February
Betr mulls revisiting controversial 100-to-1 promotion as it expands
The ASX-listed bookmaker is buying Queensland-based TopSport in its second major deal in a year, putting it “right on the heels” of major rival PointsBet.
January
Billionaire Tony Fung faces ire at champion racehorse’s bargain sale
Laws of Indices has been a great investment for its backers, including the Hong Kong businessman. But a deal to sell it for just $25,000 is causing unrest.
FX proves the secret ingredient at Magic Millions sales
The hit to discretionary spending has led to caution at the lower end this year but foreign “whales” with currency buying power have pushed sales to new records.
‘I made millions from sports betting, without ever backing a winner’
By carefully analysing reams of data and taking advantage of changing odds, Peter Webb has made a tidy sum since the easing of online gambling regulations in the UK.
December 2024
Gillon McLachlan hires former Ten executive to run Tabcorp’s Sky Racing
Jarrod Villani was a KordaMentha partner who sold the ailing broadcaster to CBS, now Paramount, before running the business for several years.
The royal who loves coming to Australia each summer
Zara Tindall first saddled up for the Magic Millions for a year. But a firm friendship with event owner Katie Page and a passion for racing keep bringing her back.
Inquiry refers Rosehill housing plan to ICAC, seeks racing probe
Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys has slammed a committee in charge of the report, claiming it had become ‘personal’.
November 2024
‘Horsing heartland’: Merlin Park up for grabs for over $30m
The horse training ground outside Melbourne may could become a residential development.
Knight’s Choice wins Melbourne Cup in photo finish
It was a photo finish for all places and an upset victory; Coalition calls for Alan Joyce to lose Order of Australia. How the day unfolded.
The $2.3m gamble that led Knight’s Choice to Melbourne Cup glory
Knight’s Choice stunned Australian racing by winning the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday. But he only made the race after a brave gamble by his owner.
Out the gates! Macquarie quants reveal their Melbourne Cup pick
The investment bank’s finance bros landed a winner last year backing Without A Fight. Can they make it two consecutive victories with their latest pick?
V’landys slams gambling probe, claims NRL betting is least damaging
Peter V’landys doubled down on past claims racing and sports betting are less harmful than lotteries and slammed all 31 recommendations of the parliamentary inquiry.
Rich Lister was told ‘get a hobby’, now his horse is in the Cup
Brian Flannery has five-year-old gelding Manzoice in the race that stops the nation. It’s an outside chance, but one that the mining billionaire is thrilled to be part of.
This star banker won’t stop trying to win the Melbourne Cup
The best – and maybe only – mullet haircut in investment banking is back. Rich Ricci wants another crack at the Melbourne Cup with his horse Vauban.
‘Melbourne’s the wife, Sydney’s the mistress’: Victoria Racing Club’s CEO
It was inevitable a Chanticleer brunch hosted in Melbourne by a masthead based in Sydney reverted to the age-old rivalry between the country’s two largest cities.
Making bank: Australia’s highest-earning racehorses revealed
Champion horses can make millions on the racetrack. But the real money lies in retirement.
October 2024
Pony club, more events and Flemington rebrand: CEO’s plans for VRC
Kylie Rogers, who joined the VRC in August as its first female CEO, is preparing an ambitious strategy to boost the fortunes of the struggling club.
The Everest is becoming a Victorian’s nightmare
Rival horse races meant high-powered executives had to choose: Sydney or Melbourne. The King didn’t make it, but many others voted with their feet to Randwick.
Pub baron puts ‘horse heaven’ lodge on the market for $30m
Former Spotless boss Bruce Dixon says he has done all he can at Macedon Lodge near Melbourne, and it’s time to hand the reins to a racing horse person.
From dead quiet to $100m economic boost: How Everest is changing racing
It was a move to get the media’s attention and take on the Victorian racing elite. But Australia’s richest horse race has achieved far more.