Straight Talk - The Straight

Stallion fees, breeding stock sales, the Quokka and PVL future feat. Darley's Arvin Chadee and Inglis' Harry Bailey

In this week’s episode of Straight Talk, brought to you by Inglis and Darley, join hosts Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe as they explore the setting of stallion fees ahead of the upcoming 2025 breeding season. 
Dive deep into stallion pricing with Arvin Chadee from Darley, and uncover insights on the breeding sale series as well as other sales with Inglis' Harry Barley.
The conversation shifts to the Australian racing scene as Bren and Tim discuss a thought-provoking interview with Chris Waller on the pressures and triumphs of being a top trainer. Additionally, the future of Peter V'landys and its implications for New South Wales racing are examined in detail.
The episode also highlights the excitement building in the Western Australian racing world with the upcoming Quokka, reflecting on its impact and popularity.
In the wagering segment, the potential legislative changes following the federal election come into focus, especially concerning advertising reforms.
This episode features exclusive interviews, expert analyses, and the latest industry developments.

Chris Waller Unfiltered - The pressures, fears and expectations of being Australia's best trainer

Welcome to this special edition of Straight Talk, brought to you by Inglis and Darley, featuring an insightful and unfiltered conversation with champion horse trainer Chris Waller.
Originally supposed to be an interview for a feature article, Waller provided The Straight journalist Matt Stewart a long and detailed voice message which we have adapted to be a podcast. 
In a revelatory interview, Waller's talks of his journey from his early ambitions to becoming a champion trainer.
Listen to Waller candidly discuss the pressures of maintaining success, the highs of triumphs like the Cox Plate, and the inner motivations that push him towards perfection.
Through personal anecdotes, Waller shares the emotional and mental challenges faced from the thrill of victories to the weight of expectations.
Get an intimate look into the world of horse racing through the eyes of one of its greatest trainers, and learn how Waller balances the intense demands of his career while keeping a relentless drive for excellence.

Star additions for Coolmore, the bonus questions, the Rosehill reset and Tabcorp still waiting

Join Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe on this week's episode of Straight Talk, brought to you by Darley and Inglis.
This week's episode features an exclusive interview with Tom Moore from Coolmore.
Discover insights into Coolmore's new additions to its Australian roster, Switzerland and City Of Troy, and what makes them exciting prospect for breeders.
Additionally, we explore the critical aspects of breeders' bonuses and sales statistics with a keen focus on the VOBIS scheme review, while assessing what enhancements might further drive confidence in the racing industry.
The discussion also tackles the Rosehill vote reset, and delays surrounding the New South Wales Government’s Tabcorp review.
Don't miss the segment on the importance of club memberships amidst the evolving racing landscape and the impact of significant negotiations underplaying the New South Wales government's take on wagering policies.

Trade, Too Darn Hot and Ciaron Maher - feat. interviews with Jamie McCalmont and Alastair Pulford

This week on Straight Talk with Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe, dive into a discussion about the world economy and its potential repercussions on the thoroughbred industry. Global bloodstock agent Jamie McCalmont talks about the possible impact of tariff wars.  
Join the conversation with Alastair Pulford about the strategic decision to bring Too Darn Hot back to Australia and the changing of the guard among Darley's stallions 
Explore the pivotal changes within Ciaron Maher Racing and the ongoing debates over the most valuable three-year-old filly, alongside insights from the Easter Yearling Sale.
The episode also highlights the dynamic global nature of the racing industry and the impact of political scenarios on its various aspects.

Inglis' Easter record-breaker - feat. interviews with Tom Magnier, Sam Williams, James Harron and Sebastian Hutch

Welcome to a special edition of Straight Talk with Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe, bringing you the highlights from the record-breaking Inglis Easter sales.
Despite global financial challenges, the thirst for elite bloodstock has driven the market to new heights, with average sales exceeding $450,000 per yearling.
The event at Riverside Stables showcased a smaller catalogue but an exceptionally competitive market, particularly for colts. Notably, buyers like Tom Magnier invested heavily, contributing to an overall aggregate exceeding $150 million. Fillies struggled to meet demand, underscoring a heated supply and demand dynamic.
Among the standout stories, a top-priced filly by Zoustar captured attention, bringing in $2.6 million. This sale underscored the growing faith in the colts market, as elite partnerships continue to influence stallion selections with a focus on future potential.
Sebastian Hutch of Inglis expressed a sense of vindication and excitement for the success, marking this event as a testament to their efforts in securing and marketing quality stock.
 

