Author

Warwick Barr

Warwick Barr's Latest Articles

Cavalry Girl
Prime selections – the army veteran who turned ‘reconnaissance’ into a racing advantage 

Joe O’Neill has spent almost three decades turning careful research and sharp judgement into winners, with Cavalry Girl now offering Prime Thoroughbreds an unexpected shot at a spring Group 1 contest.

Racing WA acts to safeguard Railway’s Group 1 status amid international ratings scrutiny

The Railway Stakes has emerged as another battleground in Australian racing’s changing relationship with international authorities and the increasingly exacting standards governing Group 1 status.

Defiantly
Melbourne Cup entries down but Flemington’s global pull remains powerful 

International contenders account for almost a quarter of the nominations for the 2026 Melbourne Cup, with 101 nominations received. 

Coffs Harbour Racecourse
Racecourse Crown land control prompts more questions for state government 

Racing NSW’s expanding real estate footprint across racecourses and other thoroughbred properties is facing renewed scrutiny, with more questions emerging over whether its regulatory authority sits comfortably alongside control of key industry assets.

Cate Faehrmann
‘Extraordinary’ and ‘outrageous’ – Racing NSW-related questioning redacted

Key questions from a budget estimates hearing involving NSW Racing Minister David Harris have been expunged from the record after it was determined that the details provided adverse mention of racing industry figures.

David Harris
NSW racing reform locked in cabinet as industry awaits Hazzard review

The path to reform of the NSW racing industry remains uncertain despite Brad Hazzard completing his review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act, with Racing Minister David Harris confirming cabinet is considering its contents before publication.

Andrew Catterall
PointsBet adds to calls warning gambling reforms could strengthen offshore operators

PointsBet has detailed advertising cutbacks, tighter VIP controls and its concerns over compliance costs during its annual general meeting, while urging Canberra to target offshore operators, influencers and payment channels. 

New Zealand racing begins all-encompassing reform process

New Zealand’s racing codes have joined forces on a sweeping governance review, with an independent board to examine structures, costs and opportunities across thoroughbred and harness racing.

Kiwi thoroughbred funding deal secured, but top-end stakes in limbo

New Zealand racing has gained funding certainty for the new season, but questions remain over prize money at the top end, with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing yet to finalise some major race purses.

Sheza Alibi
A Winx Stakes showdown and a hunch that has become a high‑stakes breeding decision

A year after the dam of Sheza Alibi sold for $1250, the broodmare now sits at the centre of a breeding conversation involving two of Australia’s elite sires and the powerful operations behind them. 

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