A year after Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys convened a meeting with the state’s leading thoroughbred breeders to address tensions following his public criticisms during a parliamentary inquiry into the proposed sale of Rosehill racecourse, relations between the breeding industry and the regulator remain strained. Despite the initial meeting being described as “constructive” by Aushorse chair Antony Thompson, dialogue has stalled, with key issues such as the contentious Pattern race calendar reform and the fallout from the failed $5 billion Rosehill sale unresolved. V’landys’ attempts to implement a ratings-based approach to race classification have been rejected by other racing authorities, leading to a stalemate that affects the recognition of race upgrades and the industry’s international reputation.
The ongoing discord is compounded by V’landys’ earlier public accusations against wealthy breeders regarding animal welfare concerns, which bred resentment among influential industry figures who still hold significant financial power in NSW racing. The politicisation of the sport, highlighted by the Australian Turf Club’s recent show-cause notice and the charged atmosphere at race meetings, has left stakeholders frustrated and divided. Many insiders feel the current environment detracts from the enjoyment and purity of racing, underscoring the deep divisions between Racing NSW’s leadership and key breeding stakeholders.
