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INDEPENDENT HORSE RACING NEWS

Bren O’Brien / Columnist

Bren has worked in senior editorial roles for Thoroughbred Daily News, Punters.com.au and Racing.com. He found his passion for the racetrack as a child and through his journalism career, he has developed expertise in all aspects of the thoroughbred industry, specialising in breeding, bloodstock and pedigrees.

ARTICLES
Bren O’Brien

Exchanging fortunes: does Betfair have a retail future in Australia?

Betfair has ridden a roller coaster of fortunes in its 18 years in Australia. Bren O’Brien looks at the role of the betting exchange in the past, present and future of the Australian wagering landscape.

Bren O’Brien

State of play: the key challenges at the heart of Tasmanian racing

With increases in prize money, wagering, government support and yearling prices, thoroughbred racing and breeding in Tasmania looks to be in rude health, but dig a little deeper and there are significant challenges in the island state.

Bren O’Brien

The Australian tote is dying, but does anybody care?

With data indicating that parimutuel win bet turnover on Australia’s major meetings has more than halved over the past 12 months, the future looks grim for the ‘TAB’ in the birthplace of the totalisator.
Bren O’Brien

Risk and reward: the subtle art of pinhooking

Pinhooking has become an essential part of the global bloodstock industry, with traders adding liquidity to an already bullish market. Bren O’Brien talks to two noted pinhookers about the ins and outs of the game and the art of selection and sale.

Bren O’Brien

The five stories set to shape Australian wagering in 2023

Wagering is the backbone of Australian racing and 2023 shapes as a pivotal year for the future of the industry. Bren O’Brien examines the five stories which will shape the Australian wagering landscape through the next 12 months.

Bren O’Brien

ANALYSIS | Wild horses can’t stop another Gold Coast spending spree

While it was far from the perfect week for Magic Millions, Racing Queensland and the Gold Coast Turf Club, when it comes down to the pure commerce of buying and selling racehorses, Australia’s thoroughbred industry powers on undeterred.

Bren O’Brien

‘Charged’: How Yulong secured a foothold in a dynasty

Considering Yulong’s stated aim of gathering the best bloodlines in the world to their breeding and racing team, it was no surprise to see Yuesheng Zhang’s outfit buy the most anticipated filly of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. What was more surprising was the lengths they had to go to get her.

Bren O’Brien

The search for an edge in a red hot bloodstock market

In a global bloodstock boom the ability to find value in the market is an edge every buyer is seeking. Bren O’Brien looks at how buyers at this week’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale are adapting their strategies.

Bren O’Brien

Turning it up to 11: Deep Impact to add yet another chapter

Three and a half years since his shock death, Deep Impact looks destined to add an 11th Japanese sires’ title to his resume when the season ends on December 31.

Bren O’Brien

Dolce More gives Sugai sweet Futurity success

Dolce More has become the latest Group 1-winning star for trainer Naosuke Sugai after a skillful ride from Ryusei Sakai delivered victory in the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes at Hanshin.

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