Region. Merger of racing clubs

By some accounts, the NSW government has offered the asset-rich AJC and STC racing clubs grants worth as much as $160 million - plus another $50 million in loans - to bring off the deal to revitalise racing in NSW, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. NSW Racing Minister, Kevin Greene, said negotiations were under way and no decision had been made. There has been long-term resistance to a merger from within the clubs.This is a critical time for the state's racing industry, which creates $3.5 billion a year in wagering turnover, employs 50,000 people and generates $433 million for state and federal revenue, the paper said.

Rosehill. STC and AJC likely merger

The Sydney Turf Club and the Australian Jockey Club have been marked for amalgamation after NSW Racing Minister, Kevin Greene, called for a meeting between the two bodies, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. STC chairman, Bill Picken, said an amalgamation would make sense given the downturn in the global economy. AJC chairman, Ross Smyth-Kirk, agreed a union between the clubs was worth investigating. Ï believe this is a move that will benefit racing in NSW for all participants,” Mr Greene said.

Parramatta. New position for former STC chairman

Alan Brown, a lawyer and former chairman, of the Sydney Turf Club, has bee appointed chairman, of the new five-person Racing NSW board. Mr Brown has had a long and successful involvement in thoroughbred racing, according to The Daily Telegraph. Elected to the STC board in 1983, he subsequently held various positions including treasurer and vice-chairman before being appointed chairman in 2005.