- Accused of taking funds on April 28
An employee at the Australian Turf Club has been arrested and charged with allegedly stealing $22,000 in cash from a safe at Royal Randwick Racecourse.
Charles Weston Jones was driven away by authorities after they were called to the scene of the alleged theft.
Police were reportedly notified after the club reviewed CCTV footage from an area near the safe.
The vision allegedly revealed the staff member stuffing a bag with cash, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Jones’ alleged theft was uncovered as part of an internal investigation overseen by ATC chief executive Steve McMahon.
The theft accusation was made after thousands of dollars worth of items were allegedly taken from the club’s premises without permission.
The alleged theft took place at Randwick Racecourse (pictured)
The accused offender will front court again 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 in a statement.
‘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.’
Around 12 members of staff have left the organisation following the club investigation into the other allegedly missing funds, the publication said.
McMahon has defended the culture within the club.
‘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 ATC has now also launched proceedings against Jones in the NSW Supreme Court in a bid to freeze his bank account.
Jones has been granted conditional bail and will appear before Waverley Local Court on May 27.
