Betsy understands talks have been ongoing that would secure training at Flemington in the long-term as part of the development, rumoured to be worth millions. Some have said it could be at least $20 million, even potentially much more, but talks remain on-going.
Multiple sources have confirmed the planned development could see the state government, Racing Victoria and the Victorian Racing Club all contribute millions of dollars.
The synthetic training track would also be set for renovation, which is used for training while a number of stables are said to be inline for refurbishment.
There have also been suggestions the club may look to develop land near the Maribyrnong River to create some kind of entertainment complex that could be used or rented out outside of race days. Again, all speculative.
It could provide another revenue stream for the VRC as they actively look to improve their financial position.
It comes as Racing Victoria moves away from developing its piece of land in north-west Melbourne that at one stage, was going to be a training centre.
As part of that redevelopment, Flemington would have ceased training. But a number of Flemington based trainers have since confirmed they have been given guarantees they won’t be forced to leave.
The north-west land is now valued at much more than the $25.3 million Racing Victoria paid for it, and could be worth $300-$400 million if redeveloped.
If rezoned, it could open up to housing investment, which would bring further support from the state government.
When asked about the plans, both Racing Victoria and VRC played a straight bat.
An RV spokesman said that ”our current preference is for training to continue at Flemington and we are working with the Club to explore the options. Maintaining a horse population within metropolitan Melbourne has appeal.”
The VRC said that “trainers are a key part of our community, and we’re working closely with Racing Victoria and our stakeholders to determine the future of training at the racecourse. Our current leases expire in early 2029, and it is our preference to retain world-class training and stabling at Flemington.”
Autumn Glow set for Randwick hit out on Saturday
The grand finals of autumn racing will be punctuated by a track gallop for unbeaten star mare Autumn Glow at Randwick on Saturday.
The Australian Turf Club will let the Queen Elizabeth Stakes favourite have a 1000m course proper gallop after the Adrian Knox Stakes with James McDonald in the saddle.
The Championships in the past decade have become where the elite of Australian racing race, not just gallop.
It has become practice for stables to hold race-day workouts, but will her rivals be accorded the same privilege?
Either way, racing’s most marketable horse will generate plenty of interest on Saturday which is only a good thing.
Deal of a lifetime for Streisand owners
Star filly Streisand was sold for $5.5 million this week, Betsy can confirm. The Blue Diamond winner and Golden Slipper runner-up was snapped up by Yulong. The cashed up joint also bought promising two-year-old colt Paradoxium for a similar figure, but with a big bonus if he wins the Sires Produce on Saturday.
On face value, $5.5 million for Streisand looks like a terrific piece of business for her owners, however apparently not all wanted to sell.
Either way, Yulong’s cash keeps doing the talking. Which begs the question – is it good for racing?
Do punters care who owns the horses the back? Probably not.
But as we occasionally saw with Godolphin, the stories behind some of their horses winning big races are far harder to celebrate.
I’ve seen winners rooms after Godolphin have won Group races that have been empty. Compare that to a Mr Brightside, where the joint was heaving.
The celebrations of Via Sistina’s Cox Plate wins were about the horse herself – not sure many could connect with the family of a billionaire picking up another Cox Plate.
But as we saw with this yarn on Fred Noffke on Racenet during the week, owners of Sheza Alibi are a terrific advertisement for racing and owning horses.
While Yulong’s money is obviously important for the sport, the tales of everyday owners do far more to market racing.
Trainers can’t double-dip with fuel crisis
A number of trainers had already taken the proactive step to pass on a fuel levy to owners thanks to the huge spike in prices.
Betsy is aware of Victorian trainers emailing their owners, saying they had no choice but to pass on new charges of between 15-20%.
Fair enough at the time too. But what happens now that all states have essentially stumped up millions of dollars in subsidies to help owners?
In Victoria at least, there is an expectation that those new chargers to owners are adjusted given the extra help.
Something I’m sure the Australian Trainers’ Association are all over.
No Melbourne Cup chance for Rooter’s nag
Import stayer Vauban was third in the thrilling Tancred Stakes on the weekend, but he is seen as the equal of Autumn Heir, a Grafton benchmark 58 third placegetter on Monday, in this year’s Melbourne Cup market at the TAB.
Part owned by Betsy’s own Chris Roots, Autumn Heir was $201 to $101 before his plugging third and then remarkably $51 after it.
The Rooter must have thought the price was it an early April fools joke.
Betting markets are supply and demand, so there must have been money for Autumn Heir, however his future lies north rather than south of Grafton.
What will happen if he happens to win his next start beyond 2000m will be interesting. We know the Rooter will be celebrating.
For a good cause
Good Friday racing in Victoria heads to Ballarat and Cranbourne this week.
But in the midst of the racing lately, was this beautiful piece published by Racing Victoria recently, featuring jockey Jaylah Kennedy and Apache Cat from Living Legends among others.
Racing will raise funds for the hospital on Friday – an incredible institution that has served so many for so long. Donate if you can.
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Smart hire
As far as regional tracks go, Ballarat is an essential clog in the racing chain. Importantly, it has a training facility that houses some of the state’s best trainers. It’s also crucial race track not only in the country Victorian racing ecosystem, but for the local Ballarat community too despite rumours persisting about the financial stability of the facility.
The club hired one of the good guys this week – Sam Bingley – who was appointed as their CEO.
Bingley has done some work for Racing Victoria of late, but comes well-regarded from previous roles at SEN and North Melbourne.
Bingley comes to the club craving leadership following the sudden departure of Pete Downs. His ability to hold strong relationships with the trainers, the community and the sport will be will received.
