Gai Waterhouse voices opposition to Rosehill sale

Posted by RS NewsWire at 1:59pm on February 14th

Gai Waterhouse said she “felt embarrassed for the Board” following a meeting between the Australian Turf Club and its members over the proposal to sell Rosehill racecourse.

ATC chairman Peter McGauran delivered a brief of the club’s plans at a members’ forum on Tuesday night where Waterhouse made it clear she was opposed to the idea.

In response to a subsequent News Limited article, Waterhouse again reiterated her concerns on Wednesday, saying the members in attendance were as passionate as her in their belief Rosehill should not be lost.

“ATC members were extremely vocal in their opposition to the proposed sale of the ATC’s most valuable asset, Rosehill Racecourse,” Waterhouse said on Twitter, also known as X.

“I felt embarrassed for the Board.”

It has been reported that champion trainer Chris Waller also spoke at Tuesday’s meeting and was just as unequivocal in his stance that Rosehill racecourse be retained by the industry.

McGauran has said the ATC stands to make a conservative $5 billion from the sell-off of Rosehill, a figure he believes will secure Sydney racing’s future for decades to come.

Under the plans, Rosehill would be developed into a precinct slated to include 25,000 new homes, a school and public greenspace, along with a Metro West line station linking it to the city and Parramatta.

The three other Sydney tracks – Randwick, Warwick Farm and Canterbury – would be refurbished as part of the proposal, while the Rosehill trainers would be transferred to a new complex in Horsley Park, western Sydney.

Tuesday night’s meeting is expected to be the first of several forums the ATC holds with its members to discuss the proposal.

More Racing News

Tough Willaidow shines bright in the Southern Cross Stakes

Purchased for just $7000 and with one leg held together by pins, Willaidow’s tenacity on the racetrack has trainer Marc Conners dreaming of big achievements. The six-year-old gelding showcased his grit once again at Rosehill on Saturday, fending off all challengers to claim victory in the Group Three Southern Cross...

Today

She’s Bulletproof does Littlefield proud in the Bellmaine Stakes

Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is not typically known for pushing her horses hard, but she had to adopt a tougher approach with She’s Bulletproof in the lead-up to a Stakes race at Sandown. The change in training and feeding regimen paid off handsomely when She’s Bulletproof claimed victory in the Group...

Today

Snitzel colt Blitzes rivals in the Canonbury Stakes

Trainer Gerald Ryan remains cautious about pursuing a Golden Slipper start with Blitzburg, despite the colt’s impressive all-the-way victory in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. Blitzburg ($4.80), the most experienced juvenile in the field of seven, surged ahead at the top of the straight and held on...

Today

Inkaruna bobs into 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes contention

Daniel Moor’s dedication to riding in jump-outs at training centers, often overlooked by other jockeys, has paid off in a big way. Moor secured a late booking to ride Inkaruna in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday after Craig Williams was unable to fulfill his engagement...

Today

Jamie Melham getting used to new name

New York Lustre will forever hold a special place in the heart of jockey Jamie Melham after securing a thrilling victory at Sandown. Trained by Enver Jusufovic, New York Lustre delivered Melham her first win since marrying fellow jockey Ben Melham last month, triumphing in the John Moule Handicap (1200m) on...

Today

The Playwright stars in thrilling finish to win 2025 Widden Stakes

Tulloch Lodge is considering following the same path with The Playwright that led Lady Of Camelot to success 12 months ago, after the filly mirrored her Golden Slipper-winning stablemate by claiming the Widden Stakes. Lady Of Camelot won the fillies’ feature last year before finishing second in the Group 1 Blue...

Today

Fresh Ron’s Finalflutter can win Bunbury Classic 2025 says Morton

Ron’s Finalflutter kicks off her potential WA Oaks campaign this Sunday at Bunbury, and trainer Dan Morton believes she has what it takes to deliver a strong performance fresh in the Listed Greenfields Lodge WA Breeders’ Classic (1200m). “I wouldn’t rule her out,” Morton said on Tabradio. “She’s got a lot...

Yesterday

Paula Trenwith chases birthday gift at the Parks

Morphettville based Paula Trenwith could not think of a better present than that of winning a race on her birthday. Trenwith prepares a team of eight horses at Morphettville and has three runners at the Morphettville Parks meeting on Saturday, her birthday. Savatoff runs in the Happy 80th Birthday Glynn Pretty Handicap (1950m),...

Yesterday

Oh baby: Newcastle mare out to finish on a career-high

If the upcoming Rosehill meeting were scheduled just one day later, in-form mare So Newchee Thinks would be ineligible to race. The daughter of So You Think is currently in foal to Starspangledbanner, and according to racing rules, her official cut-off date for competing is February 1, which coincides with...

Yesterday

Filly out to stamp G1 Blue Diamond Stakes credentials

Trainer Dominic Sutton is prioritizing the well-being of his horse over personal ambition as Victoria’s richest two-year-old race approaches. Sutton has Sword Of Legacy among the 81 youngsters still in contention for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 22. However, Sutton, who manages dual yards at...

Yesterday