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STATEMENT FROM ATC CHAIRMAN PETER McGAURAN

"I have decided to resign as Chairman and Director of the Australian Turf Club (ATC) prior to the expiration of my term in January 2026. It has been a privilege to serve as a Director of the ATC since February 2022, and as Chairman for three years.

"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. 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% 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.

"When I was elected Chairman, the Club had posted a financial year deficit of $6.9 million and had a top-heavy management structure. 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.

"There have been many highlights in my time on the Board including a sold-out Royal Randwick at last year’s TAB Everest and the number of Victorian trainers now stabled in Sydney.

"I am especially proud of the tough decision we made, in the face of strong opposition, to introduce later trackwork starting times in the interest of stable staff safety and wellbeing.

"The ATC is one of the world’s strongest racing centres with all credit due to its dedicated and loyal staff.

"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."