Horses or houses at Rosehill: VRC Board member Vin Cox denies conflict of interest

Australian Turf Club members will decide on Tuesday whether to back plans to sell Rosehill racecourse for $5bn. One of those opposing the deal is a Victorian Racing Club Board member.

Horseracing heavyweight Vin Cox denies sworn obligations to the Victorian industry have influenced his decision to oppose a proposed $5 billion sale of Rosehill Gardens.

Cox is a board member of the Victorian Racing Club, the southern rival of the Sydney-based Australian Turf Club, whose members will vote on Tuesday about whether to progress a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to generate a windfall from selling the Rosehill course.

He is also a supporter of the Save Rosehill Group, which is vehemently opposed to the plans from the ATC Board to swap out horses for houses on the site in a transformation that would allow development of 25,000 new homes.

Cox is managing director of Magic Millions, head of the Godolphin racing operations in Australia, and most recently general manager of the breeding and racing organisation Yulong Investments, where he tendered his resignation in March.

Asked on Friday for his opinion on the ATC Board proposal, Cox replied: “I’d rather not make any comment. I don’t have any faith in The Daily Telegraph so I’d rather not say anything.”

Vin Cox at the Magic Millions sales. Picture: Luke Marsden.

Pressed on whether he saw a conflict between his role on the VRC Board – given its charter is to drive the success of Victorian racing – and his stance against the Rosehill sale, Cox said: “No.”

Asked to explain his reasoning, Cox added: “I believe in the promotion of racing generally.”

Marhoona winning the 2025 Golden Slipper at Rosehill. Picture: Getty Images

The VRC Board charter says the Club’s purpose is to benefit “the thoroughbred racing industry in Victoria and the Victorian economy through hospitality, tourism, events, gaming and retail”.

It goes on to say the directors are “ultimately responsible for the proper management, administration and success of the VRC …”

This masthead was in the process of asking Cox whether the VRC might be impacted if the ATC benefited from a $5bn Rosehill sale when he interrupted, saying: “You’re trying to put words in my mouth and I’m not prepared to talk to The Daily Telegraph.”

Another VRC Board member, Neil Werrett, is also listed as a supporter of the Save Rosehill Group. The Saturday Telegraph approached him for comment.

Neil Werrett. Picture: AAP

ATC Chairman Peter McGauran.

It was also revealed this week that “a cash crisis” is forcing the VRC to strip money from the All Star Mile – a race set up to challenge the $20m The Everest in Sydney – so it can increase prizemoney for the Melbourne Cup.

A VRC document read in part: “The VRC suggest a decrease in both the Group 1 $2.5 million All Star Mile and Australian Cup to a level of $2 million for each race would not have a material impact to the quality of the field in both races and retain returns to the industry.”

“This would free up $1 million in prize money which could be used on…. increasing the Melbourne Cup to $10 million (up from $8.7m).”

ATC Chairman Peter McGauran has said if the membership supports the proposal and the Rosehill sale goes ahead, it would make the ATC the most financially secure racing club in the world and ensure the future of racing in NSW for generations.

If the plans proceed, Warwick Farm racecourse would receive an $800 million investment injection to turn it into a world-class facility.

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