Colin McKenna, the Western Victorian abattoir magnate turned Group 1-winning owner and the man who propelled Ciaron Maher’s training career, has died after a short illness.

Via Sistina has smashed the race and track record in a Cox Plate win over Japanese runner Prognosis and three-year-old Broadsiding that has earned comparisons with champion racemare Winx.

Tasracing has confirmed its prize money for thoroughbred racing will increase 2.5 per cent over 2024/25, while the state’s two richest races, the Hobart Cup and Launceston Cup, have had their overall prize money dropped by $50,000 each.

Public servant Richard Eccles will lead a review into the effectiveness of BetStop, Australia’s national self-exclusion register, more than 12 months after the government initiative was first implemented.

In less than 10 years, Moonee Valley has gone from on the brink of closure to the verge of a spectacular transformation. Matt Stewart talks to CEO Michael Browell about the battles of the past and the expectations of a brave new future.

The backstory of leading Cox Plate fancy Prognosis extends far beyond his home country of Japan to a humble chestnut mare, who found herself in the midst of a civil war in Libya, only to win a miraculous reprieve.

Bowness Stud will be thrust into the carnival spotlight with three runners by its sire D’Argento taking their place in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick.