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Bren O'Brien

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Bren O'Brien's Latest Articles

Third-party arbitrage – Bowling in the social media age

The art of bowling - betting on someone else’s behalf – is as old as the profession of bookmaking itself. But the subterfuge of the past has evolved dramatically, with punters now being openly offered large cash amounts in exchange for access to their betting and bank accounts, writes Bren O’Brien.

Vin Cox’s next move: Star Thoroughbreds secures former Yulong boss in key bloodstock role

Vin Cox, who departed Yulong earlier this year, will fulfil a key bloodstock advisory role for syndicator Star Thoroughbreds.

Thrice the appetite – Waterhouse-Bott in Tattersalls triple play

Three sons of Wootton Bassett fit the bill for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale at Newmarket, while Annabel Neasham uncovered her Cups horse for 2026.

Run The Numbers – Plate quinella creates more history for Fastnet Rock

Just months after his death, Fastnet Rock continues to create history with a first sire quinella in the Cox Plate in 77 years. This week’s Run The Numbers looks at the recent record of sires with the first two home in Australian Group 1 races.

Entain ‘missed the mark’, but will fight AUSTRAC case if it goes to court

Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Act could be poised to be tested in court for the first time by a wagering company after Entain confirmed it was prepared to argue against AUSTRAC’s statement of claim.

BRC board unchanged as club awaits news on condemned grandstand

James Frayne, Kate Davies and Michael Pearson will remain on the Brisbane Racing Club board after the recent club election, but there is still uncertainty over the funding of the replacement of the John Power Stand at Eagle Farm.

Flemington track staff set to strike days out from Melbourne Cup

Two industrial disputes could be set to disrupt the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with track staff set to stage a 24-hour stoppage on Wednesday, while deliveries of cash to Flemington are also under a cloud.

Via Sistina
The Queen still reigns as Via Sistina repeat sees Moonee Valley off in style

Via Sistina capped off the end of an era at Moonee Valley with a second straight Cox Plate victory, underlining the influence of her trainer, jockey and owner on Australian racing.

Where’s Mr Zhang? – Why the location of the Yulong supremo has so intrigued an industry

Not for the first time, Yulong has put to bed any rumours about the whereabouts of its principal Zhang Yuesheng. Bren O’Brien looks at why he is a figure of such intrigue within the Australian thoroughbred industry.

Mystic Journey
Mystic Journey colt sells for $1.3 million in Japan

The progeny of Australian-raced mares continues to prove popular in Japan, with two colt foals selling for over A$1 million.