Welcome … and a lesson in politics for the racing industry

Firstly, as a foundation member, a hearty thank you from The Straight team for your support after our launch this week.

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It has been an interesting week to launch The Straight given all that has gone on in racing politics.

When we started out this publication, did I envision watching NSW parliament on a live stream past midnight on a Thursday night? No. But to be honest, the drama unfolding was almost as good as anything on Netflix.

We all know racing politics is less than straight forward, but that had nothing on what evolved in the New South Wales parliament this week. Peter V’landys has undoubtedly seen plenty of things in his day, but I’m not sure the Racing NSW chief executive foresaw himself marching around the half of parliament trying to save his chairman, Russell Balding.

Significantly, as you can read in today’s article, the bid to extend Balding’s chairmanship failed, as the Chris Minns-led government pulled its own bill at the very last moment.

Balding to exit Racing NSW after dramatic u-turn by NSW government

The search is on for a new chairman of Racing New South Wales after the Chris Minns’-led state government made the extraordinary move of pulling support of its own bill which would have extended the board term of current chairman Russell Balding.

The StraightBren O’Brien

Speaking of chairmen, or the lack of one, we have written a story on how Racing Victoria has just entered a sixth month without a permanent replacement for Brian Kruger as it awaits the call of Racing Minister Anthony Carbines as to how its board looks going into 2024.

Racing Victoria leadership void stretches on as Hirst’s term is extended

Approaching six months without a permanent chairman, Racing Victoria has extended the board term of acting chair Mike Hirst.

The StraightBren O’Brien

It’s worth reflecting on a few of the pieces we launched with this week. The rise of Yulong is something which seems a constant topic of conversation in the racing industry and Helen Thomas’ excellent article canvassed the opinions of key industry figures about its possible impacts.

Yulong rising – How an emerging global behemoth is shaking-up Australia’s thoroughbred industry

Helen Thomas explores the spectacular rise of Yulong and the questions it raises for the broader thoroughbred industry.

The StraightHelen Thomas

Jessica Owers penned a detailed profile piece on trainer Tony Gollan and his motivations for success as well as a look at how the two most powerful men in Western Australian racing have aligned for the betterment of racing in that state. Jess is one of Australia’s best thoroughbred writers and first and foremost, she gets people. It’s such a huge boost for us to have her on board.

The spirit driving Tony Gollan to the top

For Tony Gollan, there was only one moment in his life when didn’t want to be a horse trainer.

The StraightJessica Owers

Western Australia backs unity to lead racing revival

Perth Racing and RWWA, both helmed by Englishmen, have come together to plot a path back to the pinnacle for Western Australian racing.

The StraightJessica Owers

Finally, there is Marc Lambourne’s opinion piece on how the corporate era has changed the landscape of punting in Australia forever. Marc’s perspective is an interesting one, having come through in the ‘glory days’ of the Sydney betting ring, but it far from a sepia-toned look at days gone by.

Marc Lambourne: Honour has been lost in this Brave New World

Columnist Marc Lambourne ponders the decline of the noble art of the punt.

The StraightMarc Lambourne

If you want to know more about The Straight, who we are what we do, check out our About Us page, visit our FAQs, and watch the video below where I talk about what we are trying to achieve.

Thanks again for your support

Bren O’Brien, Founder and Managing Editor