Tamworth Jockey club inquiry: club board could return by April, with Racing NSW inquiry set to wrap up in a month

Racing NSW general manager industry and analytical Scott Kennedy told the Leader an inquiry into the club is likely to wrap up soon.

He would not confirm if the board, which was stood down in January, would then be reappointed, or not.

Mr Kennedy downplayed the seriousness of the alleged conduct under investigation, telling the Leader the inquiry was looking into an alleged "racing matter" that involved "governance protocols", rather than allegations of more serious financial impropriety.

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"It's not a matter of misappropriation of money, or something that's created financial difficulties," he said.

He said the club is in a good financial position and trainers and jockeys can look forward to track upgrades in the future.

"There's no reason for there not to be confidence in Tamworth going forward."

Racing NSW accepted an offer by the entire club's board to step aside in January and announced an inquiry would investigate the "tendering and procurement process" for "significant expenditure". Experienced racing administrator David Jewell was appointed administrator. General manager Wayne Wood later stepped aside.

The inquiry came after complaints about track quality by jockeys and trainers. Two December meets were relocated over concerns about the quality of the track and recent heavy rain.

Mr Jewell told the Leader the club is in a financially solid state, but he hopes to leave it better than he found it.

"Financially the club's in very good shape; the club is strong. The fact that this inquiry is going on, it's a bit disappointing but hopefully long term it will be in the best interest of the club.

"To me the key is to find the right general manager who will stick for the next five years or more and build on what should be one of the top county clubs in NSW."

Tamworth MP and racing minister Kevin Anderson said the process has been a hands off one as far as he's concerned. In January he said the inquiry would be "open ended".

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