Court blocks ATC takeover

The Australian Turf Club has won an injunction to halt being put into administration by Racing NSW until a final hearing in the Supreme Court in February.

Justice François Kunc will hear the case on February 18-19 aand ruled ATC board will remain in place until that hearing.

Racing NSW announced on Monday that it had sacked the ATC directors and put an administrator, Morgan Kelly, in place to run the club.

The ATC took the action to protect its directors, who will now be in control for the next couple of months.

“The Board of the Australian Turf Club welcomes today’s decision and will now continue to work diligently and collaboratively with all stakeholders to continue normal racing and Club operations,” ATC chairman Tim Hale said in a statement.

Racing NSW legal counsel Oliver Jones SC asked Mr Kelly be given access to the ATC books “to begin his work” even though the injunction was issued, which failed.

Justice Kunc also ruled the ATC be allowed to fill a member-elected vacancy on its board.

Racing NSW were left to accept the Justice Kunc ruling and start to prepare their case for the new year.

“We respect the judge’s decision to keep the status quo for the moment,” Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said.

“It is important to note however that this decision is only for convenience and in no way has it determined the case which will now be heard on 18 February 2026.

“We are confident in our position and we will continue to act in the best interests of the 50,000 participants to ensure their incomes are maximised.”

Meanwhile, the NSW government announced the appointment of former Olympian Jane Fleming and David Tierney to the Racing NSW board on Friday.

The pair replaced Tony Shepherd and Garry Charny, and both were given four-year terms.