Author

Bren O'Brien

Bren O'Brien's Latest Articles

Five questions yet to be answered about a National Tote

Tabcorp is on the brink of realising a generational ambition to create a single national tote across Australia. But two months out from its slated launch, scepticism remains as to what its impact may be and even when it will be rolled out. Bren O’Brien looks at the key unanswered questions.

Ole Kirk
Ole Kirk tops bolstered Vinery roster

Vinery will boast two star emerging stallions on its roster in 2026, with Ole Kirk, who will stand at $110,000, to be joined by Farnan, who will kickstart his stint at his new farm at $77,000.

‘Not immune’ – Betr weighs impact of economy on wagering while staying on target

Punters may be changing their behaviour as belts tighten due to broader economic clouds, but publicly listed wagering company betr remains confident in its pursuit of profitability and growth.

RQ steps up training push with new Gold Coast education hub

A new racing education and training facility at the Gold Coast Turf Club is set to be the centrepiece of Racing Queensland’s strategy to retain and recruit the next generation of jockeys and stable staff.

New blood bolsters Yulong two-state approach

Star stallion Alabama Express will be joined by Yulong’s Group 1-winning pair Devil Night and Private Harry at Yulong’s new base in the Hunter Valley,

Empire Rose Stakes seeks American flavour with Kentucky connection

An agreement between the Victoria Racing Club and Churchill Downs will see the winner of a key support race to this weekend’s Kentucky Derby given a free ticket to entry into a Melbourne Cup carnival Group 1.

‘Not the experience that we want to deliver’ – VRC’s public holiday problem rolls on

While the Victoria Racing Club marked a record Anzac Day crowd at Flemington, it has been forced to apologise to members who lambasted the standard of service and catering at the public holiday meeting.

Run The Numbers – The mistruths about non-Group 1-winning sires

After Wordsmith became the eighth non-Group 1 winning racehorse to sire a Group 1 winner in Australia this season, Run The Numbers looks at how commonplace this pattern has been over the years.

Data supply to illegal bookmakers under the spotlight as Sportradar denies short-sellers’ accusations

The role third-party data providers play in the boom of illegal betting sites has been called into question, with one of the world’s biggest sports integrity data companies forced to deny it was providing services to black-market bookmakers.

Punters are banned
Banned – Tabcorp boots high-risk punters  

A group of punters have been warned by Tabcorp that they face legal action if they try to circumvent a permanent ban placed on them this week by the wagering company.

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