New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Chairman, Cameron George, commends the Australian Turf Club (ATC) after a recent decision was made by the New South Wales (NSW) governing body of racing to enter a memorandum of understanding with the NSW Government around the future of its racing and infrastructure.

The proposal, referred to by ATC Chairman Peter McGauran as ‘future-proofing the industry’, will see up to $5 billion invested into NSW racing by developing Sydney’s renowned Rosehill Gardens Racecourse into a mini city, with approximately 25,000 new homes and new Metro Rail Station.

George recognises the significance of the proposal, in a move by ATC to financially secure the racing jurisdiction.

“Off the back of the reports released yesterday regarding Sydney’s Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, NZTR would like to acknowledge the courage of ATC and its willingness to change by maximising this once-in-a-generation opportunity for the benefit of the industry,” he said.

“We recognise the boldness of ATC leadership and their proactive approach to working collaboratively with the government.

“This is a massive move for Australia that underpins the long-term success of the industry and in perpetuity.

“The potential revenue generated from this proposal will allow ATC to enhance its own racecourses and training facilities, a decision that will benefit the entire NSW racing community for the foreseeable future.”

ATC has highlighted several significant benefits to its infrastructure that will arise from the deal, with plans to relocate up to 400 horses, as well as build a new training centre at Horsley Park and develop Warwick Farm Racecourse into a new world-class track, just to name a few.

“The logistics of this proposal are incredible,” George said.

“The Rosehill Gardens is home to many glorified races, including the Golden Slipper and Golden Eagle, that are renowned throughout the entire globe.

“ATC’s willingness to do the right thing for its racing community is admirable and something we aspire to uphold within our own industry.

“NZTR will continue to decisively lead change and encourage Clubs and participants to be the same. It’s about the industry and its future and now is our moment in time to do it.

“When you reflect on the situation, we have similarities back here on home turf. We are in a transformational phase, with an appetite for change.

“We are looking optimistically towards the future, with Ellerslie Racecourse back in action, a substantial increase to our stakes and several new racing initiatives implemented this season.

“We want to see this momentum continue and we have to make sure that as an industry, we make decisive decisions and continue to plan for the greater good to sustain our community,” George said.

View more about ATC’s Rosehill Gardens proposal here.