Bren O'Brien

Track closures a key part of strategy to reform ‘over-venued and under-capitalised’ NZ industry

New Zealand would lose at least five thoroughbred tracks in the short-to-medium term under a key proposal which will see a massive change to the geographical footprint of both horse racing codes across the North and South Island.

Melbourne Cup, The Everest approved for Japanese betting market

The addition of The Everest to the list of the Japan Racing Association’s approved betting events is set to incentivise greater international participation in the sprint feature, while Japanese punters will also be able to bet on the Melbourne Cup for the first time since 2019.

Run The Numbers – The ageless quality of Australia’s champion jockeys

At 49, Craig Williams may become Melbourne’s oldest premiership-winning jockey but he is far from alone when it comes to defying his birth certificate to eclipse the best in town this season.

Beyond the Slipper: Bott extends the Tulloch Lodge vision

The deal to move into Leilani Lodge represents more than just an expanded footprint for Adrian Bott as he spearheads a strategic pivot away from two-year-old racing, designed to keep his training partnership with Gai Waterhouse at the forefront of Australia’s training ranks.

Two Australian sires titles set to go down to the wire

Home Affairs is chasing down Snitzel in the two-year-old sires standings, while Bivouac and Wootton Bassett remain locked in a tight contest for second-season sire honours.

“We can’t just redo the Constitution” – National regulator scotched as Labor commits to strengthening existing federal powers

Labor has stopped short of backing a national gambling regulator, instead pledging to strengthen the powers of existing federal agencies, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defends his government’s commitment to gambling reform.

Graff moves north in Eureka shift

Graff will head to the Darling Downs from his previous NSW base, with the emerging stallion to stand at the McAlpines’ Eureka Stud.

Bot betting challenge fails as regulator upholds account closure

Formestane cluster snares six more trainers

The mysterious Victorian spike in positive tests to formestane has continued, with another six charged over positive tests as Racing Victoria conducts research which could result in a possible change in its future status as a banned substance.

Mander guarantees integrity standards, despite criticisms of new racing model

While conceding Kim Kelly’s departure from a key integrity role would be a loss to the Queensland industry, Racing Minister Tim Mander has backed his government’s approach to reform as both necessary and effective.