Cover image courtesy of Australian Turf Club
At a time when the club is preparing to return to the Supreme Court on February 19 in its fight to avoid administration by Racing NSW, the board’s composition remains under scrutiny. While the member-elected vacancy appears close to resolution, the two independent director appointments overseen by Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris remain without a confirmed timeline.
In total, three director positions have been vacant for at least six months. Since September 2025, the ATC has operated with four directors - the minimum number required to maintain a quorum and continue functioning.
TTR contacted Harris for an update on the two independent director appointments, with a spokesperson confirming this week that the process has not progressed beyond the start of an establishment of a selection panel to oversee the appointments.
There had previously been an expectation that the new directors’ terms would commence on February 1 - a date now well passed - and expressions of interest for the independent roles are yet to be publicly advertised.
“The Minister for Gaming and Racing has written to the Chairperson of Racing NSW and the Board of the Australian Turf Club seeking their nominations for people to constitute a selection panel to appoint independent directors, in accordance with the Australian Jockey and Sydney Turf Clubs Merger Act 2010,” a spokesperson said.
The spokesperson declined to comment further, but could confirm that expressions of interest for the independent director roles would be publicly advertised through avenues such as the Racing NSW website, the Office of Racing government site, and the ATC themselves.
The Minister noted that under the ATC Constitution, the board retains a quorum and can continue functioning.
David Harris | Image courtesy of NSW Parliament
The vacancies stem from a turbulent second half of 2025. Former Chair Peter McGauran resigned in July following the collapse of the proposed Rosehill sale. Tim Hale was elected Chair, with Caroline Searcy becoming Vice Chair. McGauran had been an independent director appointed by the Minister.
Following the departure of Chief Executive Officer Matt Galanos in mid-September, two further directors resigned: member-elected director Ben Bayot and government-appointed director Natalie Hewson, with Bayot citing concerns regarding governance and financial solvency.
Days later, Racing NSW issued a Show Cause notice requiring the ATC to demonstrate financial solvency or face administration. The matter escalated to the Supreme Court in December, where Justice Kunc granted the club a temporary reprieve. Proceedings resume on Thursday.
The parties briefly returned to court last week after Racing NSW sought access to information relating to the ATC’s catering and hospitality arm, citing allegations of theft and fraudulent behaviour, before agreeing to pause that direction until after the administration hearing concludes.
With one director appointment imminent and two still procedural, the board’s final governance composition remains unresolved at a critical juncture for the club.
