An approach has been made that could see the Moonee Valley Racing Club and the Melbourne Racing Club merge, Betsy can reveal.
The MRC recently contacted the MVRC to ascertain whether they had any interest in joining forces, with Racing Victoria aware of the situation.
Details of the plan were originally top-secret, however, talk of the proposal started to circulate in racing circles across the last fortnight.
Informal dealings around the plan have been ongoing for weeks but sources with knowledge of the situation say that at this stage, it is unlikely the merger will occur. Such a move would represent one of the biggest shifts in Victorian racing in decades.
Betsy sent the MVRC and the MRC a series of questions on Wednesday regarding the status of the talks and the individual clubs’ position on the proposal, which they both declined to answer.
It is believed the MVRC did not drive the merger proposal and has not formally responded to the MRC’s approach, with the idea not progressing in any way since the original contact was made.
It is understood the approach to the MVRC included details around how a merger may look but Betsy has been unable to verify them.
The MVRC is currently closed as they undertake the biggest development in the club’s history, including a new track, grandstand, members’ facilities as well as an apartment complex next to the course.
Club mergers in general are a goal for Racing Victoria in a bid to save the industry millions of dollars and, at some stage, would likely have the support of the state government.
Racing Victoria did not comment directly when contacted by Betsy on the current situation involving the two metropolitan clubs.
“Broadly speaking, mergers are a matter for Clubs and their members. If two or more Clubs came to us wishing to explore the possibility then we’d support that piece of work just as we did with Cranbourne and Pakenham,” an RV spokesperson said.
“We’re always open to discussing opportunities for greater efficiencies across the industry to maximise investment back into it, but as we’ve said previously that can come in many forms and at many levels.”
Racing Victoria said the MVRC had told them their redevelopment was on track.
“In relation to Moonee Valley, the Club are providing updates that their development is progressing well and we are due for a further one in the near future,” he said.
“We had representatives visit the Moonee Valley site recently where it was noted that the foundation of the new track is taking shape very quickly.”
The MVRC originally stated they planned to race again at their home in 2027, with the track itself on schedule. The Cox Plate will be run at Flemington in 2026.
