The new Sydney racing club, the Australian Turf Club (ATC), will begin on Monday following the successful merger of the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) and the Sydney Turf Club (STC).

Today’s meet at Rosehill will mark the last race meeting run by the STC before racing under the banner of the new club starts from Monday 7th February 2011.

NSW Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene announced the merger between the Sydney Turf Club and the Australian Jockey Club has now been finalised.

“The creation of the Australian Turf Club Limited, NSW’s new major racing club, is one of the most significant developments in the history of NSW racing,” Mr Greene said.

“Today is a day of celebration for our world-class racing industry and its 50,000 participants,” Mr Greene said.

“NSW Government has secured a $174million funding package to renovate and revitalise Sydney’s most iconic tracks, Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick, as part of this major racing reform.

“This is an important opportunity for the industry and NSW economy, which benefits from the $1billion racing brings to the State each year,” Mr Greene said.

John Cornish, Australian Turf Club chairperson, celebrated the shared history of Sydney racing.

“And looking forward with a united vision we will see both Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens in a relationship which will be great for the industry,” Mr Cornish said.

“The physical benefits of merger will become apparent soon, when we commence the $150million redevelopment of Royal Randwick as well as $24million in improvements to Rosehill Gardens.”

Wednesday 9th February, 2011, will see the first race day under the new Australian Turf Club at Royal Randwick.