Firebrand MP Mark Latham given green light to attend races while under investigation

Mark Latham is under investigation for the alleged verbal abuse of a senior Australian Turf Club official - but he won’t be prevented from attending Saturday’s races at Royal Randwick.

Mark Latham remains free to attend the races at Royal Randwick on Saturday despite an ongoing investigation into his alleged verbal abuse of a senior Australian Turf Club executive.

The Daily Telegraph understands the fireband MP has booked a table in the members area for a meeting to be staged just days after the alleged incident at Rosehill Gardens.

Racing officials discussed on Thursday whether Mr Latham should have his membership rights suspended until a board inquiry into his alleged expletive-laden outburst makes its findings.

The ATC confirmed the investigation is set to be completed late next week.

But an ATC spokesman told this masthead: “The decision has been made to allow Mark Latham to attend the races this Saturday.

Mark Latham at a race meeting in Sydney. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“The ATC is in the process of writing to inform him of the investigation and his right to reply to any allegations made. We expect to have the matter settled before Saturday week.

“Mr Latham will also be reminded about the obligations of an ATC member and that there is no tolerance for any behavior considered unacceptable.”

The incident on Tuesday occurred early afternoon when Mr Latham directed a series of remarks at ATC Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Steve McMahon.

The MP’s comments allegedly included: “You can f*** off”.

Mr Latham is also alleged to have vowed to bring down the ATC chair Peter McGauran and Mr McMahon over their involvement in a proposal for the potential sale of Rosehill for $5 billion to make way for a mini-city of 25,000 houses, claiming they would ruin the club and the industry.

ATC chairman Peter McGauran. Picture: Bradley Photos

Mr Latham was not ejected from the racecourse at the time but the ATC said later in the day it was investigating an incident “witnessed by several people” and involving “alleged unprovoked verbal abuse”.

The Daily Telegraph has been told the ATC has previously issued verbal abuse suspensions, including a six-month ban for one member.

In recent days Mr Latham has launched a series of critical public comments about Mr McMahon via various platforms including Facebook posts. Mr McMahon declined to comment when approached for a response.

The proposal unveiled in December 2023 to sell off Rosehill Gardens and have a new track and facilities developed elsewhere found a staunch opponent in Mr Latham.

In a Facebook post at the weekend, he wrote: “If you see me on Tuesday at Rosehill or Saturday at Randwick races, please come and sign my petition to remove from the ATC Board Peter McGauran (Chair) and Ben Bayot (elected) and SAVE ROSEHILL.”

The ATC membership will vote on the proposal on May 12.

Originally published as Firebrand MP Mark Latham given green light to attend races while under investigation