Australian jockeys and trainers have come out in support of the proposed $11 billion merger between Tabcorp and Tatts despite a caretaker Racing Victoria board opposing the deal.
Racing Victoria last week lodged an application with the Australian Competition Tribunal to oppose one of Australia's largest mergers in recent years.
Racing Victoria, racing.com, Crown Bet and Victorian harness and greyhound industries have given the proposal the thumbs down.
But jockeys and trainers have identified that the merger would be beneficial to their industry, with an extra $50 million a year expected to be realised.
For nearly half a century, racing officials have been attempting to have Australia's gambling dollar in one centralised organisation and if this merger is successful, racing and sporting pools are expected to reach staggering levels.
Last Friday, the Australian Competition Tribunal finished accepting submissions on the $11 billion deal.
RVL are concerned that the merger would create a monopoly with just one powerful retail outlet overseeing punting across the nation.
Acting Racing Victoria chief executive officer Giles Thompson, a former Betfair executive, said in his submission: "Tabcorp and Tatts are the only certain Australian bidders for the next retail licence. The proposed merger would, therefore, result in only one certain bidder. It is also unlikely Tabcorp would face competition from any other bidder."
But there is widespread support in Australian racing for the merger.
Paul Innes, Australian Jockeys' Association CEO, said: "The prospect of increased funding creates the potential for better stakes, better-quality races and more funding being available to racing participants, including jockeys.
"If that increased funding improves the quality of the product offered, number of races and stakes, I believe that the whole Australian racing industry will benefit."
Andrew Nichol, Australian Trainers' Association chief, said: "As a representative of trainers, I consider there to be extremely positive features of the proposed transaction."
He also said the merger would deliver enhanced prizemoney and quality of facilities, and a better product.
Ray Gunston, former Tatts executive and current senior AFL executive, said: "I'm of the view the merger will in no way harm punters and will, in fact, deliver material benefits to the racing wagering industries for a number of reasons."
And Andrew Harding, who was part of the highly successful Hong Kong Jockey Club and is secretary general of the Asian Racing Federation, said: "I'm of the view the merger would result in a stronger combined tote entity. A stronger tote will flow through to the racing industry, unlocking a number of benefits."
A decision on the merger will be made later in the year, however one of Australia's most powerful racing executives, Peter V'landys, said in his submission to the tribunal: "I'm aware of submissions which are seeking to oppose the proposed transaction on the basis of the potential impact on broadcasting rights.
"I believe that the interested parties are raising this issue in an attempt to leverage their own commercial interests, which have no bearing on the issues currently being considered."
