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The Australian Turf Club has launched urgent legal action in the NSW Supreme Court after Racing NSW sacked the board.
Racing NSW also said on Monday it had appointed an administrator to the club, citing financial and governance concerns.
The club was issued with a show cause notice in September by Racing NSW, with the governing body citing fears about the club’s solvency and governance.
The ATC recorded a nearly $2.6 million loss for 2024-2025, but said around $2 million of that could be attributed to the failure to sell Rosehill.
But on Monday Racing NSW released a statement saying an administrator will be appointed.
The club’s executive will report into the administrator, who will in turn report to a newly formed committee.
Betsy believes the committee to oversee the club will include at least one existing board member and a group of industry experts.
In a statement released on Monday, the ATC said it had complied with Racing NSW requests and showed it had a clear strategy.
“The ATC Board does not accept that Racing NSW has the legal power to remove or displace the duly appointed directors of the Club, or to install an administrator in their place,” the statement said.
“Throughout the show cause process, the ATC has engaged constructively and in good faith. The Club has provided detailed written submissions, extensive financial and strategic material, and independent expert advice addressing the issues raised by Racing NSW.”
“The Board rejects any suggestion that it has failed to develop or present a coherent strategy to improve the Club’s commercial performance or to address governance concerns and does not accept the characterisation of its response in Racing NSW’s statement.”
The fight between the two parties is now headed to court.
“Given the position now taken by Racing NSW, the ATC has no choice but to seek urgent relief from the Supreme Court of New South Wales,” the statement said.
“The Club will ask the Court to determine whether Racing NSW has any power to appoint an administrator to conduct the affairs of the ATC in place of its Board, and to examine the way in which this decision has been reached, including questions of predetermination and independence.”
“Pending the Court’s determination, the ATC Board will continue to act in what it considers to be the best interests of the Club, its members and the broader racing industry. Day-to-day racing and events at ATC venues will continue as scheduled, and the Club’s focus remains on delivering safe, successful race meetings and high-quality experiences for participants, members and customers.”
