW Upper House recently vogue to establish a Select Committee inquiry into the Rosehill development proposal.
An ATC spokesperson told the SMH that club members would vote on the proposal “with finality” by the end of 2024.
“The ATC board is currently undertaking due diligence in conjunction with Racing NSW to ensure members have all the facts and sufficient detail on which to make an informed decision,” the spokesperson said.
“That is their right and it’s not for the Board or any opponent to interfere with due process.”