A NSW parliamentary inquiry is examining the plan after the state government in December signed a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Turf Club (ATC).
The proposal includes plans for up to 25,000 homes on the site of Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney's west.
An inquiry is examining plans to build 25,000 homes on the site of Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)
The turf club wants to use the proceeds from the sale - potentially worth up to $5 billion - to invest in other Sydney racing, training and stabling venues.
The 140-year-old track hosts a statue of Winx, the champion thoroughbred that won more than $26 million in her five-year career, more than any other Australian racehorse.
At one point she was equally ranked the best horse in the world.
The mare's trainer Chris Waller, who is scheduled to appear at the inquiry on Friday, has called for the racecourse to be retained.
"I do not think giving up the Rosehill racecourse for housing is the right way to go when you consider the great loss this would be to the entertainment and life of so many who live in western Sydney," he said in a written submission.
Winx trainer Chris Waller is set to appear at a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the Rosehill plans. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)
Mr Waller called suggestions the track could be replaced or built at another site in the city's west fanciful, adding it was not practical for racing fans to have to travel to Randwick in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
The second win in Winx's 43-race career was at Rosehill, where she trained, while her first win came at Warwick Farm, which the turf club has proposed to redevelop as part of its pitch to the government.
It also owns Canterbury Park Racecourse in the city's inner southwest.
Neither track was currently suitable for top-tier group one racing, but the inquiry was previously offered differing opinions about whether spending the proceeds from a Rosehill sale to upgrade them would be a wise investment.
While advocating for Rosehill's retention, Mr Waller was open to alternatives that still allowed for some housing to be built such as selling off irregularly used car parks and opening the site up for public use outside of racing hours.
Senior figures from the turf club and Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'Landys are also scheduled to appear at the inquiry on Friday.
