After months of build-up, Australian Turf Club Members (ATC) have voted against the sale of Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, ending one of the most divisive and high-stakes debates in the club’s recent history.
While 3,451 voting members – 43.9 per cent – supported the sale and reinvestment proposal, the vote fell short of the 50 per cent threshold required for the motion to pass.
ATC chairman Peter McGauran thanked Members for their engagement and said the process had helped set the stage for the club’s next chapter.
“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,” he 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 reiterated the ATC’s focus on long-term investment in infrastructure, improving the race-day experience, and reducing the club’s reliance on wagering as its primary source of income.
“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.
The result was warmly welcomed by Save Rosehill, the member-led group formed in opposition to the sale, which drew support from high-profile trainers including Gai Waterhouse and Chris Cummings, along with former ATC vice chair Julia Ritchie and former chair Matt McGrath. They had previously argued the sale would have undermined the tradition and heritage of Sydney racing.
“The ATC members have voted to keep racing at Rosehill, that’s a terrific outcome for racing in NSW,” the Save Rosehill spokesperson said.
“We must now unite as a club and as an industry to best address the strategic challenges we face, including how best to utilise all the club’s assets and address the inadequacies of the current funding model.
“And we must also look to the wider systemic issues facing our industry and use the opportunity of the review of the Racing Act to ensure that our model is future proofed.”
The long road to voting
The historic vote following a prolonged consultation process and three delays, the most recent of which came on April 15. At the time, the ATC said the extra time would help ensure members had “adequate time” to weigh both the “yes” and “no” cases.
On May 6, the club issued a comprehensive Notice of Meeting pack outlining the details of the proposed sale. The material included independent summaries of the arguments for and against, as well as clear instructions for voting.
The ATC had also outlined future plans should the sale proceed, including the creation of a new training and racing precinct in Western Sydney. On May 11, the club signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Seven Hills RSL — owners of Penrith Golf Club — to acquire the site and convert it into a state-of-the-art training facility capable of housing more than 300 stables. More than $370 million from the proposed sale was earmarked for this project.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has previously described the redevelopment of Rosehill Gardens as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to help alleviate Sydney’s housing crisis.