Craig Hutchison gears up for $3.2m racing expansion
The $3.25 million acquisition of RSN, owned by Racing Victoria, by Hutchison's Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) was announced on Tuesday. The deal will be funded by the company's cash reserves and is expected to be completed by September 1.
'This acquisition allows us to bring our unique approach to a broader audience and amplify all three codes of Victorian racing,' Hutchison said in the ASX announcement.
'RSN celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and is an institution in Melbourne's radio, racing and sports history. We look forward to respecting and protecting that legacy while moving RSN forward into an exciting new era.'
SEG will still operate RSN, and its own network SEN Track, on their existing frequencies, but the announcement said both brands would benefit from SEG's 'broader audio and digital ecosystem'. Some RSN programming will simultaneously be cast on racing.com.
Racing insiders, not authorised to speak publicly, said there could be changes to RSN's staff once Hutchison's SEG takes control of the company later this year.
A Racing Victoria statement said Hutchison's group was committed to live coverage and analysis of Victorian thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing on the 927 frequency.
'SEN has advised that it may make some changes to RSN programming, with further updates to be provided in due course,' the statement said.
RSN's regular slots include midweek breakfast programs hosted by Daniel Harford and Michael Felgate, as well as roaming race day updates from industry veteran Andrew Bensley. Hutchison's takeover would also allow for the sharing of content across both stations such as SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson or Giddyup with Gareth Hall.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
43 minutes ago
- 7NEWS
The Auction was like a game of ping pong...paddles were flying as the bids rolled in
In Maroubra, one bidder donning a number seven paddle kept her bids to $7k, prompting the agent to declare, "I should have given you my highest paddle number!" Across the nation, Australia's auction market is warming up again, with volumes on the rise and clearance rates continuing their solid streak above the 70 percent mark. Picture perfect clash ends with $2.2m Malvern sale and a portrait from the heart A cold but sun-drenched winter morning set the scene for a tightly fought auction at 1181-1183 Malvern Road, where a quirky, gallery-fronted Victorian drew a discerning crowd of 15 to 20. The freestanding, solid-brick home sold under the hammer for $2.2 million, after spirited $20,000 bidding bursts between two determined women. "It's such a unique offering," said RT Edgar listing agent Chelsie Cargill. "No heritage overlay, so developers were circling, but in the end it went to someone with a real creative vision." That someone was a Melbourne-based chef, who plans to convert the distinctive gallery shopfront into a florist shop. Previously home to local artist Pauline Courtney, the sunlit frontage has long served as one of the area's most recognisable creative spaces. In a poignant gesture after the gavel fell, Courtney presented the new owner with a portrait she had painted of a Hong Kong chef. Set on 432 square metres with laneway access and a north-facing backyard, the property blends business potential with easy family living. Beyond high fences, the single-level residence flows from three bedrooms and a study to open-plan living, a luxe kitchen and a spa-framed courtyard. A red-brick stable at the rear, replete with mezzanine and split system heating, adds further creative flexibility. Cargill said around 30 groups came through during the campaign, most drawn by the location, light and scope. "It's not just a house, it's a personality. Buyers really responded to that." "I should have given you my highest paddle number!" Maroubra agent jokes as paddle number sparks playful bidding war In a sun-drenched auction that started slow but ended with a smile, a two-bedroom apartment at 8/283 Maroubra Road sold under the hammer for $1.175 million, with one bidder's paddle number adding a cheeky twist to the final moments. Tucked to the rear of the boutique 'Lisieux' complex, the light-filled Sydney apartment attracted around 30 onlookers to the onsite event. NG Farah listing agent Mark Feerick said bidding opened at $980,000 and took time to build momentum. "It was very slow to get to $1 million," he said, noting that three parties competed before one dropped out early due to incomplete arrangements. A pause at $1 million gave bidders a breather before a "ping-pong" of offers between the final two pushed the price upward. One bidder, whose paddle number was seven, continued to place $7,000 bids throughout the auction. As the gavel was about to fall, she added a final $7,000 bid to stretch the result. "I joked with her that I should've given her my highest paddle number," Feerick laughed. The winning bidder was a local investor, while the seller, "absolutely wrapt," had initially been nervous about the potential outcome. "They were laughing together after the auction and even had a photo taken," said Feerick. "It was just one of those auctions where