Powerful industry players back review into Racing NSW restructure
Some of the most powerful names in Australian racing and breeding have thrown their support behind a letter to the NSW government railing against the leadership structure of the sport in the state.
A group of 27 stakeholders from across the racing and breeding industry have written to Gaming and Racing minister David Harris pointing to a “growing divide” between Racing NSW and industry participants, and an erosion of trust in the governance of the sport in the state.
Those supporting the letter, which has been seen by ANZ Bloodstock News, include training legend Gai Waterhouse, breeding industry heavyweights Vin Cox and Antony Thompson, and former Australian Jockey Club chairmen Ron Finemore and John Cornish, as well as bloodstock agents and other trainers.
Bemoaning “opaque decision-making” and a lack of transparency from those running racing in the state, the letter urges the state government to expedite its review into the Thoroughbred Racing Act of 1996.
Amid the fall-out from last year’s parliamentary inquiry into the proposed sale of Rosehill, the inquiry committee recommended a review of the Act, and a separate inquiry into Racing NSW, of which Peter V’landys has been chief executive since 2004.
The letter, from stakeholders “deeply concerned about the future” of racing in NSW, does not mention V’landys by name, and says “this is not about politics or personalities”.
It takes aim at the governance of racing in NSW, while thanking the government for its in-principle support for a review of the Act.
“We request that the Government now expedite such a review,” the letter, sent last week, says.
“A review is timely given that the regulator, Racing NSW, is not subject to the direction and control of the Minister for the purposes of accountability to the Parliament. Nor is the regulator subject to audit by the Auditor General, as suggested by the Thoroughbred Racing Amendment Bill (2023) passed by the Legislative Council on 30 November 2023.
“The recent Parliamentary Inquiry into the Proposal to Sell Rosehill Racecourse unearthed systemic issues that go far beyond a single decision about the ATC’s primary asset. The Inquiry revealed:
- An erosion of trust in the governance structures currently in place
- A growing divide between the controlling body and those it exists to represent and serve
“The Government’s support for a review of the Act represents a crucial opportunity to strengthen the integrity of the industry. However, the success of this process hinges on it being genuinely independent, free from interference, and led by a credible, neutral figure who holds public trust.”
The letter adds:
“This is not about politics or personalities. It is about the long-term integrity and sustainability of one of NSW’s most culturally and economically significant industries to give the industry a fair and proper review process.”
The letter calls on Harris to ensure the review of the Racing Act is fully independent, run by a reviewer with “a good understanding of racing” and expertise in “governance and public interest matters”, and to provide a timeline and terms of reference developed “transparently and in consultation with all key industry stakeholders”.
“The future of racing cannot be built on fractured trust, opaque decision-making, or resistance to scrutiny,” the letter says. “We believe in the power of this industry to evolve and thrive – but only if the structures that govern it are reset with integrity, transparency, and fairness.
“We all look forward to making constructive submissions to be considered as part of the review.”
The letter also has the support of Bob Charley – the inaugural chairman of the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board which later became RNSW – leading bloodstock agents including Craig Rounsefell, as well as Yarraman Park’s Arthur and Harry Mitchell.
Former ATC director Julia Ritchie, a Save Rosehill campaigner, contributed to the letter’s drafting.
“The industry’s letter makes it very clear that our request for a review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act is not about personalities or politics. It is about the future of the industry we all love”,” she told ANZ Bloodstock News.
Racing NSW was contacted for comment on this article.
ATC members will vote on the proposal to sell Rosehill on May 27, after the date for the vote was shifted twice, initially from April 3 to May 12.
“This new date ensures Members have adequate time to consider both the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ cases in full and reflects public holiday impacts around Easter and ANZAC Day, which reduced the available working days to prepare necessary materials,” the ATC said in a statement.