Straight Up – A Western reality, Jason Scott’s gone to the dogs, for now, and Payne’s Plate ambition
In this edition:
- “We are our own country, we make our own rules” – WA industry thriving in isolation
- A lot on his Plate: Kevin Payne pinning hopes on Estriella after Katsumi Orochi sale
- Straight Shorts – Friday February 21 – Scott steps away to sort out greyhound issues
- Straight Talk Podcast – Is the WA industry in its own bubble? Entain departures, Tabcorp looking up and changes at Ciaron Maher Racing
- Straight Shorts – Thursday February 20 – Tabcorp’s ‘pleasing’ results, Playing God colt makes $450k, Warrior’s low draw in Saudi Cup, Fitness issues for key Diamond runners
Perth embraces its reputation of being the most isolated major city in the world. The 2100km that separates the WA capital from its nearest major city, Adelaide, is a similar distance as that from London to Athens or Moscow to Rome.
When it comes to most things, especially its economy, WA tends to run its own show. It is arguably no different in the racing, wagering and breeding world.
On the first day the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale on Thursday, 88 per cent of the $13.4 million spent was from local buyers.
As usual it was the local trainers leading the way, investing primarily in local sires, including WA star Playing God.
Tim Rowe has been on the ground in Perth and has dug into why the WA industry is in such rude health, and why that presents both opportunities and challenges.
Magic Millions WA manager David Houston discusses this trend more in this week’s edition of the Straight Talk podcast. Subscribe or listen on You Tube, Apple, Spotify or Podbean.
We also cover off developments in the wagering world, and changes in approach for the Ciaron Maher stable.
Owner Kevin Payne was initially hopeful of having runners in two Group 1 races this weekend, but an offer he couldn’t refuse for promising two-year-old Katsumi Orochi ended his Blue Diamond plans with that colt.
His hopes of Group 1 glory at Caulfield now rest with his sprinting mare Estriella. Having sold the likes of Hitotsu and Kosgei in the past, he spoke to Warwick Barr about his approach when it came to trading horses.
A lot on his Plate
Owner Kevin Payne pinning his hopes on Estriella after selling Katsumi Orochi
Today’s Straight Shorts kicks off with news from Racing Queensland that Jason Scott will step away from his CEO duties for the next three months to sort out issues with the new Queensland greyhound venue, The Q.
Scott is set to depart RQ in five months anyway but has asked CFO Lachlan Murray to deputise as he is seconded elsewhere.
There was also plenty of news in Thursday’s Straight Shorts, including a Tabcorp’s half-yearly results, James McDonald on Romantic Warrior and Yulong announcing a new shuttle stallion.
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ICYMI this week:
- ‘A slight adjustment’ – Ciaron Maher Racing cuts jobs, sharpens focus on NSW
- ‘It happens here at Yulong’ – Upper Bloodstock’s Capital return
- David McGrath’s term on ATC board extended
- Dual departures: Lachlan Fitt and Cameron Rodger to leave Entain
- Run The Numbers – The question of Lonhro’s legacy
- Rowe on Monday – Prominent WA breeders go it alone for Magic Millions, Argentinian interest in Shaggy’s sire
- Shifting sands: Phoenix void filled by Brookdale Racing
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Enjoy your Group 1 racing weekend!
Regards
Bren O’Brien
Managing Editor and Founder
The Straight
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