Another milestone in the Betfair Australia story was reached today as the company announced an in-principle agreement with the Tasmanian Government to keep its operations there for a further 10 years.
“Today's announcement is an important step towards providing long-term certainty for Betfair in Australia and its Tasmanian workforce,” said Betfair Australia's CEO, Andrew Twaits.
“We were under a lot of pressure to prove ourselves as a company here in Australia, and we've well and truly done that. In the last four years, we've helped to reshape the wagering landscape in areas of integrity, harm minimisation and industry funding for racing and sports. Importantly, we've also encouraged a better deal for punters.
“This agreement is a big step forward for the future of racing, not only in Tasmania, but right across Australia. Our contribution to both racing and sports has been significant and we look forward to continuing our commitment right across the country.”
The new agreement is subject to various conditions including approval by the Tasmanian Gaming Commission and legislation being passed by the new parliament to reduce the tax on betting exchanges to 5% of gross revenue.
Betfair Australia commenced operations at its Hobart headquarters in February 2006 after it became the first betting exchange to be licensed in Australia. Today the business employs 135 staff, matches more than 1 million bets a day and has 135,000 Australian and New Zealand customers.
The company has also contributed more than $5m in product fees directly to racing and sports as well as nearly $8m in sponsorships. In Tasmania Betfair has contributed in excess of $20m to the local economy.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Betfair tax breaks - 22nd February 2010
The Tasmanian Government has offered tax breaks to keep the gambling agency Betfair in the state.
Labor has revealed that before it went into caretaker mode, it made an agreement with the company half-owned by James Packer.
The deal would see Betfair keep its call centre and 130 jobs in Hobart for the next 10 years.
The Premier, David Bartlett says the agreement will cost taxpayers about $2 million over the next two years, but he says the deal will save jobs, and quickly pay for itself.
"In the short-term, yes there will be a revenue decrease," he says.
"But that revenue decrease will be more than offset by 130 jobs on site, and increased transaction rates, over the life of the next five to 10 years."
The agreement will not be formally approved until parliament returns after the March 20 state election.
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Labor has revealed that before it went into caretaker mode, it made an agreement with the company half-owned by James Packer.
The deal would see Betfair keep its call centre and 130 jobs in Hobart for the next 10 years.
The Premier, David Bartlett says the agreement will cost taxpayers about $2 million over the next two years, but he says the deal will save jobs, and quickly pay for itself.
"In the short-term, yes there will be a revenue decrease," he says.
"But that revenue decrease will be more than offset by 130 jobs on site, and increased transaction rates, over the life of the next five to 10 years."
The agreement will not be formally approved until parliament returns after the March 20 state election.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
James Packer gets his polo complex - 11th February 2010
James Packer has been granted planning permission to build a sprawling new British polo complex reported to be costing about $36 million.
The private facility, on 132.5 hectare Manor Farm, near the tiny West Sussex village of Selham, is not far from Great House Farm, the 38 hectare polo complex at Stedham, owned by his father Kerry during the 1980s.
Polo pitches on the nearby Cowdray Estate were once frequented by polo-loving Prince Charles and Princess Diana and are still a favourite haunt of royals, celebrities and the very wealthy.
Pop star Robbie Williams and billionaire Roman Abramovich both recently owned sprawling estates in the area.
Planning documents outline Mr Packer's intention to make Manor Farm the UK base of his Ellerston polo club.
There had been some local opposition to the plan, partly over increased road and helicopter traffic.
But Chichester District councillors gave the go-ahead during a planning meeting at 11am local time on Wednesday (10pm AEDT).
Ten out of 12 councillors voted in favour of the plan.
It caps a good start to 2010 for Mr Packer.
His wife Erica gave birth to their first son, Jackson, heir to the family's fortune, in early February.
And profits at Mr Packer's troubled Macau casino ventures were reported to be up in January.
His new polo complex will create four full-time jobs and four seasonal posts, the Chichester District Council told AAP.
Three related planning applications, submitted by Conpress (Hong Kong), were also considered by the council.
They outlined Mr Packer's plans to take a lease on Manor Farm, a dairy pasture, and convert it into a polo playing area with associated exercise tracks, stables and yards.
Existing agricultural barns will be converted to stables and seasonal accommodation for grooms.
Locals questioned whether the area was big enough to sustain such a complex.
Others outlined their support for the plan, saying it would bring much-needed investment to the area.
"The proposed new tenant at Manor Farm has a proven track record of making significant improvements at the private facility his family previously established at Stedham," one resident wrote.
Roger Comber, son of the retiring farmer that currently leases Manor Farm, said Mr Packer has proven popular with locals.
