A yet to be disclosed site in the Penrith area could become the new home of horse racing in Sydney.
It forms part of the State Government’s plan to buy Rosehill Gardens Racecourse to create space for 25,000 new homes.
Under the Unsolicited Proposal process, the NSW Government will consider a proposal which provides the Australian Turf Club (ATC) with minimum sale proceeds for Rosehill Gardens of $5 billion over 15 years.
The proposal requires a majority of Members voting to vote in favour at an Extraordinary General Meeting on Thursday, April 3.
ATC Chairman Peter McGauran said: “This resolution is without any doubt the most important and consequential in the history of our Club and it is vital that every ATC Member votes.
“This proposal offers a one-off opportunity to make the ATC the most financially secure racing club in the world.
“Members and spectators will ultimately enjoy world-class facilities not just on racedays but seven days a week across several sites in Sydney.
“Trainers and jockeys will benefit from tracks, training centres and facilities unparalleled in world racing.
“Owners of racehorses will face a greater return on their investment as the injection of funding continues to flow right through the industry.
“Many Members love Rosehill Gardens and are reluctant to see it go but the truth is it’s an outdated venue with declining crowds and this proposal can rejuvenate and secure the racing industry for many generations to come.’’
Under the proposal, there would be significant upgrades to Royal Randwick, Warwick Farm and Canterbury.
But the ATC would also replace Rosehill Gardens with a new Group 1 quality racecourse.
It is understood two potential sites have been identified as possible locations for a new course: one to the east of Rosehill Gardens, and the other in the Penrith Local Government Area.
The Weekender understands the Penrith site is Penrith Lakes, which has been subject of various development plans over the years, though this has not been officially named.
Business Western Sydney Executive Director David Borger said he supported the plan to sell Rosehill.
“Our city faces enormous challenges and the biggest housing crisis since the Second World War. This project stands to deliver thousands of new homes and a much-needed Metro West station between Parramatta and Olympic Park, that will further support businesses, essential worker housing and jobs,” he said.
“We can achieve a quinella. Revitalising a historic part of Sydney in need of long-term investment, while also notching a win in Western Sydney for punters and enthusiasts of the track. Let’s make it happen!”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.