Racing NSW's Quest for a Newmarket Vision: A Southern Highlands Revolution
Racing NSW is on a mission to bring a touch of Newmarket to the Southern Highlands, and it's an ambitious one at that. The thoroughbred industry regulator is back on the hunt for a property to build a large-scale training facility, modeled after the famous UK racing town. This isn't just about horses; it's about revolutionizing the industry and creating a hub that will shape the future of Australian racing.
A Long-Held Vision
Seven years ago, Racing NSW first expressed its desire to acquire land in the Southern Highlands, capable of housing over 1000 horses in full training. It's a project that has been a long-standing ambition, and now, with new sites identified, it's back on the agenda. The vision is to create a training center that will not only house horses but also provide trainers with an opportunity to own their own training base as an asset.
The Southern Highlands: A Prime Location?
Steve Grant, a property developer and owner of Silverdale Farm, has been in talks with Racing NSW about potential properties. He believes there are great opportunities in the Southern Highlands, with properties that could suit the project. The idea is to create a hub with stables, training tracks, a racecourse, and associated facilities, all within a short distance from Sydney.
A Newmarket-Style Center
The goal is to develop a major training center that will be a state-of-the-art facility, providing an industry-leading, efficient, and effective center for training. This center will not only house horses but also provide trainers with the opportunity to own a piece of land within the facility, something they currently struggle to do on racecourse lands.
The Challenges and Benefits
Identifying and procuring the right site has been a challenge, but the benefits are clear. The facility will need to service up to 1000 horses, with multiple training surfaces and ancillary infrastructure. It will provide trainers with the chance to own their own stables and potentially housing, a significant advantage in the industry.
A Vision for the Future
Racing NSW's strategic plan emphasizes the importance of this initiative, aiming to future-proof the industry and provide trainers with a valuable asset. The plan also highlights the potential for the facility to revitalize a country town, creating a hub that will become Australia's Newmarket.
The Southern Highlands: A Potential Hub
Grant's involvement in drawing up plans for the large-scale racehorse training developments showcases his belief in the Southern Highlands as a prime location. He argues that with the right facilities, Australia can have world-class training centers within an hour and a half of the main racing centers.
A Vision for the Future
The most recent plans involve a 1250-acre site, capable of accommodating 2000 horses, with a racecourse included. Grant's vision emphasizes the importance of circular tracks for training, a unique feature that sets this project apart.
Conclusion: A Revolution in the Making
Racing NSW's quest for a Newmarket vision in the Southern Highlands is a bold move. It's a project that has the potential to revolutionize the industry, providing trainers with a valuable asset and creating a hub that will shape the future of Australian racing. As the search for the perfect site continues, the industry awaits with anticipation, eager to see this vision come to life.
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