Racing moves fast. We cover the business that shapes it. Join thousands of industry professionals who get The Straight’s daily newsletter - the latest moves in racing, breeding, and wagering delivered straight to your inbox. 📩 Subscribe free → https://t.co/w5HDjxjhkb

Racing isn’t just about the champions… it’s about the characters who shaped them. In The Chosen Few, Andrew Rule highlights the people history forgot: • Harry Bamber, the battler who picked Phar Lap from a catalogue • Tommy Woodcock, whose kindness may have unknowingly killed

The Australian wagering industry has broadly condemned the Queensland government’s decision not to adopt a recommended cut in the Point Of Consumption Tax rate. https://t.co/IrmwqPb8vR

Queensland Racing Minister Tim Mander has announced a new plan for racing in the state, but it won’t involve a change in the wagering tax, the closure of Albion Park or the execution of a recommended infrastructure plan which would have changed the face of racing in south-east

“Don’t compare champions. Just enjoy them.” In his new book The Chosen Few, Andrew Rule tries to do the impossible: rank the ten greatest horses Australia and NZ have ever produced. Carbine, Phar Lap, Tulloch, Black Caviar, Winx… then it gets complicated. His take on

Bill Gibbins changed Australian racing forever. The visionary behind the Jericho Cup leaves a legacy that bridges a century of military history, horsemanship and sheer force of will. From saving the Rats of Tobruk HQ to creating a race honouring Bill The Bastard, few shaped

Australia’s Pattern crisis has reached crunch time. Friday’s Racing Australia board meeting may be the last chance to avoid a downgrade that would hit breeders, buyers and black-type credibility. Can the industry finally unite, or does the ARF step in? Full story at The

Full story from @streetruffian:

Queensland bookies look set for disappointment. The McGrath Review lands Saturday and early signs suggest the state’s 20 per cent POCT – the highest in Australia – isn’t moving. After months of lobbying from bookmakers and RWA, Racing Minister Tim Mander appears poised to hold

A Racing Australia board meeting on Friday looms as a possible last chance to remedy Australia’s Pattern protocols and guidelines and head off action from the Asian Pattern Committee. https://t.co/aGyDIGELV5

The axing of Queensland’s Racing HQ radio program by Tabcorp has prompted Racing Queensland to call a meeting with Sky in the next fortnight to ensure its industry doesn’t lose out on the airwaves. 🔗 https://t.co/i3YaVwv2ia

Watch:

Listen now:

Straight Talk is loaded this week. Interim ATC CEO Steve McMahon joins @streetruffian and @rowe_tim for a candid discussion on where the club is headed - from Rosehill’s future to training infrastructure, financial pressure points and why race clubs can’t rely on wagering

Full story:

Is the tote really dead? Maybe not. Gillon McLachlan is betting big on a national tote as Tabcorp’s new strategic play – and fresh data suggests the decline in parimutuel might finally be stabilising. What that means for retail, turnover and the future of TAB’s national

Full story by @WarwickBarr:

Moonee Valley might be a construction site, but the MVRC is anything but idle. With the track closed until 2027, the club has shifted into a nomadic era hosting meetings at Cranbourne, Pakenham and Geelong while planning a $220m rebuild that will move fans even closer to the

Arrowfield has gone big at Tatts — paying 1.3 million guineas for the half-sister to Too Darn Hot. Chere Darmoiselle, in foal to Zarak, is heading to the Hunter Valley next year and is earmarked for The Autumn Sun, Australia’s leading sire this season. A massive play from Jon

Full story:

Queensland’s long-awaited McGrath Review is finally about to see daylight. Racing Minister Tim Mander will release the findings at Doomben on Saturday morning, two months after the original date was scrapped. What’s at stake? • Possible changes to POCT • How any revenue