Julie Maughan: Industry veteran oversaw key phase in Tamworth harness racing's development

Maughan - who oversaw an historic period in the club's history after Harness Racing NSW purchased the track - had wanted her four-year tenure extended by another two years as she believed she had unfinished business.

"I applied for the position [again] but obviously the board wants to go in a different direction," she said, adding that she gave "150 per cent" in the job.

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"And I think people appreciated that," she added.

"But I'm still here, I'm still promoting the club, I still have a passion for it, I'm still on all those Sydney-based [harness racing] boards."

Maughan - the THRC's first woman chairperson - said she "respected" the decision to replace her.

She said she was "pleased that the board is confident enough to be able to look at a different direction, if they so want".

There was "no animosity" between her and board, she added.

"Whoever comes in, I wish them all the best," she said.

"But it is something you've gotta have a passion for."

Maughan said "a hell of a lot has been achieved in the last four years".

"And I've left the club in a good financial position. And it's still got a standing in the state as being one of the best country clubs in NSW."

Despite that, the high-profile racing figure said she "would've liked to have gone another two [years in the job] - just to finish off what my plan was".

"But that's life: one door closes and another one opens."

One area Maughan wanted to enhance was the member experience at the track.

She has had a heavy involvement in the promotion of harness racing in the North West for more than two decades.

"And even though I was the chairperson [of the THRC], it was the passion for the sport that was driving me - because there is a lot of knock-backs along the way," she said.

On top of her extensive reporting on harness racing, her industry roles include serving as secretary of the Armidale Harness Racing Club and the Harness Racing Clubs Committee, and serving a director of the NSW Harness Racing Industry Standardbred Rehoming Company.

"So I have a very heavy involvement in harness racing - even away from Tamworth," she said.

Maughan's tenure as chairperson finished November.

She said THRC deputy chairperson Joyce Walsh had "stepped up" until a new chairperson was appointed.

Respected Moonbi-based trainer and reinsman Dean Chapple said Maughan was "all about harness racing and promoting harness racing in this area".

"It's never really about herself: it's about getting things going in this area," he said. "And she's done a great job since she took over the roll."

He added: "I've raced a lot of horses with this club for a long time, and I can see myself and my business as [being] advanced because she's promoted the club - and it's got so much better over the years."

Chapple said he was "in both corners" when it came to Maughan's tenure not being extended.

"It's good for new person to step up ... we might sort of advance that little bit more," he said. "But I'm probably sad and disappointed she's not gonna be around in that roll anymore."

Walsh declined to comment, preferring to wait until a new chairperson is installed.