In today's Straight Shorts, there has been a change to the board of Thoroughbred Breeders NSW, Australian media regulator probes crypto wagering platform, a US stakes winner for Zoustar and Coolmore's back-up plan for Amelia's Jewel.
Orton steps down from TBNSW as Lamont becomes director
The widely respected Vinery Stud general manager Peter Orton has resigned from the board of Thoroughbred Breeders NSW.
Orton, who is stepping down after eight years, will be replaced as a director of the state-based breeders' body by Angus Lamont of Kooringal Stud.
Lamont's father Stuart is a former president of TBNSW.
Current TBNSW president Hamish Esplin commended Orton for his contribution to the board as well as the industry.
“The greatest compliment I can pay Pete – and he certainly deserves the compliment – is that there are very few people in this industry that combine talents as a horseman, studmaster and farmer with the commercial nous needed to operate a stud and successfully make an investment work financially," Esplin said.
“I have known Pete for most of my life and regard him as the best industry participant I have seen. The board will greatly miss his wisdom, calmness and experience in promoting breeders’ interest in NSW.
“The beauty of our industry is the baton must be passed and that we have such a willing and talented young man in Angus to carry on the cause."
Lamont takes on the directors' role at a time when he says the industry is "facing several ever-increasing challenges".
"I really feel there needs to be a practical, united front in shaping the future," Lamont said.
"I am looking forward to my tenure on the board and hopefully assisting in gaining some positive outcomes for fellow breeders."
ACMA targets US crypto wagering operator Polymarket
A US wagering firm that deals in prediction markets with gamblers allowed to buy and sell shares in the outcome of an event is the subject of an Australian media regulator investigation.
The Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) confirmed it has launched a probe into Polymarket’s operation after it was revealed the company used third-party creators to promote its brand during the federal election campaign.
Despite its operations being illegal in Australia, Polymarket offered betting markets for the election.
Online publication Crikey reported that the platform was paying Australian Instagram and TikTok creators to frame content using Polymarket’s odds to promote the website.
A spokesperson for ACMA has now confirmed to Crikey that the regulator is now scrutinising Polymarket’s marketing.
“The ACMA has opened an investigation into the provision and advertising of the Polymarket service,” an ACMA spokesperson said in an email to the publisher.
Polymarket gained traction in the highly competitive US wagering space during the 2024 US presidential election. Customers use cryptocurrency to fund their accounts.
US stakes winner for Widden Stud super sire Zoustar
A mare sourced by Australian bloodstock agent Craig Rounsefell in conjunction with David Redvers has provided leading sire Zoustar with a US stakes winner.
Lunar Impact, purchased from the 2021 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale for 100,000 guineas ($A2300,000), took out the Listed Mizdirection Stakes at Santa Anita on Sunday.
A five-year-old trained by Dan Blacker, Lunar Impact won in a canter over 1300m.
💥Stakes Winner💥 LUNAR IMPACT (Zoustar) bolts in at @SantaAnitaPark in the Mizdirection Stakes for @Dan_Blacker under @HIBerrios. She was a @tattersalls1766 Yearling purchase with @dredvers & @Qatar_Racing. Congratulations to her ownership group 💪 pic.twitter.com/Swb20vGGmT
— Boomer Bloodstock (@CraigRounsefell) May 18, 2025
She defeated Australian-bred mare Pierro mare Uncorked, whose only win for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott in 10 starts before her export, came in a Maiden race at Sale in 2022.
Lunar Impact is the 68th stakes winner for Widden Stud flagbearer Zoustar, who also sired 2024 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Starlust.
Flight availability to decide plans for Coolmore’s new broodmare Jewel
A decision on breeding plans for retired star Amelia’s Jewel will become clearer at the end of the week.
Amelia’s Jewel, a Group 1 winner of the Northerly Stakes, joined Coolmore’s elite broodmare band when she was purchased for $3.8 million at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale.
Soon after signing for the mare, Coolmore’s Tom Magnier revealed Amelia’s Jewel would be sent to the US to be mated with Justify to southern hemisphere time.
But Coolmore has a contingency plan should travel options fall through.
“We're trying to work out the flights,” Magnier told SEN’s Giddy Up program.
AMELIA'S JEWEL (Lot 95) from @SegenhoeGroup draft sells for a whopping $3.8m to @CoolmoreAus ! Congratulations to those involved! #InglisChairmans pic.twitter.com/MzzeLIdPmZ
— Inglis (@inglis_sales) May 8, 2025
"She'll either go up (to America) at the end of the week or she's going to stay and go to Wootton Bassett.
“We're going to finalise that this week."
Matamata Racing Club increases real estate foothold
The Matamata Racing Club has announced plans to expand its training facilities.
Following the recent acquisition of a neighbouring property, formerly owned by Valachi Downs, the club is set to construct up to 20 state-of-the-art barns, which are designed to accommodate up to an additional 250 horses.
These new facilities will complement the existing stabling infrastructure, which already caters to approximately 150 horses.
“This is more than just an expansion. It’s a vote of confidence in our trainers, our horses, and the future of New Zealand racing,” Matamata Racing Club general manager Regan Donnison said.
“We’re responding to real demand and positioning ourselves, and our region, as a key contributor to the national industry moving forward.”
The club’s on-course training facility is already one of the busiest in the country, servicing around 40 trainers and up to 850 horses per month.
Local horseman Andrew Scott, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan at Wexford Stables, welcomed the move.
“It’s great to see a local club taking a progressive approach,” he said.
“If all goes to plan, their proposed facilities will be a real asset to the industry, creating more opportunities for people to train on track, in line with a growing trend across Australasia.”
Newcastle off, Wyong switches to Goulburn
The big wet in New South Wales has caused headaches with scheduling this week with Newcastle’s meeting on Tuesday abandoned and Thursday’s meeting at Wyong moved to Goulburn.
Newcastle has been deemed unsuitable for racing after receiving 101mm of rain on Monday and 206mm during the past seven days.
Connections of any accepted horse at Newcastle can nominate for the Goulburn meeting on Thursday, which has been moved from Wyong.
The Wyong track has received 83mm of rain on Monday with a forecast for further rainfall.
Two races have had change of distances with the Class 1 and Super Maiden, both originally over 1100m to now be run over 1000m.
