Racing
Hale says Rosehill controversy “distracted” ATC board
Tim Hale has issued his first public statement as Australian Turf Club chairman.
Newly elected Australian Turf Club chairman Tim Hale has vowed to formulate a strategy that will take Sydney's racing industry into the future after a controversial period marred by division over the failed sale of Rosehill racecourse.
Hale was anointed ATC chairman at a board meeting on Monday evening, replacing Peter McGauran who recently announced his resignation from the role.
McGauran, who remains a director, had championed the sale of Rosehill in a potential $5 billion deal but ATC members voted against the proposal.
It was an issue that divided the industry and Hale said one of his first key areas of focus would be mending the cracks.
"The proposed Rosehill Gardens sale has distracted the board's attention over the past eighteen months and gives cause for us to refocus on our services and offerings," Hale said in a statement on Tuesday.
Hale added that he planned to speak to ATC members to gauge their thoughts on what the club and industry could be doing better, while also examining the club's property portfolio.
"The board needs to support members and the industry, and this comes by listening to their concerns and following through with proper governance," Hale said.
"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.
"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."
Hale also outlined a need to build the club's membership base and increase race day attendances to make "our racing and raceday offerings second to none".
The board also elected former media personality Caroline Searcy to the position of vice-chair at Monday night's meeting.
The changes come less than a fortnight from the start of the new racing season, which kicks off on August 1.
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