![ROADMAP: The Tamworth Jockey Club will welcome back patrons on Monday. ROADMAP: The Tamworth Jockey Club will welcome back patrons on Monday.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/KUhQizDbwW8WqAyPP4x5yp/843a05ed-96b4-4a21-8cea-dc542cd1289b.jpg/r0_3_1200_678_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Tamworth Jockey Club has the potential to reclaim its status as the "Randwick of the north", new board member Tim Coates has said.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
As the TJC prepares to welcome back patrons for Monday's seven-race TAB meeting, following an easing of COVID restrictions, Coates said the future was looking bright for the club.
He said: "It [the TJC] always used to be called the Randwick of the north.
Read also:
"So if we can get back to being in that sort of space again, with big races days and a good mix of the wider community and lots of race-day activity to compliment racing revenue, it will be a really strong, positive thing."
The premiership-winning OVA coach is one of two Racing NSW independent appointees to the TJC's new board - the other being Stephanie Cameron, president of the Tamworth Business Chamber of Commerce.
It is Coates's second stint on the eight-member board. He previously served as TJC president.
"It's a good mix," Coates said of the board. "There's some younger guys and there's some older heads."
The board's appointment followed a period of administration that ended this year. It was initiated after the previous TJC board stood down as Racing NSW launched an investigation into the club.
Racing NSW found that the club breached the conditions of its registration.
![MANY HATS: Tim Coates (right) is a much-respected Tamworth figure. MANY HATS: Tim Coates (right) is a much-respected Tamworth figure.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/KUhQizDbwW8WqAyPP4x5yp/f08b1c5f-0cad-45f6-bdb8-5762328c938b.jpg/r0_0_641_678_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The TJC is undergoing a major upgrade that includes a much-needed new sand training track and new stables.
Monday marks the first stage of the NSW government's three-stage roadmap out of lockdown.
Tamworth Racecourse will on Monday be open to anyone who is fully vaccinated.
People must carry proof that they are fully vaccinated and must wear a mask.