Bren O'Brien

Not content with its protracted takeover battle for PointsBet, betr has been linked with a play for the Australian business of Entain.

Sponsorship deals for Australian race clubs have evolved far beyond a bit of branding on the winning post. But while these agreements provide valuable revenue for clubs, what’s in it for the sponsors, particularly Australia’s corporate bookmakers?

Frank Smith has become the latest recruit to a new-look Tabcorp, joining Sky Racing as executive producer of the network.

Flemington and the Victoria Racing Club have seen off a determined bid from the Melbourne Racing Club and Caulfield to win the rights to host the 2026 Cox Plate.

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.