Welcome to this week's edition of Straight Talk with Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe from The Straight, brought to you by our sponsors Inglis & Darley.  This episode covers unfolding turmoil in New South Wales racing, including the ATC’s $2.59 million deficit, its upcoming show cause talks with Racing NSW, the new reform group calling for governance change, and scrutiny on Peter V'landys. We also run through state updates from WA, Tasmania and Victoria, major wagering developments — Entain's job cuts, PointsBet’s social-betting push, and a study estimating $135 million lost by the racing industry to illegal offshore betting — and end with breeding and bloodstock news featuring Shane Dye, Inglis and NZB catalogues, plus a tribute to John Jeffs.  

Welcome to this week’s edition of Straight Talk with Bren O’Brien and Tim Rowe from the Straight, brought to you by our sponsors Inglis & Darley.  This episode covers the big week in Australasian bloodstock including NZB’s record Ready To Run Sale, the newly released Magic Millions catalogue, big results on Inglis Digital and questions over Resolute Racing’s next steps. We also discuss Racing Victoria’s annual report and deficit as well as Racing South Australia's, while we look at Melbourne Cup turnover records, Chris Waller’s $40n season, wagering challenges at Sportsbet and Entain gets its federal court date.

Welcome to Straight Talk, with Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe, brought to you by Darley and Inglis.  This episode recaps the Melbourne Cup and Derby Day from racing, breeding and wagering angles - highlighting Jamie Melham's courageous Cup ride and Tony and Calvin McEvoy’s milestone victory. We also have a feature interview with Godolphin’s Jason Walsh on the blue army's standout spring. We unpack Racing NSW’s annual report and wagering trends, discuss big bets and betting theatre. Tim and Bren also cover breeding news including the death of Sejardan, new stallion moves and international sales.

Bren O’Brien and Tim Rowe unpack the week in racing, bloodstock, breeding and wagering. Vin Cox’s return to bloodstock consultancy, the legacy of bloodstock great George Smith, the blockbuster $150 million stallion share and Fastnet Rock’s enduring influence take centre stage. They also discuss Inglis Digital’s Melbourne Cup hopeful Half Yours with Mitch Bates. There's a discussion of the rise of the racing blogger Stephen Power, plus challenges in WA racing. Tim and Bren also canvas wagering concerns from third‑party accounts as well as development withs Entain and betr.

Welcome to this week's edition of Straight Talk with Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe from the Straight, brought to you by our sponsors Inglis & Darley.  Today, Racing Victoria's reputation under fire via a HR nightmare, plus Sir Delius's withdrawal from two key spring features. A change of ownership for one of Australia's biggest stables and one of racing's lkey transport companies. What to expect from Racing NSW's show cause hearing and what to make of the Cox Plate. In breeding we farewell a legend in So You Think, with a special interview with Duncan Ramage. Progeny of Aussie mares remain popular in Japan and in wagering, Tabcorp's plans start to take shape.   

Welcome to the latest edition of Straight Talk with Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe, brought to you by Inglis and Darely. This episode covers a turbulent Everest week: rumours around Ka Ying Rising, market moves and betting implications, plus a preview of Mazu's bid for a third Everest with insights from Chris Ward. We also discuss John Kanga's sudden departure from the MRC and the ATC's response to Racing NSW's show cause questions, and Moonee Valley track queries. There is also a deep conversation with Sebastian Hutch about the Inglis Ready-to-Run Sale and industry issues, track stallion and wagering developments, and highlights from the Ready 2 Race sale.

This week on Straight Talk, the countdown to The Everest takes centre stage. We unpack the drama of the slot process: the uncertainty, the timing, and dive into the intrigue behind the selections. Tim and Bren look at SEN’s acquisition of TABtouch Radio marks a major shake-up — what does it mean for racing media landscape? We’ll also touch on ongoing governance questions at the ATC and the broader state of Australia’s racing clubs. We pause to remember two key members of the racing media landscape — Warren Huntly and Hilton Donaldson. We chat Ridgmont's decision to sell up its Hunter Valley farm, as well as the results of the Magic Millions Horses In Training Sale on the Gold Coast.   We also tackle the fallout from the ABC Four Corners investigation into wagering, explore Sky Racing’s betr broadcast rights, and discuss how Tabcorp’s evolving media strategy reflects a changing, mobile-first audience. All that and more, right here on Straight Talk — brought to you by Inglis and Darley.

