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Chris Waller revives Rosehill sale debate

3 minute read

Chris Waller has labelled the submission to sell Rosehill racecourse as “disturbing”.

Trainer CHRIS WALLER.
Trainer CHRIS WALLER. Picture: Steve Hart

Leading trainer Chris Waller has given an impassioned plea for the proposed sale of Rosehill to be quashed, saying it is an even more crucial facility for the local community than it is for the racing industry.

Along with Gai Waterhouse, the champion trainer has been vocal in questioning details of the motion, put forward by the Australian Turf Club and NSW government, to sell off one of Sydney's premier tracks to make way for a housing development in a deal mooted to be worth around $5 billion.

Waller has revisited the contentious issue in a spontaneous aside on his weekly preview show, saying he not only has major concerns with the proposal, but specifically how it could impact future generations of locals.

"What has been disturbing to me is it's that flawed and that offbeat towards the better(ment) of community, let alone racing," Waller said.

"I have no personal agenda. I care about the next generation….we do need a bigger picture and they might not be training at Rosehill in fifty years' time.

"But it's not about training, this is about racing and a community coming together."

While conceding Rosehill might not always be a training centre, Waller believes it should continue to be an eminent Sydney racecourse.

He also hinted that the ATC and state government might lack the crucial support of ATC members, who need to veto any sale.

"There will be better places to train horses out of - the Southern Highlands, the Central Coast, out west (in) Penrith," Waller said.

"It will beyond my next ten, twenty years (in the industry).

"But it needs to happen, and they will still be racing at Rosehill when they're training at those 'super' training centres."

With Sydney's population set to continue its expansion in the coming decades, it is expected the city's boundaries will also continue to push further out.

Waller says that is important for Rosehill, which sits adjacent to Parramatta, as the area will need venues for local communities to gather, such as a racecourse.

"It's where all nationalities come together as one, all ages come together, all walks of life….that's the beauty of a racetrack. It's what brings people together for a community event," he said.

"Premier Minns is doing an outstanding job acknowledging we've got to deal with our housing shortage, but I think there are better places that cause less disruption and that can provide a cheaper form of living, rather than putting up big towers in the middle of Rosehill that won't be that affordable."


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