Cover image courtesy of Goulburn Race Club
In the wake of Thursday’s announcement by Racing NSW heralding a $9.5 million funding initiative for Goulburn Race Club, aimed at bolstering its infrastructure, the proposal has sparked a considerable dialogue.
However, not mentioned in the Racing NSW or Goulburn Race Club announcements is that the funding is contingent upon the transfer of the racecourse's freehold to the regulatory body, as announced to Club members on Monday. Racing NSW, maintaining its practice of acquiring freehold interests in NSW racetracks, would then offer Goulburn an extended lease agreement.
The Goulburn Race Club announcement included a comment from CEO Robyn Fife, saying ‘the club’s board feels that both the majority of current trainers and the club’s membership base are one hundred percent behind the expansion proposal.’
However, other members and trainers, nervous to go on the record, have voiced their concerns to TTR AusNZ. This proposal comes amidst discussions on the club's future and reflects a broader strategy by Racing NSW to acquire valuable racing assets across the state.
Fife highlighted the importance of such funding for the club's future, stating, “The chance to acquire a large amount of additional stabling and associated amenities is a real driver of future business for our club.”
The Racing NSW and Goulburn Race Club narrative of progress and development stands in contrast to the concerns voiced by Hon. Mark Latham in the New South Wales Legislative Council on Wednesday. Latham's address took a critical view of Racing NSW's broader real estate dealings, specifically mentioning the situation at Goulburn as part of a wider critique of the organisation's strategies under CEO Peter V'landys' leadership.
Latham specifically remarked on the Goulburn deal, alleging, "V'landys never supports a country race club without extracting more power for himself. At Goulburn, Racing NSW has offered money for a stables upgrade—but only if the ownership is transferred to the governing body, with Peter V'landys as the CEO."
Goulburn Race Club’s 160 members are slated to vote on this proposal at an extraordinary general meeting on April 2.
