Rosehill redevelopment on new ATC chairman’s agenda

The redevelopment of surplus land adjoining Rosehill racecourse is on the agenda of a new-look leadership team at the Australian Turf Club, led by freshly minted chairman Tim Hale.

Hale was an ardent opponent of previous chairman Peter McGauran’s proposal to sell and redevelop Rosehill in its entirety – one which failed to garner the necessary support of the ATC members in a contentious vote held in May.

But realising the value of the western Sydney site is still a priority for Hale and the board, who will press on with the project earmarked for the Camellia site, the redevelopment of which has been on the club’s agenda since 2016.

While he wished to move on from the drama surrounding the Rosehill proposal, Hale said that releasing value from unused land was still a major priority for the board.

“The proposed Rosehill Gardens sale has distracted the Board’s attention over the past 18 months and gives cause for us to refocus on our services and offerings,” Hale said in a statement.

“I have spent a lot of time speaking with members at the track and there is an urgent need to build our membership base, and with that greater attendance on course throughout the year.

“The board needs to support members and the industry, and this comes by listening to their concerns and following through with proper governance.

“With that, we also must look at our property interests and most particularly the development of some surplus land at Rosehill Gardens around the Camellia precinct.”

The fallout from the bitter Rosehill debate is unlikely to dissipate in a hurry and The Straight understands that the result of Monday’s vote, which elected Hale and vice-chair Caroline Searcy, was still up in the air until just before the 5pm meeting.

It is believed Searcy’s vote was crucial to who would be elected chairman and board members were subjected to significant pressure from internal and external lobbyists over the past few days as to where they might place their vote.

Departing chairman Peter McGauran was left none too pleased with the result and it is believed he let his fellow board members know of his displeasure at the conclusion of the vote.

Hale and Searcy are both member-elected directors, whereas McGauran was appointed by the government. His replacement as a director will also be chosen by the Minns government, which was supportive of the Rosehill sale.

Hale said it was important for his board to now focus on the future opportunities, which also included a better experience for the club’s 11,000 members.

“We must spend time as a board but with the help of industry building a strategy to take our club and Sydney racing into the future,” he said.

“In the most immediate future, I look forward to meeting with many members on racedays and enjoying with them our world-class racing.

Tim Hale elected ATC chairman

Tim Hale has been elected chairman of the Australian Turf Club, replacing the departing Peter McGauran, having served as vice-chairman since August 2022.

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“Racing is at the very heart of everything we do at the Australian Turf Club and the board and I are fully focused on making our racing and raceday offerings second to none.”

Searcy said she hoped the upcoming feature racing could act as a good point for the discussion to move on.    

“We are coming towards one of the most exciting times of the year with the Sydney spring and the Everest carnival, which is captivating the world,” Searcy said.

“With Tim and our fellow directors, I look forward to working with members and industry stakeholders in bringing a renewed focus to our wonderful racing.”

Meanwhile, The Straight understands that the possible relocation of the Golden Eagle to Randwick, as reported in other media outlets, has yet to be discussed by the board, which is scheduled to meet again next Monday.