Legendary racecourse to be turned into housing estate as punters react with horror to £2.6billion plans
PUNTERS have reacted with horror after it emerged an iconic track is to close and be turned into a ‘mini-city’ as part of a mega £2.6billion plan.
Rosehill racecourse in Sydney, Australia, is going to be turned into a haven for 25,000 homes complete with its own train station.
GettyThe hugely popular track will be relocated and it is hoped the move will be completed in the next decade[/caption]
Amazingly, Australian Turf Club, who own the track, approached the New South Wales government with the idea.
But they have done so under the condition that they will retain the land and funds from the development will go back into the racing industry.
The plan, hailed as a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity, is expected to be passed by the government.
It is hoped it will ultimately safeguard racing’s future in Sydney and contribute to the redevelopment of Canterbury Park racecourse as well as provide new stables and training facilities.
ATC chairman Peter McGauran said: “This future-proofs Sydney racing for a century to come.
“It will cement Sydney racing as the best, most modern and financially secure jurisdiction anywhere in the world.”
According to the plans, while Rosehill racecourse will cease to exist as we know it, the name will at least carry over to a new track nearby.
It’s not yet known where the racecourse will be moved to but the government has flagged a number of possible sites.
And it is hoped it will be completed within the next ten years.
However, some punters were left furious by the radical plans.
One wrote in reaction to the news online: “Can’t believe they would even consider this let alone walk the proposal through the front door of government.”
Another said: “Decisions being made in racing all the time with wagering/tax/development. None is in the best interest of racing the sport.”
While one comment read: “Literally gutted for all the participants that rely on Rosehill.
“Let alone the irreplaceable history that will be quickly forgotten.
“History was once a big part of the sport. Now I’m not sure what it’s about anymore.”
Racing enjoys massive popularity Down Under and the country came to a standstill for last month’s Melbourne Cup.
Punters really got into the spirit of things by letting their hair down, having a few bets and a couple of drinks at the money-spinning Spring Carnival.
Rosebank is host to the Golden Slipper Stakes, the world’s richest race for two-year-olds.
Ryan Moore scooped the £1.6million winner’s prize on the Coolmore-owned 15-1 outsider Shinzo this year.
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