Broadcasting legend Bruce McAvaney still believes the Melbourne Cup is racing’s greatest prize, but believes it no longer stops the nation. Matt Stewart spoke to McAvaney and trainer Richard Freedman about how the Cup has changed.

The Golden Gift for two-year-olds and The Warra at Kembla Grange appear to have been handed Group 3 status with immediate effect for the first time, but the latest changes to the New South Wales Pattern are unlikely to be recognised by international authorities.

Matthew Sandblom’s focus will be split between Flemington and the Breeders’ Cup this weekend, as his homebred Stoli Bolli takes on the Coolmore Stud Stakes and Ramatuelle contests the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

In this episode of Straight Talk, hosts Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe dive into the latest headlines surrounding the Melbourne Cup, discuss Australian investment in overseas sales and stallion fertility in the wake of the premature end to Militarize's stud career.

A 2.5 percent stake in North American stallion Flightline sold for US$2.5 million at the inaugural Keeneland Championship Sale on Thursday (AEDT), while a share in Widden-bound speedster Cogburn also changed hands, days out from his racetrack farewell.

When Brian Siemsen saw “tension and fragmentation” when it came to sorting through equine insurance, the insurance mogul and thoroughbred investor was eager to utilise his industry experience to find a solution.