"The applicant has proved to be a popular figure and has a proven track record of operation," he wrote.
Kerry Packer faced opposition from local residents, mainly over noise and disruption, when his complex was built in the 1980s.
Selham has a population of just a few hundred, a handful of shops and a single pub - the Three Moles Inn.
The private facility, on 132.5 hectare Manor Farm, near the tiny West Sussex village of Selham, is not far from Great House Farm, the 38 hectare polo complex at Stedham, owned by his father Kerry during the 1980s.
Polo pitches on the nearby Cowdray Estate were once frequented by polo-loving Prince Charles and Princess Diana and are still a favourite haunt of royals, celebrities and the very wealthy.
Pop star Robbie Williams and billionaire Roman Abramovich both recently owned sprawling estates in the area.
Planning documents outline Mr Packer's intention to make Manor Farm the UK base of his Ellerston polo club.
There had been some local opposition to the plan, partly over increased road and helicopter traffic.
But Chichester District councillors gave the go-ahead during a planning meeting at 11am local time on Wednesday (10pm AEDT).
Ten out of 12 councillors voted in favour of the plan.
It caps a good start to 2010 for Mr Packer.
His wife Erica gave birth to their first son, Jackson, heir to the family's fortune, in early February.
And profits at Mr Packer's troubled Macau casino ventures were reported to be up in January.
His new polo complex will create four full-time jobs and four seasonal posts, the Chichester District Council told AAP.
Three related planning applications, submitted by Conpress (Hong Kong), were also considered by the council.
They outlined Mr Packer's plans to take a lease on Manor Farm, a dairy pasture, and convert it into a polo playing area with associated exercise tracks, stables and yards.
Existing agricultural barns will be converted to stables and seasonal accommodation for grooms.
Locals questioned whether the area was big enough to sustain such a complex.
Others outlined their support for the plan, saying it would bring much-needed investment to the area.
"The proposed new tenant at Manor Farm has a proven track record of making significant improvements at the private facility his family previously established at Stedham," one resident wrote.
Roger Comber, son of the retiring farmer that currently leases Manor Farm, said Mr Packer has proven popular with locals.
"The applicant has proved to be a popular figure and has a proven track record of operation," he wrote.
Kerry Packer faced opposition from local residents, mainly over noise and disruption, when his complex was built in the 1980s.
Selham has a population of just a few hundred, a handful of shops and a single pub - the Three Moles Inn.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Galea clan's mixed fortunes - The Sydney Morning Herald - 14th February 2010
Good luck isn't hereditary. Consider Bruce Galea, former racehorse owner and bookmaker. Go back to the '60s and '70s, when the Galea name was the biggest in betting - be it the racecourse or, with Galea snr, illegal casinos. Some of the best joints, specialising in baccarat and later roulette, were established by his father, Perce Galea, born in Malta and known as the Prince of Punters.
Being part-owner of Eskimo Prince with Perce, Bruce was involved in a dynamic and flamboyant racing era. Eskimo Prince was the boom two-year-old. Sure, Bruce was very much the silent partner as his father gave the title ''colourful racing personality'' considerable substance. He was pretty useful at cards, too.
When Eskimo Prince won the 1964 Golden Slipper at Rosehill, Clark Gable would have played second fiddle to him in what was described by David Hickie in Gentlemen of the Australian Turf as ''one of the greatest receptions ever heard on an Australian racecourse''.
*Read the full article
Being part-owner of Eskimo Prince with Perce, Bruce was involved in a dynamic and flamboyant racing era. Eskimo Prince was the boom two-year-old. Sure, Bruce was very much the silent partner as his father gave the title ''colourful racing personality'' considerable substance. He was pretty useful at cards, too.
When Eskimo Prince won the 1964 Golden Slipper at Rosehill, Clark Gable would have played second fiddle to him in what was described by David Hickie in Gentlemen of the Australian Turf as ''one of the greatest receptions ever heard on an Australian racecourse''.
*Read the full article
Berry blowtorched, apprentices outed - Fairfax - 14th February 2010
A ride apprentice Nathan Berry described as ''ordinary'' and ''immature'' will come under further scrutiny this week.
Berry spent 20 minutes in the Canterbury stewards room on Friday night being grilled by chief stipes Mark Van Gestel and Ray Murrihy over his ride on Rubirose, which ran third to the impressive De Lightning Ridge in the final event at Canterbury.
''It looked terrible,'' Murrihy told Berry.
Stewards are concerned with Berry's ride in the first 200m of the race. After jumping in front, Rubirose dropped back to second last before charging to the line.
The owner of Rubirose was very disappointed with the ride after trainer Kevin Moses gave instructions to have it in the box seat behind the leaders.
