By Ian Neubauer

The Australian Jockey Club (AJC) has signed a new 99-year lease for its venue at the Randwick Racecourse, paving the way for capital works investments at the prominent Sydney venue.

AJC chairman Ross Smyth-Kirk said he was pleased the NSW Government had taken a partnering approach in recognising the importance of long-term tenure for the club, adding that it allowed the board of trustees to re-invest in the facility.

“Immediately following Melbourne Cup day, stage one of the master plan will commence in earnest,” he said. “This work will improve the customer experience through improved entry and exit facilities, add new day stalls and enhance the public domain.”

The lease signing was made possible by special NSW Government legislation introduced earlier this year and witnessed by NSW Racing Minister, Kevin Greene.

“This lease provides greater certainty and protection to the Australian Jockey Club and the Royal Randwick Racecourse,” the Minister said. “Randwick Racecourse is one of Australia’s major racing venues and it’s in the best interest of NSW that it
continues hosting top-level racing and major public events.”