Mathers calls for total overhaul of “boring” Sydney racing
“ALL positions should be declared vacant” if Racing NSW wishes to reverse the failing fortunes of the Sydney track scene, according to James Mathers.
In a scathing blog post published on Tuesday, he insisted wholesale changes were required from top to bottom if the industry was to have any hope of turning things around.
“The answer is simple, it’s boring and it’s surrounded and lead by boring, sycophantic people of mediocre intellect and class,” wrote Mathers as to why big-money events such as The Championships and the $10 million Everest were having little impact.
“It has become an industry and sport of false pretence and elitism. The industry at the top needs change and it needs it now.
“It needs strong and intelligent people in charge, people with class. It urgently needs a significant cultural change, a change away from a focus of driving prize money and wagering.
“All positions should be declared vacant.”
Mathers, who stood for election to the Australian Turf Club board last year, said interest in horse racing was fast evaporating in Sydney society, due in large part to the sport’s perceived lack of integrity.
He added that the considerable investment in spectator facilities at major venues such as Royal Randwick had done nothing to improve the trackside atmosphere.
“A day at the races in Sydney especially Royal Randwick has become boring,” Mathers continued.
“It’s no longer fun and I think the reason for this is that the facilities are not conducive to producing an atmosphere.
“The ridiculous theatre of the horse in its current location is a good example. Many of the racegoers are watching from inside the Queen Elizabeth stand i.e. behind glass.
“The atmosphere and thrill the finish is not captured like the old days.”
Driving home his point about “sycophantic” directors and executives in New South Wales racing, Mathers claimed those in charge were more concerned with holding onto ladder rungs than speaking up in the best interests of the wider industry.
“There are too many people in the involved in the industry who are too frightened to publicly speak their mind, too frightened to step on toes, too frightened to lose perceived positions of status and power, too frightened to lose their incomes and too frightened of RNSW,” he said.
“When I say involved, I’m saying that these people are in positions of influence, yet they are pathetically frightened to do something about the dismal condition of Sydney racing.
“I stated above that all positions should be declared vacant and I mean that.
“I know our executives try very hard however the facts speak for themselves and they are failing. All positions should be declared vacant.
“Racing in Sydney should be outstanding. The quality of training, horsemanship and riding is first class.
“It’s a first-class product however it has a huge cultural problem.”
Mathers served as a director of the Australian Jockey Club from 2006 until 2011 and is a long-standing member of both the ATC and the Victorian Racing Club.