Bren O'Brien

Pressure mounts to expand Hazzard Review, as Minister put on notice by petition

NSW Racing Minister David Harris must reply within a month to a petition submitted to parliament calling for an expansion of the Hazzard Review to cover the governance and funding of thoroughbred racing in the state.

McLachlan’s grand plan for Tabcorp has its ‘punch-in-the-mouth’ moment

Gillon McLachlan’s honeymoon as chief executive of Tabcorp has ended. With AUSTRAC having commenced an investigation into the wagering giant, his well-advanced plans for the company's future may have to change course. The impacts will be felt well beyond the walls of the publicly listed company, writes Bren O’Brien.

‘Clear and obvious error’ – Punter denied six-figure payment on winning bets

An Australian punter who was denied a windfall of more than $110,000 and subsequently had his account closed has failed in a bid to get a key industry regulator to get the bookmaker to stand by the winning bets.

‘Serious concerns’ – Tabcorp at centre of AUSTRAC investigation

Tabcorp has become the latest Australian wagering company to be investigated by AUSTRAC, as the financial crimes regulator increases its focus on corporate bookmakers’ compliance with anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism funding laws.

Sportsbet’s fortunes rise as Flutter makes executive change

Sportsbet defied the ongoing decline in the Australian racing market to post a jump in revenue in the first quarter of 2026, as its under-pressure global parent company confirmed a series of leadership changes focused on its American business.

BetStop breaches put Entain under ACMA eye

Entain has become the latest wagering company found to have breached its BetStop obligations, with more than 500 instances of self-excluded customers accessing its services.

Run The Numbers – Dam good – Extraordinary maternal influences to the fore

In Classic races either side of the Atlantic at the weekend, descendants of a trio of true blue hens further enhanced the influence of their families, while South Australian Derby winner Wigmore put his globetrotting grand dam’s name back up in lights.

Barrier blunder: spreadsheet error led to Hobart Cup shortfall

A review of the circumstances which saw the Hobart Cup run 38 metres short of its advertised distance has found a litany of errors led to the blunder, but cleared the chief steward’s decision to allow the race to proceed despite knowing the barriers were in the wrong position.

O’Shea’s four-month disqualification reinstated after Racing Appeals Tribunal backs local law

John O’Shea’s four-month disqualification, imposed by Racing NSW stewards after his verbal altercation with Racing NSW vets, has been effectively reinstated after the Racing Appeals Tribunal backed the regulator’s right to charge him under a local law of racing.

Aushorse issues updated Investor’s Guide ahead of breeding sales