ATC chairman McGauran resigns
Peter McGauran has announced his resignation from the role of Australian Turf Club (ATC) chairman, a position he has held for the past three years.
The former politician’s tenure was due to expire in January next year but he announced his resignation on Wednesday evening.
McGauran had served as a director of the ATC since February 2022 and his resignation follows a ‘No’ vote by ATC members’ in May on the potential $5 billion sale of Rosehill racecourse.
“I have made this decision aware of the challenges for the ATC ahead and believe that a new chairman and renewed focus will guide new initiatives for the club’s future and its members,” McGauran said in a statement.
“I remain convinced the potential sale of Rosehill Gardens was a lost opportunity for the club and the wider racing industry.
“It was a fully transparent and vigorous debate, and I am grateful to the 44 per cent of ATC members who voted in favour of the proposal.
“I believe history will judge the decision to pursue the vision as having been the right one.
“I thank the many members and industry participants who continue to support the club and our racing and wish the new chairman and the board every success in the future.”
Premier Chris Minns had welcomed the chance to ease Sydney’s housing crisis but was adamant that it had to go ahead while there was time to build a new Metro Station at Rosehill.
“Peter had a big vision for Sydney and Rosehill and I’ll always respect him for that. We’d love him to stay on, but Peter has elected to pass on the baton,” he said. “He’s been a gentleman throughout – even in the face of tough debates – and always acted with integrity.
“We need more people bowling up ideas and trying to get things done for the city, not less.”
McGauran took over his role at the ATC when it had posted a $6.9 million deficit from its four racecourses at Rosehill, Royal Randwick, Warwick Farm and Canterbury.
“In the past three years we have driven down costs, including a restructure of the leadership team, which assisted the Club in posting an operating surplus of $570,000 in 2023/2024,” he said.
McGauran said he was resigning “aware of the challenges for the ATC ahead” and believed that a new chairman would guide new initiatives for the club’s future.