The inquiry was adjourned to allow Berry to be represented and stewards want to question Moses. It is likely to be held later this week.
The Canterbury meeting was an unhappy one for apprentices, with Blake Spriggs and Ben Vassallo both suspended for careless riding.
BABY BLUES
Wagering on Betfair in regard to the defeat of a red-hot favourite at the Sunshine Coast last month is causing Queensland stewards concern. The QR flyer said the inquiry into the defeat of Baby Boom was last week ''expanded to include the running and handling'' of the horse.
Of particular concern to stipes was ''the Betfair activity on the race surrounding Baby Boom which indicated that a large volume of money had been wagered in support of the horse being unsuccessful''.
Baby Boom finished fourth as the $1.30 favourite. Trainer John Nikolic and jockey John Keating have been interviewed by stewards. Nikolic is the brother of high-profile Victorian jockey Danny Nikolic, who is also at the centre of a Betfair-related inquiry.
On Friday, QR stewards stated ''evidence was taken from Mr Nikolic regarding his association with a Gold Coast punter who at this stage has declined requests from stewards to assist in their investigations''.
Chief stipe Wade Birch interviewed a Melbourne-based commission agent last week. The inquiry has been adjourned.
NECK AND NICK
Will Jimmy Cassidy turn up to good mate's Nick Moraitis's birthday party today? Cassidy pulled the wrong rein at Randwick yesterday when choosing not to ride Sophistication, which is owned by his mate Moraitis.
Cassidy was offered the ride the six-year-old but opted for Dillinger, which failed by a neck to run down Sophistication.
''I offered Jimmy the ride but wanted to ride Dillinger,'' trainer Joe Pride said. ''And I thought at about 100 metres he was going to be proven right but my bloke was holding him on the line.''
Premiership-leading apprentice Tommy Berry was the lucky one to pick up the ride on Sophistication and was in good spirits as he got off the scale.
''Happy birthday to Mr Moraitis for tomorrow,'' he said.
Cassidy could offer no excuses for Dillinger.
''I had my chance to run him down,'' he said. ''[Dillinger] just needs a quicker tempo than that.''
OLD TRICKS
Allan Denham is eyeing the Doncaster Handicap with problem galloper Tobique. The four-year-old was up to the old tricks when laying in down the running but still proved too strong to win the fourth at Randwick yesterday.
''I think Chris Munce rode him a bit close the other day and Corey [Brown] got back today,'' Denham said.
''He has had leg issues and I don't want to push him to hard to early. I've got him in the Doncaster. I was thinking about the BMW but I won't get the miles into him.''
Brown said: ''Obviously he has had a few problems but he is shaping up to have a nice campaign.''
ON THE QUIET
Several players at the coalface are calling one jockey the ''smiling assassin'' and it has little to do with winning.
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Berry spent 20 minutes in the Canterbury stewards room on Friday night being grilled by chief stipes Mark Van Gestel and Ray Murrihy over his ride on Rubirose, which ran third to the impressive De Lightning Ridge in the final event at Canterbury.
''It looked terrible,'' Murrihy told Berry.
Stewards are concerned with Berry's ride in the first 200m of the race. After jumping in front, Rubirose dropped back to second last before charging to the line.
The owner of Rubirose was very disappointed with the ride after trainer Kevin Moses gave instructions to have it in the box seat behind the leaders.
The inquiry was adjourned to allow Berry to be represented and stewards want to question Moses. It is likely to be held later this week.
The Canterbury meeting was an unhappy one for apprentices, with Blake Spriggs and Ben Vassallo both suspended for careless riding.
BABY BLUES
Wagering on Betfair in regard to the defeat of a red-hot favourite at the Sunshine Coast last month is causing Queensland stewards concern. The QR flyer said the inquiry into the defeat of Baby Boom was last week ''expanded to include the running and handling'' of the horse.
Of particular concern to stipes was ''the Betfair activity on the race surrounding Baby Boom which indicated that a large volume of money had been wagered in support of the horse being unsuccessful''.
Baby Boom finished fourth as the $1.30 favourite. Trainer John Nikolic and jockey John Keating have been interviewed by stewards. Nikolic is the brother of high-profile Victorian jockey Danny Nikolic, who is also at the centre of a Betfair-related inquiry.
On Friday, QR stewards stated ''evidence was taken from Mr Nikolic regarding his association with a Gold Coast punter who at this stage has declined requests from stewards to assist in their investigations''.
Chief stipe Wade Birch interviewed a Melbourne-based commission agent last week. The inquiry has been adjourned.
