Days After Verry Elleegant’s Unfortunate Passing, Owners Discuss ‘Future’ of Racing

Melbourne Cup-winning horse, Verry Elleegant’s tragic death, has caused a wave of mourning in the racing industry. The 11-time Group 1 winner tragically passed away while giving birth in Ireland. She went there to study after completing her glorious career in Australia. However, both Verry Elleegant and her foal did not survive.

Trainer Chris Waller took to express grief over her sudden loss and has also talked elaborately about the future of racing. He emphasizes the significance of horse racing as a community event in the greater western Sydney area. He also delves into the significance of Rosehill in racing, given the New South Wales government’s plan to turn Rosehill Racecourse into a residential development.

Horse racing as a field for a community event

The official Twitter handle of Chris Waller Racing took to post an exclusive interview with Chris Waller, in the wake of the death of Verry Elleegant due to birthing complications. The caption reads, “The boys start this weeks preview by reflecting on Verry Elleegant and the enduring legacy that she has left in our lives. A champion racehorse who captured the hearts of our staff, her connections and all racing fans. Before we get into the action on the track at Rosehill, Chris shares his thoughts around the current proposal & development plans.”

Delving into the future of horse racing amidst the plans for the Rosehill racecourse, Waller remarks that the greater western Sydney is a “huge catchment area for future participants in racing.” He adds that horse racing is “where all nationalities come together as one, all ages come together… it’s what brings people together for a community event.” Waller envisions Parramatta becoming the center of Sydney’s growing population. He proceeds to emphasize on the importance of preserving Rosehill as a key hub for racing. He remarks, “Rose Hill is the heart of Parramatta is, and it always will be.”

The fight for Rosehill

The iconic Rosehill Gardens racecourse in Sydney is set to be shut down and developed into housing over the next five years. The deal was signed between the Australian Turf Club (ATC) and the NSW Government. Premier Chris Minns had announced the proposal in December. The plan is to build 25,000 homes on the 60-hectare site that has a worth over $5 billion. Trainers, including Chris Waller, are strongly opposing the idea, remarking that the ATC is pushing through the plan without consulting them properly.

Read More: Sudden Loss of Verry Elleegant Leaves Horse Racing Fans Heartbroken: “Just awful news”

Talking about it, Waller elaborates, “Premier Minns is doing an outstanding job acknowledging that we’ve got to deal with the housing shortage, but I think there are better places that cause less disruption, that can provide a cheaper form of living, rather than putting up big towers in the middle of Rose Hill, which won’t be that affordable.”

Waller continues to advocate for maintaining Rosehill within the realm of horse racing to preserve the sport’s accessibility and appeal.

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