Racing NSW’s Newmarket dream: 1000-horse training facility mooted in draft strategic plan

Racing NSW has reiterated plans to develop a major Sydney training centre similar to England’s famous Newmarket complex as part of its draft strategic plan, released today.

Racehorses climb the Warren Hill gallop at Newmarket, England. Racing NSW plans to use the Newmarket training facility as a model for a Sydney facility. Picture: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

Racing NSW has reiterated plans to develop a major training centre close to Sydney that will be similar to England’s famous Newmarket training and racing complex.

The bold vision to have more than 1000 horses trained on the site with multiple racetrack surfaces and infrastructure is a cornerstone of the Racing NSW’s draft Strategic Plan released on Monday.

The central theme of the Strategic Plan is to future-proof the NSW racing industry against the “challenges and headwinds” it faces in coming years including declining wagering turnover, equine welfare issues and to grow engagement in the sport through all demographics.

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Racing NSW has taken the unprecedented step of providing a draft of its 2024 Strategic Plan for industry consideration and consultation before finalising the document.

The development of the training centre is a major pillar of Racing NSW’s long-term plan but is not contingent on the Rosehill racetrack sale proposal.

The Australian Turf Club has been progressing an unsolicited proposal to the NSW Government for the sale of Rosehill.

In the draft Strategic Plan document, Racing NSW revealed it would “be analysing this (Rosehill sale) proposal in detail and ensuring the proper due diligence is completed and the outcomes are in the best interests of the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry.’’

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys (left) and chief operating officer Graeme Hinton appear at the state government’s inquiry into the proposal to develop Rosehill Racecourse. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

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Racing NSW is still sourcing potential sites for the new training centre that would provide trainers with the opportunity to “acquire their own training base as an asset for their businesses”.

“Currently, trainers conducting their businesses on racecourse lands pay rent for the use of their stables but are rarely able to procure any such assets within their business,’’ the document read.

“Accordingly, the new training centre will provide an opportunity for trainers to sub-divide portions of land for their own stables in particular and potentially housing.’’

With owners collectively losing $273 million in NSW each year, the draft Strategic Plan identifies the “defraying of owners costs” as a key element in the future sustainability of the NSW racing industry.

“Racing NSW has been working with trainers, owners, race clubs and suppliers to firstly identify the cost base of ownership and what elements of these costs can be addressed,’’ the document read.

“This review of costs will incorporate areas such as staffing, veterinary fees, feed supplies and transport to identify opportunities for the industry to reduce costs such as by maximising economies of scale or eliminating monopolistic behaviour.’’

Racing NSW has called for submissions from participants and interested parties by September 13 before the Strategic Plan is finalised.

Originally published as Racing NSW’s Newmarket dream: 1000-horse training facility mooted in draft strategic plan