NSW Premier Chris Minns not happy as members vote against Rosehill racecourse proposal
Australian Turf Club members have rejected a proposal to sell Rosehill racecourse – the home of Sydney's traditionally most famous race, the Golden Slipper – at an extraordinary general meeting held at Randwick on Tuesday.
Conducted by in-person voting, online voting and also by post, 56.1% of members voted 'no' to the ATC committee's plan to sell Rosehill for $5 billion with the funds to be received over 15 years from the New South Wales government to then use the site for housing development.
'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,' ATC chairman Peter McGauran said.
'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.
'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.'
Horse racing has been held at Rosehill since 1888.
It is unclear whether proposed redevelopments of Warwick Farm racecourse which was dependent on the windfall had the 'yes' vote been successful has any future prospects of proceeding through any other funding mechanism.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said a 'golden opportunity' had 'slipped through our fingers'.
'I'm obviously disappointed by the decision of ATC members, I'm not going to lie.
'I think this would have been a great opportunity for Sydney, and the fact that it's not going to be realised, is obviously disappointing,' he said.
'The truth of the matter is, it feels like the closeness of the result makes it more difficult to take, not easier.'
Minns said the government wold accept the ruled out a forcible acquisition of the racecourse, saying he would honour the result.
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