‘My views are quite the opposite’: Trainer Chris Waller distances himself from controversial letter to NSW racing minister David Harris

Leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller has publicly backed the leadership of Racing NSW boss Peter V’landys while distancing himself from a controversial letter to racing minister David Harris.

Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller has written to Racing Minister David Harris clarifying his position about a controversial industry letter raising concerns about Racing NSW while hinting at criticism of its chief executive Peter V’landys.

Waller wrote an email to the racing minister effectively distancing himself from the letter sent to the racing minister on April 14 by owner-breeder Julia Ritchie from the “Save Rosehill” group which called for an independent review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act due to an “erosion of trust in the governance structures currently in place”.

The names of 27 prominent racing identities – including Waller – were on the letter but Sydney’s premier trainer said in the email: “I wish to make it absolutely clear I did not sign any such letter, nor do I support the sentiment it implies. In fact, my views are quite the opposite.’’

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In Waller’s email, he described V’landys as “an extraordinary administrator, arguably the best the sport has seen” after overseeing the remarkable transformation of the NSW racing industry in recent years.

“My greatest concern is that any proposed changes could destabilise the current moment and leave Racing NSW vulnerable at a time when all sports are facing significant challenges,’’ he wrote.

Waller told the minister he did have concerns about the proposal to sell Rosehill racecourse, where he has his stable base, for $5 billion to make way for a new suburb with up to 25,000 homes.

“While I understand the potential of this helping alleviate the housing shortage in Sydney, I question whether it will truly result in affordable housing,’’ Waller said. “More importantly, I question how a comparable track to Rosehill can be rebuilt without losing its critical metropolitan footprint.’’

Trainer Chris Waller. Picture: Richard Dobson

A spokesman for Harris said the “Minister for Gaming and Racing previously committed to commencing a review into the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1196 this year, as the Act had not been reviewed since 2014”.

“The purpose of the review is to determine whether the Act is still fit for purpose,’’ the spokesman said.

“We will follow the usual processes in conducting the review. Further information about the review, including its scope and timing, will be made available in due course.”

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EXPECT slot movement for The Everest to start gaining momentum if Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising extends his winning streak in the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Ka Ying Rising has been the long-time favourite for the $20 million The Everest and if he can win his 12th race in succession in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize – and he is at virtually unbackable odds to do so – then it is likely he will soon be confirmed as an Everest starter.

"It is madness"

David Hayes is eager to run Ka Ying Rising at Flemington if he wins The Everest, but Racing Victoria’s vet protocols could get in the way of that happening. @TheNoochHS@AlexJDonnellyhttps://t.co/lF78xcLI8V

— Racenet (@RacenetTweets) April 25, 2025

Private Harry, the unbeaten winner of the Group 1 The Galaxy, is the only sprinter locked in for The Everest, run at Royal Randwick in October.

But there is speculation slot-holders are close to locking in Group 1 winners Briasa (TJ Smith Stakes) and Jimmysstar (Oakleigh Plate, All Aged Stakes).

"If he is better than $1.20, then back him."

David Hayes had to endure a few nervous moments before Ka Ying Rising drew perfectly for Sunday’s Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize. https://t.co/iqeHSQkqBb

— Racenet (@RacenetTweets) April 25, 2025

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MR BRIGHTSIDE can take his earnings to nearly $20 million if he can win the Group 1 Champions Mile at the Sha Tin meeting.

The Team Hayes-trained Mr Brightside is the fourth highest prizemoney earner of all-time in Australian racing with $17,382,902. If he wins in Hong Kong, the gelding will take his overall career earnings to $19,974,902.

Only three horses have broken the $20 million barrier – mighty mare Winx with a record $26,451,175, Bella Nipotina ($22,757,625) and Nature Strip ($20,755,018).

Part-owner Michael Andreadis, who once tried to split his share in Mr Brightside after a deflating maiden defeat, will break with tradition when the champion gelding races in Hong Kong on Sunday. @gilbertgardiner@lindsayparkrace@HKJC_Racinghttps://t.co/LsHFkkAVhc

— Racenet (@RacenetTweets) April 24, 2025

Mr Brightside, who has won 19 of his 43 starts, is aiming for a 10th Group 1 win and endorse his champion status against an outstanding field that includes Hong Kong’s Voyage Bubble and Doncaster Mile runner-up Royal Patronage, who is trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

It’s been nearly 10 years since an Australian-trained horse won a Group 1 race in Hong Kong – and that was the freakish effort by the Team Hawkes stable’s “grey flash” Chautauqua in the 2016 Chairman’s Sprint Prize.

Originally published as ‘My views are quite the opposite’: Trainer Chris Waller distances himself from controversial letter to NSW racing minister David Harris