Proposed $5.4 billion sale of Rosehill Gardens racetrack ruled out in vote

Prowess is just one of many great New Zealand-trained winners to have run at Rosehill Gardens.

Rosehill Gardens will remain one of Sydney’s premier racetracks after Australian Turf Club members voted against a proposed sale to the NSW South Wales Government on Tuesday.

The move to potentially sell the track and facilities for A$5 billion ($5.4b) has been hotly debated in New South Wales and Australian racing circles since it was first raised.

ATC leadership wanted to sell the land to the state Government so it could be used to build up to 25,000 new houses.

That would have left Sydney without its second biggest racetrack and the home of the iconic Golden Slipper, and the ATC would have had to use a significant portion of the sale proceeds to build another race track further from the heart of Sydney, as well as upgrading the Warwick Farm track.

After months of twists and turns, with a series of projects and sites named as potential Rosehill replacements, the track will not be sold after 56.1% of members (4413) voted against and 43.9% for the proposed sale.

Those totals were closer than many expected.

The 3451 voting members who supported the sale and reinvestment proposal did not exceed the 50% support level required to proceed.

ATC chairman Peter McGauran thanked members for their considered participation in the historic vote.

“This was the most significant decision in the club’s history, and we thank every member who engaged with the proposal and made their voice heard,” McGauran said.

“The board brought forward this proposal in accordance with its fiduciary obligations, with the future of Sydney racing, our venues and members at the centre of the plan.

“While the resolution will not proceed, the robust debate and considered views expressed throughout the process has put us in good stead for our next phase of strategic planning and development.”

McGauran said the broader conversation about investment in racing infrastructure and technology, member benefits and long-term sustainability remained front of mind.

“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,” he said.

“Our priorities remain enhancing our tracks and welfare systems, growing participation through deeper community engagement, and continually improving the raceday experience for members and visitors.

“We will also continue to explore opportunities to diversify the revenue streams our racecourses and assets generate to reduce the reliance on wagering.”

The ATC reaffirmed its commitment to investing in its venues and acknowledged the support from Racing NSW, the NSW Government and other stakeholders through the consultation period.

“We are grateful to Racing NSW, the NSW Government, and our partners for their constructive engagement throughout this process,” McGauran said.

Atishu retiring from racing

Former New Zealand mare Atishu has been sold for A$2.7 million at the Magic Millions broodmare sale on the Gold Coast.

The mare started her career in New Zealand when trained by Stephen Marsh but transferred to Chris Waller as a 3-year-old and won three Group 1s in Australia for Kiwi syndication company Go Racing.

Atishu was sold to giant Australian racing and breeding operation Yulong, which purchased another standout mare Imperatriz at the same sale last season.

Yulong’s Sam Fairgray confirmed that the daughter of Savabeel will be retired from racing and mated with resident stallion Alabama Express this spring.

Michael Guerin wrote his first nationally published racing articles while still in school and started writing about horse racing and the gambling industry for the Herald as a 20-year-old in 1990. He became the Herald’s Racing Editor in 1995 and covers the world’s biggest horse racing carnivals.