Racing industry criticism curiously goes missing.

[Murray Fish]

https://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/episodes/racing/105175616

[Murray Fish]

11 April 2025 Statement from Peter V'Landys At the outset, I must respectfully note that many of the assertions you have referenced  are grossly inaccurate and appear to be based on misinformation or exaggeration. By way of example, I was entirely unaware of the Ray Thomas interview with Gai Waterhouse, did not view the program at the time and, to this day, have not seen it. As such, any suggestion that I, or anyone at Racing NSW, had any involvement in SKY’s decisions regarding that interview—including its content or timing—is completely without foundation. Additionally, the figures cited in relation to the Form Guides published in the Daily Telegraph and Sydney Morning Herald are significantly overstated. To clarify: TAB funds 75% of the cost of the Daily Telegraph Form Guide, while Racing NSW contributes less than 25% — and Harness Racing NSW also provides funding. Racing NSW does not contribute at all to the Sydney Morning Herald Form Guide, which is funded by a different wagering operator. Racing NSW’s role in that context is merely to facilitate the f low of those funds. Therefore, the notion that Racing NSW expends “millions” on these form guides to influence media coverage is entirely unfounded. These form guides are a key driver of wagering activity, and their funding is principally borne by wagering operators. Please see below my responses to your specific questions:

Q: Do you cultivate friendships with decision makers in the media and politics, in the hope that it will pay dividends down the track, benefiting you and the organisations you lead? We note you have said this is the case in a previous interview with Mark Bouris in 2022. A: I consider it an essential part of my role as Chief Executive of Racing NSW and Chairman of the NRL to build constructive relationships with media and political stakeholders. This is a standard and expected aspect of any senior executive or leadership role. Suggesting otherwise would be unrealistic.

Q: Have you or anyone from Racing NSW ever intervened to influence the media coverage concerning yourself, Racing NSW or the NRL? A: No, I have not. I have never contacted any media representative with the intent to influence coverage of Racing NSW, the NRL, or myself—other than to correct factual inaccuracies, as I am doing here. It is also worth noting that I am regularly approached by media for my views or commentary on various issues relating to racing and rugby league. Q: We have been told you telephone high-ranking media executives to complain about negative media queries which suggest an item is forthcoming which may be critical of Racing NSW and/or you personally. Is this the case? Please refer to my response above.

Q: As per the question above, it appears these contacts are for the purposes of managing yours, and Racing NSW’s image in the media. Is this the case? A: Again, I refer you to my previous response.

Q: Did you or anyone from Racing NSW contact anyone at Nine/SMH with respect to the SMH story of 19 March 2025 examining the Sky Interview? A: As stated earlier, I was entirely unaware of the Ray Thomas interview with Gai Waterhouse and have never viewed it. I did not contact anyone at Nine or the SMH. Any contact made by Racing NSW would have been solely to clarify that Racing NSW had no involvement in the interview, its content, or its timing. Our sole objective is always to ensure factual accuracy.

Q: Did you or anyone from Racing NSW contact anyone at Sky Racing with respect to the Ray Thomas Sky Racing interview? Prior to its eventual broadcast, did you or anyone at Racing NSW discuss the content of Gai Waterhouse's interview with Ray Thomas? A: Please refer to the previous response.

Q: Gai Waterhouse has [said] the result of your 'control' of people in the racing industry in NSW and the pressure you and Racing NSW exert is a culture of 'censorship' in the media. How do you respond? A: There is absolutely no censorship of media coverage by Racing NSW or myself. As noted above, the financial details regarding the Form Guides have been misrepresented. Racing NSW’s contributions are limited. Suggesting that media coverage is bought or manipulated is both inaccurate and unfair. Racing NSW engages routinely and openly with stakeholders across the industry, including through annual reports, strategic plans, and regular meetings of the Racing Industry Consultative Group.

Q: Do you use the resources of Racing NSW or the NRL to cultivate relationships in the media which may lead to POSITIVE coverage of those organisations, or yourself? A: As stated earlier, fostering productive relationships with media is part of any leadership role. These relationships support fair and balanced coverage—a standard practice across all major sports and industries.

Q: Have you used your relationships to influence the coverage of the Rosehill Racecourse sale debate? A: No.

Q: What is your response to Gai Waterhouse's remarks at the Rosehill Racecourse inquiry (July 2024), where she said: "It’s a bit like the elephant in the room isn't it...you have a very powerful CEO in Mr V’landys and he controls racing and he controls everyone in racing...you only have to look at the newspapers now and the media coverage...it's very controlled...we don't have the true picture at all" A: As stated above, I reject any claim of media censorship or control. Racing NSW operates transparently, consulting broadly with stakeholders including the NSW Trainers Association, with whom we are in near-daily contact. Our strategic plan and comprehensive annual report are regularly published and accessible. Q: We understand that behind the scenes you have been advocating in favour of the proposal to sell Rosehill Racecourse. How do you respond? A: I have always been clear and transparent in stating that I would support the proposal if the $5 billion valuation is achieved and if the Australian Turf Club can demonstrate viable alternative arrangements for hosting the affected race meetings. It is vital that ATC members are fully informed and presented with both sides of the argument before making any decision. Q: We understand that in the corporate box at Royal Randwick, the menu typically includes a seafood starter, followed by fish or steak and Crème Brûlée, with your preference being a plate of chips. Is this correct? A: Anyone who knows me will confirm that I do have a fondness for hot chips and my girth also highlights that. I might also add that mini meat pies are served after lunch and are very well received by all attendees. 

Edited Thursday at 11:31 PM by Murray Fish