Bren O'Brien

For all the discussion about the Australian thoroughbred industry’s need to co-operate and focus on the future, its inability to sort through the mess that is the black-type pattern speaks to the lack of leadership when it comes to a truly national approach, writes Bren O’Brien.

With Via Sistina chasing history as the first eight-year-old mare in 80 years to win an Australian Group 1 race, Private Eye has already set the standard for that age group in the PB Lawrence Stakes. Run The Numbers looks at the recent Group 1 record of horses aged eight and older.

Betr’s takeover offer for PointsBet has opened to shareholders, but the corporate bookmaking rival’s board remains unmoved as Japanese-backed MIXI has increased its holding.

British racing has stepped up its campaign against plans to impose additional betting tax by calling a one-day blackout of all racing fixtures next month.

A major bookmaker could be forced to refund over $500,000 to a former account holder, and will pay a fine of over $50,000, after it was found to have breached to conditions of its Northern Territory licence regarding responsible wagering.

Amer Abdulaziz Salman, the founder of Phoenix Thoroughbreds, whose colours have been worn to victory in some of Australia and the world’s biggest races, has been jailed for 15 months over conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse will have a new-look team from September 1 that includes the appointments Leanna Packard and Meaghan McGrath.