NECK AND NICK
Will Jimmy Cassidy turn up to good mate's Nick Moraitis's birthday party today? Cassidy pulled the wrong rein at Randwick yesterday when choosing not to ride Sophistication, which is owned by his mate Moraitis.
Cassidy was offered the ride the six-year-old but opted for Dillinger, which failed by a neck to run down Sophistication.
''I offered Jimmy the ride but wanted to ride Dillinger,'' trainer Joe Pride said. ''And I thought at about 100 metres he was going to be proven right but my bloke was holding him on the line.''
Premiership-leading apprentice Tommy Berry was the lucky one to pick up the ride on Sophistication and was in good spirits as he got off the scale.
''Happy birthday to Mr Moraitis for tomorrow,'' he said.
Cassidy could offer no excuses for Dillinger.
''I had my chance to run him down,'' he said. ''[Dillinger] just needs a quicker tempo than that.''
OLD TRICKS
Allan Denham is eyeing the Doncaster Handicap with problem galloper Tobique. The four-year-old was up to the old tricks when laying in down the running but still proved too strong to win the fourth at Randwick yesterday.
''I think Chris Munce rode him a bit close the other day and Corey [Brown] got back today,'' Denham said.
''He has had leg issues and I don't want to push him to hard to early. I've got him in the Doncaster. I was thinking about the BMW but I won't get the miles into him.''
Brown said: ''Obviously he has had a few problems but he is shaping up to have a nice campaign.''
ON THE QUIET
Several players at the coalface are calling one jockey the ''smiling assassin'' and it has little to do with winning.
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Saturday, February 13, 2010
MAGIC MILLIONS - NEWMARKET NEXT FOR TOLLESPRIT
Newmarket Handicap plans for top Bendigo galloper Tollesprit remained on track today when he scored a thrilling last stride win in the Schweppervescence Plate (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
A brilliant first up winner at Flemington a fortnight ago, Tollesprit was sent out the favourite and had plenty of punters cheering when he got his nose down on the line to score by a short half head.
The son of Bel Esprit, a $26,000 graduate from the 2008 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, was suspect at the tighter Moonee Valley track today - but as the class horses usually do, he proved too strong.
"I was a bit concerned because the Valley can bring some horses undone," winning trainer Shane Fliedner said.
"He does take a little while to wind up. That's why he is so well suited at Flemington."
"The first run (and win at Flemington) really tucked him up and while he could easily have been beaten here it really did fit into the pattern."
"But he needed to come here for the gallop."
Fliedner said it looked at though his current stable star would head toward the $1 million Group One Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 6.
"The way the others are dropping off, it probably does," he noted. "He'll get in with no weight and the track certainly suits him."
"He'd be a good chance with a light weight."
The Newmarket has always been on the radar for Fliedner following his close up eighth in a Group One at the same track late last year.
"After the Coolmore (Stud Stakes) in the Spring I set him for these three races all along. So hopefully we'll keep going."
"With the way the others are starting to drop away, I'll just try and get this bloke him and keep him sound."
Fliedner said he wasn't sure when watching the race live if his charge had got up in the last stride to score. He said being on the outside was a great advantage.
"I thought it was close," Fliedner noted. "It's very deceiving."
"I've been here before and thought I'd won in a photo, but got beat. It must have been my turn."
Tollesprit ($2-$2.40-$2.30 fav) put in a big bound on the line and he was able to get up and beat True Persuasion ($2.70-$3.30) by a short half head.
Another length and a quarter back in third place was the well supported early leader Dissolved ($4.40-$4.60-$4).
Tollesprit is turning into an incredible money spinner for connections. The $26,000 buy at Morphettville has now earned over $220,000 from just 11 runs. He also swept away with another Super Vobis bonus.
By the same sire as the sidelined boom filly Black Caviar, Tollesprit is one of four winners from his dam, the top producer Tolleranza.
An unraced daughter of Alzao, Tolleranza is the dam of the Flemington stakes winner Belle Ball, who in turn is the dam of stakes placed youngster Detroit Tiger.
A brilliant first up winner at Flemington a fortnight ago, Tollesprit was sent out the favourite and had plenty of punters cheering when he got his nose down on the line to score by a short half head.
The son of Bel Esprit, a $26,000 graduate from the 2008 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, was suspect at the tighter Moonee Valley track today - but as the class horses usually do, he proved too strong.
"I was a bit concerned because the Valley can bring some horses undone," winning trainer Shane Fliedner said.
"He does take a little while to wind up. That's why he is so well suited at Flemington."
"The first run (and win at Flemington) really tucked him up and while he could easily have been beaten here it really did fit into the pattern."
"But he needed to come here for the gallop."
