Chris Waller would be open to growing his stable in Melbourne if Rosehill is sold

NSW’s premier trainer Chris Waller will consider increasing his presence in Victoria if the sale of Rosehill goes ahead.

Chris Waller says the pros and cons of selling Rosehill need to be weighed up before any decision is made. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Melbourne racing could be a major beneficiary of the future sale of Sydney’s Rosehill racecourse, with champion trainer Chris Waller signalling an interest in growing his Victorian footprint.

Waller urged those “promoting” the Rosehill housing development push, the Australian Turf Club and NSW Government, “wouldn’t want it to backfire in their face”.

Melbourne Cup-winner Waller, Australia’s biggest trainer, is based at Rosehill with satellite stables at Flemington, Gold Coast and Macedon Lodge.

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“I just think there’s a lot to think about and it makes me think about Victoria a lot and how all the infrastructure is down there,” Waller told RSN on Saturday.

“Little tracks like Pakenham, you have got really good young trainers down there invest in their own properties, some maybe renting, and they’ve basically built up something, that they own and the industry owns.

“I just think you got to put a lot of thought into it, then you got Cranbourne getting bigger, Ballarat (has) gone from a dark cold place to a vibrant training centre which pumps out a lot of winners.”

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Waller achieved great success out of the Macedon Lodge satellite, with spring stars including Melbourne Cup runner-up Soulcombe thriving at the complex.

“I think the big thing is, a trainer needs an asset, at the end of the day, we’ve got properties but don’t have as much skin in the game as I’d like,” Waller said.

“There’s so many pros and cons. Where it (Rosehill) is geographically situated, we got to be careful of that, Parramatta, is basically the heart of Sydney, if it’s not now it will be in 20 years’ time.

Chris Waller at Rosehill. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

“Where are we in 200 years’ time, forget Chris Waller, forget other trainers at the moment, try and work out the best for people in 200 years’ time.

“We are in a world of climate change, I never like to admit it, but temperatures are getting hotter and this weekend in Sydney is a great example, at what stage will they say it’s too hot for racing?

“One of the places mentioned (Rosehill replacement) is Horsley Park and I think it’s about 43-44 degrees there today.”

The ATC and NSW Government last Wednesday revealed plans to turn Rosehill into a 25,000-strong housing development valued at an eye-watering $5 billion.

The pitch includes a commitment to upgrade NSW’s existing racing infrastructure and build a new racecourse with proceeds of the redevelopment.

“The beauty of the racing industry, everybody offers their opinion and there’s some good thoughts get passed around, ideas,” Waller said.

“I think if you sit back and use those ideas and come up with the best options I think we’d be in a lot better position and maybe even so for those promoting the possible changes, because they wouldn’t want it backfire in their face.”

Originally published as Chris Waller would be open to growing his stable in Melbourne if Rosehill is sold