It’s the list nobody asked for. But we’ve done it anyway.
Betsy will publish its top ten power list for both NSW and Victoria, detailing the key powerbrokers in racing and how their key relationships.
Some on these lists will be household names – there are others that punters will never heard of. But they are all crucial players in an industry worth billions of dollars.
The list is not designed to simply highlight those in positions of power or roles that give them prominence. It’s designed to have a look at those have an impact and with the ability to shape crucial decisions on how racing in Australia is run.
Veteran Sydney racing journalist Chris Roots lists his 6-10 in NSW below.
10. Kingsley Bartholomew
He has been a leading professional punter for the past 25 years, as well as spending some time as a bookmaker. He has come out of the shadows with the Wolfden operation. His idea is to bring together a racing community and educate the next generation of punters. He remembers the old days at the track, where friendships were forged, and wants to see a community like that flourish again. He finds plenty of winners and gives punters an insight into being a professional. He also shares his opinion on the way forward for punters and is starting to become an advocate for them. The way most people participate in racing is through having a bet, and it is refreshing to see someone focused on that side of the business.
I expect to win every race day. And if I don’t, I’m shocked.
The edge? Preparation.
✅ Clear selection process
✅ Disciplined staking
✅ Mental prep before Race 1Without it, you’re just betting on emotion and that’s how punters lose.
Catch the full show here:… pic.twitter.com/wnZ56k8BKb
— The King Zone (@TheKingZoneForm) August 26, 2025
9. Julia Ritchie
The former vice-chair of the Australian Turf Club led the Save Rosehill campaign and has the respect of many at the top of racing. She is also a leading owner and breeder and has The Oaks property just outside Sydney. Her ability to bring everyone together behind the push to stop Rosehill being sold was impressive, and having served on racing boards for the past couple of decades, she has a good understanding of the challenges facing the sport. She is unable to return to the ATC board, having served her full term, but would be an ideal candidate to join Racing NSW’s board. She has turned her talent to making sure the review of Racing NSW is done to the fullest extent, and her submission will carry some weight.
8. Chris Waller
The former Kiwi runs the biggest training operation in Sydney, saddling up almost three times as many runners as the next most prolific trainer in the metropolitan area last season. He has won the past 15 Sydney trainers’ premierships, but also says he has more losers than anyone else. He has the ear of Peter V’landys when decisions surrounding racing are made. He is an Everest slotholder and a major player in the thoroughbred market. He is thoughtful in his ideas about racing and is improving at sharing them effectively in public. He understands what racing needs going forward and is becoming less hesitant to share his opinions.
7. James McDonald
Punters are well aware of the JMac tax; such is their faith in the champion jockey. He is the winner of the past seven Sydney jockeys’ premierships and nine in total, and what McDonald decides to ride will lead betting markets in a certain direction. McDonald remains the first-choice rider for champion trainer Chris Waller and is sought after by the biggest stables around the country. McDonald’s value to racing can be measured by where he rides, punters want to bet. He is clearly the best jockey in Australia, if not the world.
Via Sistina takes the Winx Stakes (G1)!
— IFHA’s Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings (@worldsbesthorse) August 23, 2025
6. Graeme Hinton
Hinton has been Peter V’landys’ right-hand man for the past decade and is trusted with the day-to-day running of Racing NSW as V’landys commitment to rugby league takes him away. Hinton is seen as the next chief executive of Racing NSW and his ability to listen and take on the views of the industry makes him popular, even though he sometimes has to disappoint people. He has become the touchpoint for most within the industry and has served a long apprenticeship. He is ready to step into the top role when V’landys decided his time in racing is up. He has a different style to V’landys, and can build on his legacy.