Fliedner said it looked at though his current stable star would head toward the $1 million Group One Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 6.
"The way the others are dropping off, it probably does," he noted. "He'll get in with no weight and the track certainly suits him."
"He'd be a good chance with a light weight."
The Newmarket has always been on the radar for Fliedner following his close up eighth in a Group One at the same track late last year.
"After the Coolmore (Stud Stakes) in the Spring I set him for these three races all along. So hopefully we'll keep going."
"With the way the others are starting to drop away, I'll just try and get this bloke him and keep him sound."
Fliedner said he wasn't sure when watching the race live if his charge had got up in the last stride to score. He said being on the outside was a great advantage.
"I thought it was close," Fliedner noted. "It's very deceiving."
"I've been here before and thought I'd won in a photo, but got beat. It must have been my turn."
Tollesprit ($2-$2.40-$2.30 fav) put in a big bound on the line and he was able to get up and beat True Persuasion ($2.70-$3.30) by a short half head.
Another length and a quarter back in third place was the well supported early leader Dissolved ($4.40-$4.60-$4).
Tollesprit is turning into an incredible money spinner for connections. The $26,000 buy at Morphettville has now earned over $220,000 from just 11 runs. He also swept away with another Super Vobis bonus.
By the same sire as the sidelined boom filly Black Caviar, Tollesprit is one of four winners from his dam, the top producer Tolleranza.
An unraced daughter of Alzao, Tolleranza is the dam of the Flemington stakes winner Belle Ball, who in turn is the dam of stakes placed youngster Detroit Tiger.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
MAGIC MILLIONS - IRISH ORATORIO OFF AND WINNING IN AUSTRALI
Promising youngster Conturbar scored a milestone win for his sire, former star international galloper Oratorio, when an impressive winner at Wyong today.
A $45,000 purchase for senior part owner William Ouston at last year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Conturbar debuted in style and was able to race home to win by two and three quarter lengths.
The Gerald Ryan prepared youngster, who'd trialled twice in Sydney prior to his first outing this afternoon, was sold by Kulani Park (as agent) as Lot 3 just over a year ago.
The colt is the first winner to date for the Moonee Valley winning Canny Lad mare Rainbow Lover.
Further back it is the family of stakes winners including Banff Connection, Snowing, Machtig Mihi Panis, Carrara and this year's Blue Diamond hopeful Crystal Lily.
Not to be confused with the Australian bred and Magic Millions Adelaide Classic winner with the same name, the Irish bred Oratorio was a champion performer in Europe.
He was the second highest rated three-year-old of his year and during his career he won six of his 15 starts.
Oratorio won three Group One races - the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere Grand Criterium at Longchamp and the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.
He was also second in an Irish Two Thousand Guineas, Phoenix Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes and third in a St James's Palace Stakes at York.
The Coolmore Stud shuttler is a half brother to five winners including the stakes winners Fahim and Mowaadah.
There is a well bred colt by Oratorio catalogued as lot 460 by Lyndhurst Stud Farm at next month's Magic Millions QTIS 600 Yearling Sale.
A half brother to the Brisbane winner Local Talent, the colt is the latest yearling from a city performed Sir Tristram half sister to Le Zagaletta.
A $45,000 purchase for senior part owner William Ouston at last year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Conturbar debuted in style and was able to race home to win by two and three quarter lengths.
The Gerald Ryan prepared youngster, who'd trialled twice in Sydney prior to his first outing this afternoon, was sold by Kulani Park (as agent) as Lot 3 just over a year ago.
The colt is the first winner to date for the Moonee Valley winning Canny Lad mare Rainbow Lover.
Further back it is the family of stakes winners including Banff Connection, Snowing, Machtig Mihi Panis, Carrara and this year's Blue Diamond hopeful Crystal Lily.
Not to be confused with the Australian bred and Magic Millions Adelaide Classic winner with the same name, the Irish bred Oratorio was a champion performer in Europe.
He was the second highest rated three-year-old of his year and during his career he won six of his 15 starts.
Oratorio won three Group One races - the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere Grand Criterium at Longchamp and the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.
He was also second in an Irish Two Thousand Guineas, Phoenix Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes and third in a St James's Palace Stakes at York.
The Coolmore Stud shuttler is a half brother to five winners including the stakes winners Fahim and Mowaadah.
There is a well bred colt by Oratorio catalogued as lot 460 by Lyndhurst Stud Farm at next month's Magic Millions QTIS 600 Yearling Sale.
A half brother to the Brisbane winner Local Talent, the colt is the latest yearling from a city performed Sir Tristram half sister to Le Zagaletta.
Monday, February 08, 2010
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