Philippa V’landys speaks on life with NRL and Racing NSW boss Peter

One person knows rugby league and racing chief Peter V’landys better than anyone - here is what she has to say about him.

Racing and rugby league chief Peter V’landys may be a tough negotiator but, according to the person who knows him best, his most admirable quality is that he treats everyone the same.

“Peter could be talking to the prime minister or the person cleaning the stables and he will treat them exactly the same because really, we are all the same,” his wife Philippa revealed in an exclusive interview in the October edition of Vogue.

“He’s like the diamond. He can be a little rough around the edges, but what I love about Peter is he has a good heart and he looks for the good in everybody,” she said.

 “He never judges a book by its cover.”

Mrs V’landys - who told how she believes firmly in complimenting other women - posed for Vogue in a Bianca Spender jacket and pants ahead of the Spring Racing Carnival that her husband oversees as chief executive of Racing NSW.

Philippa V'landys in Vogue this month. Picture: Dan Roberts, Vogue

The couple, who have been married for 19 years, spend a great deal of time at the races and this year attended Royal Ascot just months before the Queen’s death. Mr V’landys presented the Queen with a replica of The Everest trophy, the richest race on turf which he devised, and sat next to her at a palace lunch.

“He was mesmerised at how her mind was still so sharp and she was very aware of what was happening in English racing and wanted to know how it could be better over there,” Mrs V’landys said.

Peter V'landys and Philippa V'landys arrive at Ascot Racecourse in June. Picture: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Peter V'landys and wife Philippa V’landys at the Dally M Awards at The Winx Stand, Royal Randwick Racecourse. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

The couple also could not resist breaking the “no waving” rule in the car ride from Windsor Castle to the racecourse. Mrs V’landys said her husband did a “Mr Bean-style” wave to their three children Katerina, 12, Nicholas, 10, and Maddie, 9, as they entered the course.

And despite the pressures of being chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission and head of Racing NSW, Mrs V’landys said her husband is dedicated to “Team V’landys … when he is with the kids he loves it’’.

“I think I’m quite proud that Peter and I have a good family unit,” she said.

The Spring Racing Carnival gets into full swing on Saturday with Epsom Day.

It is followed by signature race days including The Everest at Royal Randwick and The Golden Eagle at Rosehill.