Bren O'Brien's Latest Articles
Three to a good home – When is the best time to retire a stallion?
The decision by Godolphin to retire Tentyris and Observer to stud has caused a stir among those who understandably want to see Australia’s best continue to race. But the risk of racing a Group 1-winning colt at four against the rewards of a career at stud tips the commercial reality firmly in favour of earlier retirement.
Run The Numbers – Jigsaw’s streak a two-in-a-million chance
While one famous equine winning streak came to an end earlier this month, at the weekend, another rolled on as Jigsaw extended his run to seven straight victories. We look at Australian racing’s best current streaks.
Live prospect – Tabcorp gets in-play in-venue approval in Victoria
Victorian punters will join those in New South Wales with greater access to live in-play betting on sport after the state’s regulator approved the roll out of Tabcorp’s TAB Live product.
Changing taps – Flemington switches to Asahi, ending 25-year agreement with Lion
Asahi has stepped up its pursuit of the beer-drinking habits of Australian racegoers, with a seven-year deal which gives it an on-course monopoly in Melbourne and Sydney.
What we learned from All Aged Stakes day – It’s Waller’s world, Snitzel’s post-script now seems a destiny and a Jigsaw the road warrior
Chris Waller moved with two wins of 200 career Group 1 wins with a top-flight double on the final day of the autumn carnival at Randwick, which strengthened Snitzel’s grip on the Australian Sires title while Jigsaw’s extraordinary ride continued in Perth.
‘Bit of a roller coaster ride’ – World Cup format a dampener for global bookies
While a friendly timezone is likely to see Australian punters highly engaged in June’s FIFA World Cup, one major global player has raised the expanded format as a potential margin risk for bookmakers.
Australian rebound highlights strong quarter for Entain
The Australian arm of wagering giant Entain has exceeded head office’s expectations with a surprise doubt-digit growth in net gaming revenue in the first quarter of 2026.
Bookie warned over BetStop breach as self-exclusion numbers grow
With active self-exclusion numbers nearing 40,000 in Australia, Chasebet has become the latest bookmaker in the crosshairs of the Australian Communications and Media Authority over failure to promote BetStop.
Sir Delius given all clear for 2026 Cox Plate bid
Racing Victoria has confirmed Sir Delius won’t have to undergo any specialist vet checks or scans if he is to contest October’s Cox Plate at Flemington, news which saw him shorten into a clear favourite for the weight-for-age race.
