To breeders, trainers, owners and industry participants,

The Thoroughbred Report (TTR) was founded on the basis that our industry deserves transparency, accountability and leadership that can withstand scrutiny.

The Thoroughbred Report is now now defending a personal defamation action brought against Vicky Leonard, TTR and our journalist Kit Gow by Peter V’landys in the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

The proceedings arise from an article published by The Thoroughbred Report that examined an important governance question: whether a 21-year CEO tenure is in the best interests of NSW horse racing.

The article addressed tenure and governance, published in the public interest at a time when the NSW Government is reviewing the Thoroughbred Racing Act.

The response has been Supreme Court litigation.

Every dollar spent on legal action is a dollar Racing NSW has effectively taken away from trainers, owners, participants, infrastructure and equine welfare. Industry funds should strengthen the sport - not be used to litigate against public interest journalism.

All donations received will be spent exclusively on legal fees.

We have estimated legal costs to be:

Approximately $250,000 to reach the first decision hearing.

A further $500,000 through Phase 2 of proceedings.

If the matter proceeds to full trial, total costs could exceed well beyond $1 million.

Which is why we need your help.

Whether your contribution is small or significant, your support helps ensure that accountability and open discussion remain part of our industry’s future.

Donations will be transferred to a bank account verified and approved by GoFundMe, set up exclusively for legal fees.

For larger contributions or direct transfers, please contact TTR directly.

This case is being defended because the principle matters. This fund has been established solely to meet the legal costs of defending this proceeding and to ensure that accountability and open discussion remain part of our industry’s future.

If we value strong governance in Australian racing, we must be prepared to defend it.

With appreciation and determination,

Vicky Leonard