Racing Industry

For all the discussion about the Australian thoroughbred industry’s need to co-operate and focus on the future, its inability to sort through the mess that is the black-type pattern speaks to the lack of leadership when it comes to a truly national approach, writes Bren O’Brien.

The Pattern of Racing has always been a thorny issue. Every few months it resurfaces, and with it the same debate: how do we ensure a program that balances quality, commercial reality, respects traditional values and the long-term health of the industry?

With Via Sistina chasing history as the first eight-year-old mare in 80 years to win an Australian Group 1 race, Private Eye has already set the standard for that age group in the PB Lawrence Stakes. Run The Numbers looks at the recent Group 1 record of horses aged eight and older.

British racing has stepped up its campaign against plans to impose additional betting tax by calling a one-day blackout of all racing fixtures next month.

A raceday treatment issue which saw two key runners from the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable scratched by Racing Victoria ahead of Saturday’s Caulfield meeting is now the subject of a stewards inquiry.

The dedication and patience of an owner-breeder who lives for her horses has made Pop Award’s emergence even more special heading into the Regal Roller Stakes at Caulfield.

Michael Freedman was still in high school when the Freedman brothers emerged as a new force in Australian racing. Forty years later, the youngest Freedman is driving the latest chapter, with the help of his new assistant, Hall of Fame brother Lee.