Race club employee arrested over alleged theft of $22,000 from safe

An Australian Turf Club employee has been arrested for allegedly stealing $22,000 in cash from a safe at Royal Randwick racecourse.

Charles Weston Jones was driven away by officers after they were called to the race club’s headquarters at the Eastern Suburbs track.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Waverley Local Court on May 27.

“About 12pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026, officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were called to a venue on Alison Road, Randwick, after more than $20,000 was allegedly stolen from the business safe,” NSW Police said.

“Following inquiries, police arrested a 61-year-old male employee at the scene, seizing $22,000 cash. He was taken to Maroubra Police Station where he was charged with steal property as clerk/servant over $15,000.”

Police are still investigating.

Sources said police were notified after the club analysed CCTV footage from next to the safe, which allegedly showed the staff member filling a bag with money.

The ATC, which operates Randwick and owns three other racecourses in Sydney, has separately launched proceedings against Jones in the NSW Supreme Court in a bid to freeze his bank account. That matter is listed to be heard in court on Friday.

The alleged theft was uncovered as part of an internal probe overseen by ATC chief executive Steve McMahon after thousands of dollars of food and beverage items were taken from the club’s bar and function room fridges without permission.

It is believed about 12 full-time and casual members of staff have left the organisation following the club investigation.

“The ATC has in recent months proactively looked into many corners of the business to eliminate instances of unacceptable behaviours,” McMahon said.

“Many of these issues date back several years and have shed light on a previous culture, which we are fully determined to change.

“The overwhelming majority of staff are professional, hard-working and do the right thing, but we must remove the small number of people doing the wrong thing.

“The employees who have left the ATC represent less than one per cent of our entire workforce, who maintain high standards and a pride in working for the club and its members.

“Whilst incidents like these are not uncommon in large venues and sporting stadiums, the ATC will continue to stamp out the few bad eggs for a stronger and healthier business.”

The allegations of stolen alcohol and food in February prompted Racing NSW to ask the club turn over financial information on hospitality.

The request was refused as the two parties battled it out the Supreme Court following Racing NSW’s decision last December to appoint an administrator to take over the running of the club, citing financial and governance concerns.

A judge in March ruled the appointment was invalid but Racing NSW has appealed.