Bren O'Brien's Latest Articles
Run The Numbers – A commercial unicorn
Any stallion running at 12 per cent stakes-winners-to runners is always going to prove a commercial hit, but when you add in the scarcity factor of fertility limitation, it creates a formula where you can expect records to be broken. Such has been the tale of the latest yearling crop by Newgate’s Extreme Choice.
Queensland to drop 14 thoroughbred meetings as it looks to boost field size
Racing Queensland will address programming clashes and look to boost average field sizes by reducing the number of thoroughbred meetings it holds in 2026/27.
Living Legends’ Andrew Clarke receives King’s Birthday honour
The man behind the highly successful thoroughbred retirement concept Living Legends is among a host of racing-related people to receive King’s Birthday honours.
Tricks of the trade – Promotion lotteries in government’s sights
Over 80 companies that offer trade promotion gambling services, including major players in the wagering industry, are set to be impacted by a proposed federal government ban on lottery or sweepstakes products.
RA says software glitch to blame for SNS issue, rules out cybersecurity breach
A software problem, rather than any form of cybersecurity breach, led to recent issues with the Single National System, the key technological tool which is central to the running of Australian racing, according to Racing Australia.
The end of the American dream? How the US betting market flutters are set to be felt in Australia
After seven years of unfettered growth, the massive American sports betting scene is undergoing a major reset, disrupted by prediction markets and corporate upheaval. Bren O’Brien examines the potential impact on the wagering industry in Australia.
Message from our Managing Editor and Founder
It has been a while since we have reached out to our broader audience, newsletter readers and members to give you an update on what is happening at The Straight.
Tassie meetings to be cut as it ‘right sizes’ amid wagering and horse population challenges
Tasmania’s three key racing venues are set to lose meetings in the 2026/27 season, but Tasracing has committed to retaining stakes and offering a better optimised wagering product.
Run The Numbers – Where to now for the live broodmare auction?
In the space of seven years, the number of broodmares and race fillies offered annually at live auctions in Australia has slumped by close to 70 per cent. The switch to digital sales has changed the landscape for selling breeding stock. Run The Numbers digs into the details.
