Duncan Ramage on So You Think, untimely challenges for Racing Victoria and Tabcorp's big plans
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.
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49:56
Ka Ying Chaos, Ready 2 Race Sale plus interviews with Sebastian Hutch and Chris Ward
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.
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36:30
Everest moves, the racing media landscape, Ridgmont's strategy switch plus Barry Bowditch on Magic Millions HIT 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.
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NSW racing review, boardroom moves and 2YO sales with Harry Bailey and Shane McGrath
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.
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48:00
The loss of Wootton Bassett, James Price on China's racing growth plus what does the ATC's spat with Racing NSW mean?
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.
A regular podcast from Bren O’Brien and Tim Rowe from The Straight, Australia’s most respected independent thoroughbred publication, covering off the biggest issues in the racing, breeding and wagering industries,
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