Australian Turf Club elects new chairman

Two directors who campaigned against the sale of Rosehill racecourse have taken charge of the Australian Turf Club following a Board meeting.

Two directors who opposed the sale of Rosehill racecourse have taken charge of the Australian Turf Club following a Board meeting in Sydney overnight.

Tim Hale SC succeeds Peter McGauran as chairman while Caroline Searcy has been appointed to the role of vice-chair.

McGauran resigned in the wake of the failed proposal to sell Rosehill Gardens for $5 billion and make way for a 25,000 home mini-city.

A staunch advocate of the bid that was voted down by ATC members, McGauran remained convinced “it was a lost opportunity for the club and wider racing industry.”

“I am grateful to the 44 per cent of ATC members who voted in favour of the proposal (to sell Rosehill),” McGauran said.

“I believe history will judge the decision to pursue the vision as having been the right one.”

While McGauran spearheaded the campaign to sell, Hale was in strong opposition from the outset, a position he made clear at a parliamentary inquiry last August.

Controversial MP Mark Latham welcomed the appointments of Mr Hale and Ms Searcy, posting on social media: “Congratulations to Tim Hale and his excellent deputy Caroline Searcy. A much needed new beginning for the ATC and racing in NSW. After the divisive, costly disaster of Rosehill.”

Trainer Gai Waterhouse, a spearhead for the Save Rosehill campaign, also “absolved” Mr Hale and Ms Searcy from any criticism she directed at the Board during the sale proposal process.

Originally published as Australian Turf Club elects new chairman