Industry News

Two MRC committee members switch camps

Two Melbourne Racing Club committee members who initially sided against a move to spill the board have dramatically changed their allegiances and backed the Save Our MRC group. Board members Caitrin Kelly and Alison Saville wrote to their fellow committee members on Wednesday claiming that there was a “longstanding poor culture and toxic atmosphere” and... Read More

Industry mourns death of Kevin Hickman

The New Zealand thoroughbred industry has lost one of its most influential figures of the last two decades with the passing of Kevin Hickman after a long illness. Tributes to the Valachi Downs principal have flowed from around New Zealand and Australia, including from Gareth Downey, who was Valachi’s general manager from 2020 to its... Read More

“I have been overwhelmed with feedback from members about their frustrations”

Rupert Legh and Colin McKenna, two of Victoria’s most prolific owners, have rallied behind fellow owner and Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) committee member John Kanga’s push for the board spill in protest against matters including controversy over the new Caulfield mounting yard and the possible sale of Sandown.   Kanga, who joined the MRC board just... Read More

Widden Stud signals Victorian intent with Sun Stud purchase

Widden Stud’s Antony and Katie Thompson have purchased Sun Stud, further signalling their intent on a longer term investment in the Victorian bloodstock industry.   The operation, which has been operating under the Thompson family’s name in the Widden Valley in NSW for more than 150 years, set up their Widden Victoria in 2021, leasing the... Read More

Huge incentives on offer through the Inglis Xtra Bonus Maiden Series

A full field of 14 will line up at Coffs Harbour on Friday in the first race of the Inglis Xtra Bonus Maiden Series, which offers a combined $5 million in incentives throughout the season. Four horses, including the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained debutante Unite The Stars (Unite And Conquer), are eligible to claim... Read More

Vale George Altomonte

Tributes are flowing for George Altomonte, the man who bred Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) winners Sebring (More Than Ready) and Overreach (Exceed And Excel), after the death of the popular Corumbene Stud owner on Wednesday. Sydney-based Altomonte, who established Corumbene Stud at Dunedoo in the NSW Central West more than 40 years ago, made... Read More