$3m colt stars at Easter Yearling Sale - Interviews with Adrian Bott, Sebastian Hutch and Bruce Neill

Welcome to a special edition of Straight Talk, broadcasting from the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, where Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe delve into a very positive day of trade.
The average was near $490,000, as interest soared and buyers were eager to invest in high-quality horses.
The market showed tremendous strength across the board, captivating buyers with exceptional yearlings, especially a $3 million colt by Home Affairs. We spoke to Adrian Bott about the buying the colt.
Inglis' Sebastian Hutch also gives his insights on a very positive day.  
This sale highlighted both high-profile sales and the resilience necessary for breeders facing challenges, as exemplified by Bruce Neill from Cressfield, who shared insights on overcoming recent losses.
Join us as we explore the latest news surrounding this flagship sale event, driven by an eager market, with more promising sales anticipated on day two.

Inglis Easter Yearling Sale with Widden's Antony Thompson, WinStar's Liam O'Rourke and Inglis' Sebastian Hutch

In this week's episode of Straight Talk with Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe, dive into the scene at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale held at the Riverside Stables.
We discuss highlights with key industry figures, including Widden's Anthony Thompson, who introduces their exciting new stallion, Cogburn, along with Liam O'Rourke from WinStar Farm.
Our conversation explores the dynamics of the Australian market and the international influences shaping trends.
Additionally, we navigate the broader racing landscape, covering the effects of Queensland's floods, Canadian racing tariffs, and the emergence of Japanese wagering giant MIXI in Australia.
Tune in for an in-depth look at the vibrant and evolving world of horse racing.

New stallions, made in Australia and imported from overseas, plus interviews with Kylie Rogers, Brett Gilding and Ryan McEvoy

Welcome to the latest episode of Straight Talk, featuring Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe from The Straight. Proudly sponsored by Darley and Inglis.
In this edition, Tim and Bren explore insights into new stallions both domestic and imported. Ryan McEvoy from Rosemont Stud sheds light on the recent success of Schwarz and Tim talks about Coolmore and Arrowfield's new additions. 
Also, Brett Gilding from Inglis gives a preview of the highly anticipated Easter Yearling Sale.
The episode offers an update on Rosehill and has a closer look at the economics of racing clubs, with Kylie Rogers' strategies for revitalising the Victoria Racing Club showcasing the challenges and opportunities of modern-day race management.
The hosts further delve into wagering trends, identifying the most bet-on races in Australia and examining the role of international betting companies like Bet365 in the local and global markets.
Whether you're an avid racing fan or new to the scene, this episode provides comprehensive insights into the current pulse of Australian racing.

Rosehill, Peter McGauran and the unanswered questions, plus Bella Nipotina and selling the farm

Welcome to this week's episode of Straight Talk, hosted by Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe, with support from sponsors Inglis and Darley.
This episode dives deep into the biggest topic the racing world: the potential sale of Rosehill Racecourse. Amidst strong opposition from factions such as Save Rosehill, and proponents led by ATC chairman Peter McGauran, the episode unravels the complexities of this billion-dollar proposal and the upcoming member vote that could decide its fate.
Bren and Tim also explore other pivotal topics in the racing industry.
They share insights on the upcoming sale of the celebrated racehorse Bella Nipotina, with an interview with owner Michael Christian, and discuss the challenges faced by smaller to medium breeders, with a chat with Canning Downs' Joy Mackay.  
The appointment of Andrew Hore-Lacy as CEO of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and his expected impact is also a focus.
The episode concludes by highlighting the developments in the world of wagering, with smaller bookmakers getting a reprieve on racing data fees amidst broader financial challenges in the betting landscape.

Henry Plumptre on Joliestar and Cambridge Stud's ambitions plus Godolphin's big weekend and Rosehill latest

Welcome to this week's episode of Straight Talk with Bren O'Brien and Tim Rowe, proudly sponsored by Darley and Inglis.
Join us as we recap a significant weekend for Cambridge Stud with CEO Henry Plumtree, discussing Joliestar's impressive victory in the Newmarket Handicap and her future racing ambitions.
Dive into the world of breeding and sales with insights from Harry Bailey on the upcoming Inglis breeding sales.
We also delve into the weekend's racing highlights, including Godolphin's recent triumphs and Super Seth's success story.
Finally, explore the evolving wagering landscape in Australia and the potential emergence of a fourth major bookmaker.