News

Powerbroker Tinker has his say

5th Mar 2009

Daily Telegraph - Ray Thomas - Friday, 6 March 2009

NATHAN Tinkler (pictured with Racing Manager, Rick Connolly), arguably racing's most powerful man, supports a merger of Sydney's two race clubs.

But Tinkler has urged the State Government and Racing NSW to take control of the merger rather than let the Australian Jockey Club and the Sydney Turf Club thrash out the details.

"I've met with (Racing Minister) Kevin Greene and I applaud his decision to put the AJC-STC merger on the agenda," Tinkler said.

"I'm not familiar with the ins and outs of either club but, like any merger, whether it is a company or two race clubs, there will be casualties. This will be no different.

"I can't see any incentive there for the race clubs. What you are doing is asking people to do themselves out of a job. I think what we are setting ourselves up for here is to fail again.

"We are already seeing the AJC become emotional about this but the debate is not about emotion, it is about business - and I think the only way it will remain a business is if Racing NSW and the Minister come together and bring about the outcome the industry needs."

Tinkler has a reputation for being reticent with the media. But he agreed to an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph this week in which he revealed his thoughts on many of racing's major issues and gave an insight into the growing success of his Patinack Farm racing and breeding operation.

"I've got over $100 million invested in the racing industry so I would be disappointed if the racing industry didn't want to hear my thoughts on the critical issues," Tinkler said.

"I've spoken to guys like (Racing NSW chairman) Alan Brown and (Racing NSW chief executive) Peter V'landys and I've found those guys to be forward-thinking. (But) I think racing needs to have a good look at itself."

Tinkler, 32, said the next decade would be a crucial period for the racing industry, which needed to explore and develop new income streams and not be so reliant on TAB turnover.

Tinkler, who last year was said to have a $441 million fortune from mining investments that put him at the top of Business Review Weekly magazine's list of the richest Australians under the age of 40, maintains his business interests in the mining industry "is 90 per cent of my focus".

But his racing and breeding juggernaut, which now has more than 700 thoroughbred racing and breeding stock, is set to become a dominant force in Australian racing over the next five years.

He is hoping for a feature race hat-trick at Royal Randwick tomorrow, including Raheeb in the $300,000 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m), which is sponsored by Tinkler's Patinack Farm and is the first Group One race in Sydney this autumn.

"I haven't given up on Raheeb yet," Tinkler said.

"His last two runs have been a bit frustrating but he's had excuses. Last start was on a heavy track and he just doesn't hit the line in those conditions. We are hoping he gets a dry track (tomorrow) and gets a chance to show what he can do."

Tinkler is also expecting competitive runs from Subtle Cove (Listed $100,000 Wiggle Quality) and Madeittothemoon (Group Three $100,000 Kindergarten Stakes).