Godolphin's New Playbook: Andy Makiv opens up, plus an ATC shake-up and no more G1s for now
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.
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Troy Corstens, a possible Group 1 shake-up, Fastnet Rock and the future of Australian wagering
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.
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Interview with David Eustace, should Australia slash its Group 1 races and the 2YO sales season rolls around
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.
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Jason Scott's RQ reflections and thoughts on the Pattern, trainers up in arms and Tabcorp's revival
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.
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Clare Lindop on her second racing career, Chris Russell on inspecting yearlings, plus the Pattern, breeding trends and the latest in wagering
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.
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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