Straight Talk - The Straight

Sam Doran joins The Straight's managing editor Bren O'Brien. This week, we're discussing one of racing's biggest long-term challenges: attracting talented people into the industry and ensuring they can build lasting...

This week, the prospect of a blockbuster champion-versus-champion showdown takes another twist, with both Sydney and Melbourne pushing their case to host a clash between Autumn Glow, Ka Ying Rising and potentially Sheza...

This week’s Straight Talk examined major racing reform developments in New South Wales and New Zealand, with both jurisdictions facing significant governance changes and industry scrutiny. Tim and Bren also reviewed...

This week marks a landmark moment for Australian wagering reform, with the federal parliament passing key changes to advertising restrictions. We'll also examine the growing list of challenges confronting Entain, from...

This week, the future leadership of Racing Queensland comes into sharp focus as the search for a permanent chief executive gathers momentum, Western Australia's racing industry awaits the findings of a critical review...

Tabcorp has agreed to acquire BetMakers for about $267 million to secure modern wagering technology, AI capabilities, and global distribution, fast-tracking its technology transformation. The deal could shift Tabcorp...

This week, wagering reform takes centre stage as a bruising Senate inquiry exposes the political vulnerabilities of both bookmakers and racing, the Coalition signals it wants tougher restrictions on wagering advertising...

This episode of Straight Talk examines the decline in two-year-old participation in Australian racing, its impact on breeding and sales, and how trainers are adapting. We discuss New Zealand’s Project Stamina track...

This episode covers Kim Kelly's resignation from Queensland's integrity body and the resulting debate about racing governance, the Leilani Lodge move by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, Racing NSW regaining Crown land...

This episode of Straight Talk dives into Tabcorp's national tote deal, the role Racing New South Wales played, Tabcorp's regulatory hurdles and likely impact on takeout rates and retail venues. We also cover pattern...

This week, Racing NSW finally moves to take control of the Australian Turf Club, Peter V’landys remains undecided on his future, and a nationwide Telstra outage causes chaos. In breeding and bloodstock, James Harron...

Hosts Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe run through the week’s big racing stories: the Asian Pattern Committee meeting meets with implications for black-type races, the growing concentration of prize money among elite trainers...

Hosts Bren O’Brien and Tim Rowe unpack major developments in breeding and racing, including Coolmore’s acquisition of Super Seth, including an interview with Tom Moore on plans for the stallion in 2026. The episode also...

This episode covers racing’s growing entanglement with politics, the Caulfield Cup’s boost to $6 million and Godolphin’s Crown Lodge sale, including an interview with Andy Makiv. We also debate the role of pacemakers...

This week, we feature an in-depth chat with Victoria Racing Club CEO Kylie Rogers, look at the possible changes to syndication in Australia, ask if cutting meetings is the way to future prosperity for the racing...