Peter V'landys has taken aim at the NSW Government, with reports circling that The Everest could be part of major scheduling conflict later this year.
The $15 million sprint race has quickly become Racing NSW's greatest treasure, drawing in huge crowds at Royal Randwick and getting younger fans to attend.
But recent reports indicate that pop megastar Bruno Mars could be performing on the same day, just a few hundred metres down the road at the brand-new Sydney Football Stadium.
“Why would you divide Sydney into deciding where to go? We’ve worked very hard to bring an event to Sydney," he told 2GB Radio.
"It’s a home-grown event. We’ve established it, we’ve got interstate visitors, international visitors.
“Why would you undermine it by putting a one-off pop concert down the road? It’s beyond comprehension. I thought when they told me it must have been the first of April.
“I just could not believe it. The Everest attracts the younger generation, we’re very proud that we’ve got an event for 20-35-year-olds, and they’re the same people that will go to Bruno Mars."
V'landys has been able to add his own finesse to the racing industry recent years, providing genuine competition to Victoria, who have been the dominant force - especially during the spring.
The ARL Commission boss also took aim at the current infrastructure around the city and eastern suburbs, which would make the double-booking a nightmare for commuters.
"I don’t know if you’ve seen the road infrastructure in Moore Park and the eastern suburbs of Sydney, it can’t handle all those people in cars," he said.
"Where are they going to park? It will be traffic chaos.
“It will take the gloss off both events. Why wouldn’t you do it the week before or the week after? They’re both vacant weekends with no competition.
“You would never see the Victorian government put a pop concert (against) the AFL grand final.
"It makes no commercial sense. It’s not good for NSW taxpayers.”
There is definitely a cross-over between the young, wild and free generation who enjoy Mars' music, and those who would be hoping to attend the glitz and glam of The Everest.
V'landys will leave the door open for the Government to re-think and perhaps reschedule the concert, which would likely detract from the attendance at the track and cause traffic chaos around the city.
