Vice Chair Tim Hale has been announced as the new chairman of the Australian Turf Club

The Australian Turf Club has announced its new chairman following the announcement of Peter McGauran to step down from the role.

Tim Hale (right) will succeed Peter McGauran as new ATC Chairman

Current vice-chair Tim Hale has won a spirited vote to become the new chairman of the Australian Turf Club (ATC).

Joining Hale in the executive reshuffle is Caroline Searcy who will assume the newly vacated role of vice-chair of NSW’s premier race club.

“The Board of Directors of the Australian Turf Club has this evening elected Tim Hale SC as Chairman,” an ATC statement read.

“Mr Hale has served on the ATC Board since February 2021 and brings extensive legal expertise, governance experience and a long connection to racing.”

The appointments follow the decision by Peter McGauran to step down from his post as chairman prior to the expiration of his current term in January next year.

McGauran, who has served on the board since February 2022 including three years as chairman, said he made the decision to vacate the role “aware of the challenges for the ATC ahead” adding that a new chair “would provide a renewed focus for the club’s future and its members”.

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The outgoing McGauran was a staunch advocate of the failed bid to sell Rosehill Gardens saying he “remains 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.”

But while McGauran was spearheading the mooted $5 billion sale, Hale was in strong opposition from the outset, a position he made clear at the highly publicised Upper House inquiry in August last year.

Peter McGauran is set to depart the ATC Board with Tim Hale to succeed him as chairman Picture: Jonathan Ng

Hale’s ascension to chairman of the ATC follows a 4 ½ year tenure on the board which has seen him serve as vice-chair since August 2022.

Last November, he was successful in being re-elected for a further four-year term.

The ATC Board comprises seven directors, four elected by ATC members while three independent directors are appointed by Racing Minister David Harris on the recommendation of a selection panel.

When McGauran elects to vacate the board entirely, it will be the role of Minister Harris to set about identifying a replacement.

Originally published as Vice Chair Tim Hale has been announced as the new chairman of the Australian Turf Club