Featured

Straight Talk – A $5.6 million Chayan surprise, a tribute to Spirit Of Boom and Tabcorp’s AUSTRAC earthquake

Straight Talk looks at the stunning $5.6 million paid for two-year-old Chayan, examines the legacy of Spirit Of Boom, Fred Noffke's latest plans plus Tabcorp's sudden compliance challenges and much, much more.

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Kentucky wagering
Computer-assisted wagering under further US scrutiny amid lawsuits, Churchill Downs controversy

In the United States, computer-assisted wagering, or CAW, has shifted from niche tactic to industry flashpoint, raising urgent questions about fairness, market structure and whether technology-driven betting is enhancing or eroding racing’s parimutuel foundations, in a development which could have implications on plans for a national tote in Australia. 

Written In The Stars – Sam Hayes on dynasties, succession and forging your own path

Born into one of Australia's most famous racing families, Sam Hayes had no shortage of career advice growing up, but it was the words of ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, plus the inspiration of his late father Peter, which led him to step in his own direction.

Rowe On Monday
Rowe On Monday – Many winners from SA Derby, a Down Under carrot for Bizakov, Tutta La Vita plans on hold and Aussie bookies’ Ascot adventure

In this week’s Rowe On Monday, we delve into the sales background of South Australian Derby winner Wigmore, explain why Nurlan Bizakov’s investment is a good sign, report on a high-profile online auction withdrawal and reveal what’s next in the UK for two prominent bookmakers.

Five questions yet to be answered about a National Tote

Tabcorp is on the brink of realising a generational ambition to create a single national tote across Australia. But two months out from its slated launch, scepticism remains as to what its impact may be and even when it will be rolled out. Bren O’Brien looks at the key unanswered questions.

Country Bookies
‘A general love for the game’ – Why on-course bookmakers keep showing up and the carnivals that draw them back

In the next eight days, bookies and punters will go head-to-head at two of Australia’s best-known country carnivals. No one is entitled to win, but vibrant betting rings give those on either side the opportunity to finish in front.

Straight Talk – Yulong’s Segenhoe purchase and its impact on the thoroughbred industry, plus RV date changes and bookies on the road

Straight Talk digs into the deal which saw Yulong secure a Hunter Valley base, chats race date tweaks at Racing Victoria, looks into the life of an on-track bookie and much much more.

Darren Dance
The last Dance – visionary syndicator off to see the world through a different lens

After decades chasing Melbourne Cup glory, Darren Dance has exited the syndication game, leaving a pioneering legacy that reshaped Australia’s staying ranks through international scouting and ambition.

Straight Talk – Darley’s big call, stallion fee decisions, beer changes at the VRC and shake-ups at major bookies

Straight Talk interviews Alastair Pulford about the changes to Darley's roster, looks at a pivot on beer strategy for the VRC, cuts at Sportsbet and much, much more.

Equine flights continue despite Middle East conflict

International Racehorse Transport is managing to navigate the complexities of air travel for horses amid the Middle East conflict, with a flight booked to take Australian sprinters bound for the UK in early June.