Racing Industry

The departure of another of the executives who was on the hitlist of Jonathan Munz moves Racing Victoria closer to looking exactly like what the billionaire owners rep hoped it would be after February’s failed board spill, writes Bren O'Brien.

Dion Luciani has chased Group 1s from both the saddle and the stable. Together with good mate William Pike and his star three-year-old Oscar’s Fortune, he is hoping after 20 years that Saturday might be the day he finally hits the pinnacle.

Eleven race meetings in eight days have been lost in New South Wales, while a feature Gosford meeting was moved, as wet weather creates havoc.

Ongoing issues with the Gold Coast turf track may have forced the movement of another feature race but Racing Queensland and the Gold Coast Turf Club remain confident over the surface’s long-term viability.

The Victorian government has slashed its estimated tax revenue from racing and sports betting in the current and upcoming financial years by $53 million in a forecast which could have a significant impact on the local racing industry.

Australian Turf Club chairman Peter McGauran has defended the process around the Rosehill sale proposal and insists ATC members will have final say on whether it proceeds.

A Racing Australia board meeting will consider the next steps for The Pattern, the system of black-type racing which has remained stagnant in Australia for the past five years.