By Kristen Manning/TTR AusNZ
In one of the most significant votes in Australian racing history, members of the Australian Turf Club (ATC) have rejected the proposed A$5-billion sale of Rosehill Gardens, voting down a controversial resolution that would have seen the iconic western Sydney racecourse redeveloped into housing.
The final result was 56.1 per cent against and 43.9 per cent in favour, with 4413 members voting “No” and 3451 voting “Yes”. The vote marked the end of an 18-month saga that saw heated debate, a parliamentary inquiry, and widespread industry backlash.
“This was the most significant decision in the Club's history,” ATC chairman Peter McGauran said in a media release after the result. “We thank every member who engaged with the proposal and made their voice heard.”
A vote that divided the industry
The proposal – first announced in December 2023 – was billed by the NSW Government and the ATC as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to create 25,000 new homes and unlock $5 billion in proceeds to reinvest in Sydney racing infrastructure. Premier Chris Minns, who championed the plan, described the outcome as disappointing but signalled the government had contingency plans for addressing Sydney's housing crisis.
But critics questioned the process, the rushed timeline, and the integrity of the governance.
“I am very happy,” said Arthur Mitchell of Yarraman Park. “It was all badly run, badly thought out. Now we can take a deep breath, a rethink, take some time and look at other opportunities. There was a lack of trust. The bribery to members didn't go down well.”
That so-called “bribery” refers to the controversial loyalty program released in the final weeks of the campaign, which offered free memberships and benefits to those who voted in favour of the sale. The offer was seen by many as a last-ditch inducement to flip the vote.
Julia Ritchie from Save Rosehill said, “I think 99.9 per cent of the people in the room today were 'No' voters. McGauran said young people wanted this. Someone asked for the young people in the room to raise their hands. There were two. Where were the rest?”
She continued, “Before the last vote we were polling 85 per cent no. Then they had lots of pretty pictures and brochures – and the inducements – and they got it down to 56 per cent. We want to help the industry get it right. We shouldn't need inducements to get members to support our tracks.”
Whilst I'm pleased with the result,
I am disturbed by the seven-figure amount wasted by the Board on the proposal and hope this is an opportunity for 'Board renewal', with the four proponents retiring, their only honourable course. https://t.co/n4osmqdGtV— Gai Waterhouse AO (@GaiWaterhouse1) May 27, 2025
What comes next?
The ATC has confirmed it will now refocus its energy on strategic planning and infrastructure renewal.
“With the vote behind us, the Club's focus is firmly on the future – one that honours our proud heritage while continuing to evolve and grow,” said McGauran in a Club statement.
“Our priorities remain enhancing our tracks and welfare systems, growing participation through deeper community engagement, and continually improving the raceday experience.”
The result will also intensify calls to speed up urgency on the review of the Racing Act, which has been committed to by the Racing Minister.
As Antony Thompson, Aushorse chairman and principal of Widden Stud, put it, “It's time for a reset.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