everything felt good." With Maroubra Beach, Pacific Square and local schools nearby, the updated apartment promises a laid-back lifestyle, with sunlight, space and a touch of charm. Bundled in the cold, bidders heat up Garden Street auction A frosty Warrnambool morning didn't stop the action at 46 Garden Street, where fifty determined onlookers crowded close for warmth and a front-row seat to a fiery three-way bidding war. The updated two-bedroom home exceeded expectations, selling at the top of the range for the street, finishing above $600,000. The result capped off what agent Tessa Stephens described as a "brilliant auction", driven by fierce competition and the undeniable appeal of the renovation. "It was absolutely freezing," Stephens said. "But no one moved. They huddled together and stuck it out, and it was worth it." The property, freshly overhauled by its vendors, drew praise for its liveability and layout. Its elevated position and peaceful setting were complemented by light-filled interiors, neutral finishes and a clever floor plan that promotes cross-ventilation and flow. With three active bidders in play, the crowd was treated to a tight contest, which ultimately saw the home fall to a delighted buyer who recognised the care behind the transformation. Stephens said the vendors were equally thrilled. "They were happy and relieved," she said. "It's always nice when someone else sees the value in the work you've done." "Everyone was happy," Stephens said. "That's the best kind of sale." A total of 1,574 homes went under the hammer across the combined capitals this past week, nudging 9.9 percent higher than the week prior, though still sitting 11.4 percent below the same week in 2023. According to Cotality research director Tim Lawless, preliminary clearance rates climbed to 74.4 percent, up from 72.2 percent the previous week. While last week's figure was eventually revised to 68 percent, it still marked the highest finalised result since March. This week's preliminary figure is the second highest so far in 2025, just behind the late-June peak of 74.5 percent. Melbourne led the volume surge, hosting 678 auctions, a rise from 628 the week before. The clearance rate there jumped to 76.7 percent, the city's strongest preliminary result since May last year.
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Heat on Aussie bowlers after Sri Lanka A's hot start
The heat is on Australia A's bowlers to find early wickets on day two after a Nuwanidu Fernando century headlined a great first day for Sri Lanka A in Darwin. After putting their visitors in to bat, the Aussies had their work cut out containing No.3 Fernando (102 runs off 234 balls), who backed up an unbeaten century in the last tour match with another ton. Victorian quick Mitch Perry (1-51) finally made the breakthrough after Fernando mistimed his cover drive and edged to Jason Sangha at second slip in the sixth-last over of the day. At stumps on day one, Sri Lanka A were 4-263 with Pavan Rathnayake (43) and Sonal Dinusha (5) unbeaten at the crease. Earlier, opener Kamil Mishara (81) got the tourists off to a strong start at 1-134 but couldn't contain Henry Thornton's bouncer, falling to the ground as he skied to Kurtis Patterson at gully. Liam Scott (1-25) bowled fellow opener Lahiru Udara (10), with Zanden Jeh (1-63) also picking up a wicket. The heat is on Australia A's bowlers to find early wickets on day two after a Nuwanidu Fernando century headlined a great first day for Sri Lanka A in Darwin. After putting their visitors in to bat, the Aussies had their work cut out containing No.3 Fernando (102 runs off 234 balls), who backed up an unbeaten century in the last tour match with another ton. Victorian quick Mitch Perry (1-51) finally made the breakthrough after Fernando mistimed his cover drive and edged to Jason Sangha at second slip in the sixth-last over of the day. At stumps on day one, Sri Lanka A were 4-263 with Pavan Rathnayake (43) and Sonal Dinusha (5) unbeaten at the crease. Earlier, opener Kamil Mishara (81) got the tourists off to a strong start at 1-134 but couldn't contain Henry Thornton's bouncer, falling to the ground as he skied to Kurtis Patterson at gully. Liam Scott (1-25) bowled fellow opener Lahiru Udara (10), with Zanden Jeh (1-63) also picking up a wicket. The heat is on Australia A's bowlers to find early wickets on day two after a Nuwanidu Fernando century headlined a great first day for Sri Lanka A in Darwin. After putting their visitors in to bat, the Aussies had their work cut out containing No.3 Fernando (102 runs off 234 balls), who backed up an unbeaten century in the last tour match with another ton. Victorian quick Mitch Perry (1-51) finally made the breakthrough after Fernando mistimed his cover drive and edged to Jason Sangha at second slip in the sixth-last over of the day. At stumps on day one, Sri Lanka A were 4-263 with Pavan Rathnayake (43) and Sonal Dinusha (5) unbeaten at the crease. Earlier, opener Kamil Mishara (81) got the tourists off to a strong start at 1-134 but couldn't contain Henry Thornton's bouncer, falling to the ground as he skied to Kurtis Patterson at gully. Liam Scott (1-25) bowled fellow opener Lahiru Udara (10), with Zanden Jeh (1-63) also picking up a wicket.