Hosts Bren O’Brien and Tim Rowe unpack a busy week across the Australasian racing landscape: the NSW Review of the Racing Act, board and executive reshuffles, Racing Queensland’s financial results, and compliance risks for clubs around alcohol and gambling. In Breeding & Bloodstock. they speak with Inglis’ Harry Bailey and agent Shane McGrath about the upcoming two‑year‑old breeze‑up sales and ready‑to‑run success stories such as Rosberg. They also chat emerging stallions and the lead‑up to the Everest.  In wagering news they explain a US betting‑market shakeup from prediction markets, Entain’s withdrawal from its TAB New Zealand racing club project, and how much state governments collect from wagering taxes.

In this week's edition of Straight Talk, the breeding world reacts to the loss of Wootton Bassett, Tim and Bren look at the upside for The Autumn Sun and first season sires make their mark at the first trials. We also have an extensive chat with Inglis James Price about the rise of racing in China and the importance of the Asian market.   In racing, what does Racing NSW’s show cause notice to the ATC really mean, while we also look at board and steward questions in Tassie. In wagering, are we seeing the end of the grey market? And what does betr do with its 27 per cent stake in PointsBet. 

Hosts Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe discuss all of the biggest issues in racing, including executive changes at the Australian Turf Club, the Asian Pattern Committee’s rejection of Australian Group 1 upgrade bids and the frozen prize money of a horse tied to a jailed owner. This episode also features an in-depth interview with Godolphin Australia MD Andy Makiv on Godolphin’s shift from private to public training models, stallion strategy and the foal crop outlook. They also chat about the end of Galileo’s era, insights from the US sales, the impact of two-year-old trials on sire demand, and wagering issues including point of consumption tax, Mixi’s takeover of PointsBet, and impending media scrutiny of the wagering industry.

The Straight's Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe unpack the latest in racing, breeding and wagering in a wide-ranging episode. The bid to upgrade four Group 1 races in New South Wales is the latest of the broader controversy over Australia’s pattern system. They also discuss the ongoing debate about the mare weight allowance, and the MRC latest board announcements. It also features an in-depth interview with trainer and Australian Trainers Association president Troy Corstens on training at scale, evolving commercial models and campaign planning. The show also pays tribute to champion sire Fastnet Rock, examines an unresolved Deep Field insurance dispute and reviews a bumper Keeneland sale week. It also reflects on wagering trends from the Backing the Punt conference — including live in-play trials and potential advertising reform.

In this edition of Straight Talk, hosts Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe discuss whether Australia has too many Group 1 races, the ongoing Racing Australia pattern dispute, and the threat to regional meetings like King Island and Birdsville. They interview Hong Kong trainer David Eustace about his season, stable building and training methods, and speak with Inglis' Will Stott about the booming two-year-old breeze-up sales and rising bloodstock trends. Other topics include the influence of stallions like Street Cry, wagering shifts with Entain and sports betting growth, and what it all means for the future of racing.

Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe discuss the ongoing pattern committee impasse, rising stable rents, and industry tensions affecting trainers and race grading. Rising rents in Sydney stables have put the issue of trainer sustainability under the spotlight. The pressure of escalating costs is squeezing margins and prompting questions about the future for both small and large stables. In our feature interview, we speak with Jason Scott, former Racing Queensland CEO and now a wagering executive. Scott shares insights from his time in administration and how those lessons shape his approach to the betting sector today as well as his thoughts in the Pattern debate. A weekend spent in the Hunter Valley provided valuable observations on how breeders are approaching this season. Tasmanian racing has received a welcome boost, with new support providing confidence for participants and stakeholders. A milestone moment was also reached by one of Australia’s champion stallions. Wagering giant Tabcorp reported strong results, which carry significant implications for the industry. On-course betting also enjoyed a boost, offering a reminder of the importance of the race-day experience. Finally, we reflect on a key appointment for Entain.

Welcome to the latest edition of Straight Talk, powered by Darley and Inglis.  Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe unpack the renewed controversy over Australia’s pattern system, the temporary move of the Cox Plate to Flemington, and a one-day strike hitting British racing. They speak with champion jockey-turned-exec Clare Lindop about transitioning from riding and building industry pathways. They also cover breeding trends, fewer European mares, busy international buying, and speak to Inglis' Chris Russell about yearling inspections. Tim and Bren also discuss the latest moves in wagering and sponsorship and answer some listener questions.  

