Straight Shorts is a rolling news update service on the biggest stories in racing, wagering and breeding. Today, a comeback could be on the agenda for Pride Of Jenni, while Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced its newest trainer.

Door open to Pride Of Jenni comeback

Trainer Ciaron Maher says a return to racing for triple Group 1-winning mare Pride Of Jenni remains a possibility.

Owner Tony Ottobre announced after Pride Of Jenni bled in last November’s Champions Mile that the mare, a spectacular winner of last year’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes, was immediately retired.

However, her status on Racing Australia has remained as spelling and she has now served the mandatory three-month ban after a bleed.

Maher did not confirm a comeback but told RSN on Friday that it remained a possibility.

"I’ll have a yarn to Tony and see what he wants to do. Possibly could come back. It’s very exciting," Maher said.

"We will take it one step at a time. She’s had a decent enough break. We will see how we go. I wouldn’t make any predictions just yet."

Ottobre hasn’t commented on comeback plans for Pride Of Jenni, who has won over $10 million.

Brett Crawford joins Hong Kong trainers’ ranks

South African Brett Crawford will train in Hong Kong from the start of the 2025/26 racing season.

Amid ongoing speculation he would become the next trainer to establish a stable in the Asian racing capital, Crawford’s move was confirmed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club on Friday.

As one of South Africa’s best trainers, the 53-year-old has collected 29 Group 1 winners during a decorated career.

Crawford has trained the winner of the past two editions of the Durban July, South Africa’s most prestigious race.

RPM enters Australian market with affiliate play

British-based RPM Gaming has entered the Australian market, investing in a new venture, PKB Digital, and launching PickABookie.com.au, a new affiliate site dedicated to promoting Australian-based online wagering companies and racing bodies.

RPM, which specialises in solutions for the global betting, racing and gaming industry, and PKB will pursue a racing orientated strategy in the Australian market.

 "Our team brings a wealth of experience in the racing, betting and gaming industry, and we’re confident that PKB Digital will deliver solutions that meet the needs of racing bodies, operators and customers,” RPM founder Richard Thorpe said in a statement.

“We’re excited to play a part in growing the future of the Australian racing industry."

RPM has enlisted the expertise of experienced wagering professional, Edward Beesley.

"I’m thrilled to be working with Richard again, having previously collaborated on several projects in Europe," said Beesley.

"This is an exciting challenge, and alongside Richard and the team, we’re eager to showcase the fun and thrills that the racing industry brings, ensuring that future generations can continue to engage in it in a safe and responsible way."

Pickabookie.com has already launched ahead of the autumn racing carnival and plans to introduce a range of new initiatives in the coming months.

BetMakers’ Indian acquisition set to boost global tote offering

Australian wagering technology, data and service company BetMakers has acquired the intellectual property and software of Indian-based Protocol Zone in a deal worth $1.6 million.

The deal secures digital tote technology, API data feeds, proprietary trading and ratings models, amongst other tools, which will all form part of the release of its new GTX software, which is due to be out in the market in April.

GTX will provide BetMakers’ international advance deposit wagering and tote wagering customers with a new tote wagering platform and is also expected to be integrated with BetMakers fixed odds managed trading service as well as the Racelab ProFORM.

“We have been working with the team at Protocol Zone for 18 months now and have found them to be extremely efficient with a great domain knowledge across wagering and horse racing,” Karl Begg VP Technology, Global Tote said.

“We are excited to be finalising this deal as we get ready to release our new upgraded Tote, Reporting and Digital product suite into the market, called GTX. We believe that the new offering will be a game changer across our tote business and we are confident it will be well received by the broader market and our existing customer base once launched.”

Publicly listed BetMakers, which has a market capitalisation of $116 million, secured RaceLab for a similar price in April last year.

Stat Of The Day

Thanks to journalist Aidan Rodley for this one ahead of Australian-trained Here To Shock and Bosustow tackling the G1 BCD Group Sprint at Te Rapa on Saturday.

On The Straight today

The wisdom of Steve Brem will provide an inspirational touch for a group of owners hoping the beloved bloodstock industry figure’s philosophy on buying yearlings pays off in the Inglis Millennium.

Brem’s legacy lives on as Classic graduate Open Secret chases Millennium riches
Owner CJ Stone says she still abides by the sage advice proffered by a renowned bloodstock expert as she chases Inglis Millennium success with unbeaten filly Open Secret.
The StraightWarwick Barr

Tom Reilly’s entrance into the chief executive role at Melbourne Racing Club has been literally a baptism by fire. But as Matt Stewart highlights, the former head of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia has become used to dealing with the biggest challenges and personalities of the thoroughbred industry.

From the political frying pan into the fire, Reilly steps in for the MRC
Tom Reilly’s entrance into the chief executive role at Melbourne Racing Club has been literally a baptism by fire. But as Matt Stewart highlights, the former head of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia has become used to dealing with the biggest challenges and personalities of the thoroughbred industry.
The StraightMatt Stewart
shorts