Racing NSW plans to appeal a recent Supreme Court ruling that blocked its attempt to appoint an administrator at the Australian Turf Club (ATC), citing concerns that the decision limits its authority and could jeopardize the financial health of the NSW thoroughbred racing industry. The court ruled that Racing NSW’s powers are confined to regulating on-track racing activities and do not extend to off-track financial and governance matters at the ATC, which runs Sydney’s major racecourses. Racing NSW argued that a narrow interpretation of its powers threatens its ability to fund infrastructure and support for race clubs across the state, potentially impacting the livelihoods of 50,000 industry participants.

The dispute highlights tensions over control and financial management within the $3.3 billion NSW racing industry, where Racing NSW acts both as regulator and commercial operator, distributing hundreds of millions in betting-related taxes. While the ATC resisted Racing NSW’s intervention, claiming it was an improper intrusion, the court upheld the club’s position on the limits of Racing NSW’s authority. Racing NSW maintains serious concerns about the ATC’s governance and financial management and insists the appeal is necessary to ensure it can continue supporting the broader racing community. The ATC recently appointed former Myer CEO Bernie Brookes to its board amid ongoing scrutiny.