MP under investigation for alleged verbal abuse of racing official

Firebrand politician Mark Latham is under investigation from the Australian Turf Club after an alleged verbal confrontation with a racing executive at Rosehill Gardens on Tuesday.

Mark Latham has allegedly been involved in a verbal confrontation with a racing executive at Rosehill Gardens. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Firebrand politician Mark Latham is under investigation from the Australian Turf Club after an alleged expletive-laced verbal attack on a racing executive at Rosehill Gardens.

The ATC has confirmed an incident took place “witnessed by several people” and involving “alleged unprovoked verbal abuse by an ATC member” against a senior official.

While the racing body declined to name the member, The Daily Telegraph has confirmed it was Latham who directed the remarks at ATC head of corporate affairs and government relations Steve McMahon.

According to sources, McMahon approached a table where Latham was seated, with the MP allegedly saying: “You can f*** off”.

Latham is also alleged to have vowed to bring down ATC chair Peter McGauran and McMahon over the proposed $5b sale of Rosehill for housing, claiming they would ruin the club and the industry.

Mark Latham during the inquiry into the proposal to develop Rosehill Racecourse at NSW in August 2024. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Latham was not ejected from the racecourse after the outburst, but the ATC confirmed an investigation had commenced.

It is understood the ATC board will make any final decision, likely within the next fortnight.

Sanctions for members found guilty of on-course offences can range from warnings to suspension and cancellation of membership.

Latham has been a vehement opponent to selling off Rosehill Gardens, with the ATC membership to make a decision on the proposal at a meeting on May 12.

In a Facebook post at the weekend, Latham 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.

“They have betrayed the membership and must go! We say to these two in particular: You have stayed too long for any good you have been doing. In the name of God, just go!”

McGauran has previously argued the sale of Rosehill would ensure the industry’s financial future.

He also wrote in a submission to a parliamentary select committee how “racing, training and stabling facilities funded from the proceeds of the development would secure Sydney’s place as a leading thoroughbred racing jurisdiction”.

Premier Chris Minns welcomed the proposal when it was first announced in December 2023, claiming the sale of Rosehill and the development of a mini-city in its place, in the midst of a housing crisis, was a “once in a generation opportunity”.

Latham has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as MP under investigation for alleged verbal abuse of racing official