Top Sydney racing figure resigns after Rosehill housing failure
Peter McGauran was appointed to the ATC board in 2022 and has resigned before his term expires in January 2026, but said he would be judged as being on the right side of history for pursuing the controversial proposal.
McGauran, a Howard-era Nationals minister who has had various roles in the racing industry, led the pro-Rosehill sale faction on the ATC board despite staunch opposition. His resignation comes just over a month after members voted 56.1 per cent to 43.9 per cent to scrap the plan.
In a statement on Wednesday evening, McGauran said his decision was made while 'aware of the challenges for the ATC ahead', and his belief that a new chairman was needed to guide 'new initiatives' for the club.
'I remain convinced the potential sale of Rosehill Gardens was a lost opportunity for the club and the wider racing industry,' he said.
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'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.'
The plan, which would have cost the state government $5 billion, was meant to be a major part of Premier Chris Minns' solution to Sydney's housing woes.
Minns said on Wednesday he would have 'loved' McGauran to stay on as chairman, and celebrated the man as a 'gentleman' in the face of the tough public debate.
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