Welcome to this week's episode of Straight Talk with Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe. This episode is packed with discussions about the impact of international horses in Australia, potential political implications on the thoroughbred industry of the ban on greyhound racing in Tasmania, and the review of the Racing Act in NSW.  We have an insightful interview with Alastair Pulford from Darley, who shares expectations for the upcoming breeding season and the new era in horse racing for Godolphin. Andrew Hore-Lacy's influence at TBA and Aushorse, as well as the contrasting fortunes of major Australian bookies, are also highlighted in our podcast. Tim and Bren also answer a host of listeners' questions.   Join us for an engaging talk on these topics and more in the world of horse racing and wagering. Don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of racing insights!

Welcome to this week's episode of Straight Talk, sponsored by Inglis and Darley. Join hosts Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe as they dive into the world of global bloodstock, breeding, wagering and racing. They chat with Harry Bailey from Inglis about their latest collaboration and the global boom in bloodstock sales. In a special interview, they bring together bloodstock agent Dave Mee and form analyst and professional punter Aaron Gooden to discuss what they see in a horse, be it at a yearling sale or in a mounting yard, plus the recent success for both with King Of Roseau winning the G3 Aurie's Star Stakes. Bren and Tim also cover Tim's recent trip to the the UK and his impressions of Newmarket and Goodwood, look at the distribution of Godolphin's horses to various trainers. They also ask is the punter being forgotten in all the discussion in changes to wagering regulation? 

Welcome to this week's edition of Straight Talk with your hosts Bren O'Brien and Warwick Barr. Sponsored by Darley and Inglis, this episode marks the end of a the racing season as champions are crowned and standout performers of 2024/25 are celebrated. Bren and Warwick cast their eyes ahead, previewing the biggest stories in he upcoming 25/26 season. Tim Rowe speaks to trainer Henry Dwyer, who shares exclusive details about his plans for star sprinter Asfoora as they head to Goodwood. As the breeding season approaches, Bren and Warwick highlight landmark moments including Zoustar’s achievement as champion sire and the debut of promising new sires in the breeding barns. The episode also explores the compliance challenges faced in the wagering landscape, questioning the federal government's potential role in imposing gambling restrictions. Join Bren and Warwick as they offer a comprehensive wrap-up of the season and discuss the pivotal stories impacting the racing world.

This week's edition of Straight Talk with Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe, sponsored by Inglis and Darley, explores the latest changes in the Australian Turf Club's leadership as chairman Tim Hale and vice-chair Caroline Searcy take the helm. Our hosts delve into the ramifications of these changes and the ongoing challenges faced by the club. An extensive discussion with trainer Will Freedman provides an in-depth look at the financial challenges of horse training and the rising costs involved. Freedman shares insights on the intricacies of managing a stable and the impact of substantial labor costs in the racing industry. The episode also investigates the worrying trend of declining participation in two-year-old racing in Australia, examining possible causes and consequences for the bloodstock sector. Additionally, the team highlights the achievements of top sires and assesses the continuous evolution of the digital market in trading bloodstock. In the wagering segment, debates arise on the preferences of bookmakers and how international racing influences the Australian betting landscape. Join Bren and Tim as they unpack these pressing issues and their implications for the future of the racing industry.

This week's edition of Straight Talk with Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe delves into the rising costs of horse racing and its implications for owners and trainers. With a spotlight on Tasmania's state election and its impact on the future of racing, the discussion extends to global perspectives as renowned steward and racing executive Fin Powrie shares his insights on Asian racing and the challenges of modern stewarding. Also featured in this edition is coverage of the thriving Japanese bloodstock market, and the demand for the progeny Australian mares. Angus Robertson from Inglis talks about the  innovations in the digital market, and planning for the upcoming two-year-old sale and 2026 yearling season.  Tim and Bren also discuss the unique opportunities for smaller players in the wagering sector. Each discussion point sheds light on the intricate financial tapestry of the racing world and what it means for stakeholders.

Join Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe in this week's episode of 'Straight Talk' as they explore significant events in the racing world. Peter McGauran's departure from ATC headlines the discussion, marking a pivotal moment for the organisation's strategic redirection post the Rosehill controversy. Meanwhile, establishment of the $10 million Melbourne Cup ignites debates on funding allocation and incentives for race participation. The episode delves into the contentious dispute between Racing Australia and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia regarding foal registration delays. Plus, insights into the enduring impact of the High Chaparral sire line within the bloodstock industry are unveiled. There is also an interview with bloodstock agent Stuart Boman after his recent appointment as European representative for the Hong Kong Jockey Club.  In wagering news, the global shift in racing's funding models faces critical challenges, alongside data security breaches impacting betting firms. A comprehensive look at these developments paints a vivid picture of the dynamic landscape of racing and wagering industries worldwide.