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Fraser-McGurk earns opening reprieve with Short out
Jake Fraser-McGurk will be given the chance to open the batting for Australia again, with Matt Short ruled out of the Twenty20 series against West Indies with a side strain. Australian officials have confirmed that Fraser-McGurk will open alongside Mitch Marsh in the first T20 on Sunday (Monday AEST), while Mitch Owen will debut. Fraser-McGurk had initially been left out of the squad for the five-match T20 series after a run of low scores for Australia, before earning a reprieve with a late call up last week. Short had been expected to open, but officials have opted to play it safe and send him home with the allrounder battling a side injury. The Victorian is expected to be fit to play South Africa in a series of top-end white-ball games next month. Owen is expected to bat at No.6 for the tourists, with Tim David out of the series opener with a minor hamstring niggle. Owen opened for Hobart when he was leading run-scorer in last summer's BBL, but selectors are understood to view him as a power-hitting finisher. "He is a really exciting prospect for Australia," Marsh said. "A young imposing figure and appears to be a really nice young man. We just want him to enjoy debuting for Australia and hopefully he can win a few games." This series marks the start of Australia's lead up to next February's T20 World Cup in the sub-continent, with 17 matches between now and then. Nathan Ellis will lead the tourists' bowling attack with the big-three quicks all sent home early, while Marsh will not be used with the ball. That will leave an attack of Ellis, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshius and Adam Zampa, with Glenn Maxwell and Cooper Connolly's spinners likely to come in handy. "We don't want anyone to come in here and feel like they have to prove themselves," Marsh said. "This series they come together as our attack and our unit. We have spoken about being really connected, and they'll lead the team." AUSTRALIA TEAM FOR FIRST T20: Mitch Marsh (capt), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshius, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa. Jake Fraser-McGurk will be given the chance to open the batting for Australia again, with Matt Short ruled out of the Twenty20 series against West Indies with a side strain. Australian officials have confirmed that Fraser-McGurk will open alongside Mitch Marsh in the first T20 on Sunday (Monday AEST), while Mitch Owen will debut. Fraser-McGurk had initially been left out of the squad for the five-match T20 series after a run of low scores for Australia, before earning a reprieve with a late call up last week. Short had been expected to open, but officials have opted to play it safe and send him home with the allrounder battling a side injury. The Victorian is expected to be fit to play South Africa in a series of top-end white-ball games next month. Owen is expected to bat at No.6 for the tourists, with Tim David out of the series opener with a minor hamstring niggle. Owen opened for Hobart when he was leading run-scorer in last summer's BBL, but selectors are understood to view him as a power-hitting finisher. "He is a really exciting prospect for Australia," Marsh said. "A young imposing figure and appears to be a really nice young man. We just want him to enjoy debuting for Australia and hopefully he can win a few games." This series marks the start of Australia's lead up to next February's T20 World Cup in the sub-continent, with 17 matches between now and then. Nathan Ellis will lead the tourists' bowling attack with the big-three quicks all sent home early, while Marsh will not be used with the ball. That will leave an attack of Ellis, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshius and Adam Zampa, with Glenn Maxwell and Cooper Connolly's spinners likely to come in handy. "We don't want anyone to come in here and feel like they have to prove themselves," Marsh said. "This series they come together as our attack and our unit. We have spoken about being really connected, and they'll lead the team." AUSTRALIA TEAM FOR FIRST T20: Mitch Marsh (capt), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshius, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa. Jake Fraser-McGurk will be given the chance to open the batting for Australia again, with Matt Short ruled out of the Twenty20 series against West Indies with a side strain. Australian officials have confirmed that Fraser-McGurk will open alongside Mitch Marsh in the first T20 on Sunday (Monday AEST), while Mitch Owen will debut. Fraser-McGurk had initially been left out of the squad for the five-match T20 series after a run of low scores for Australia, before earning a reprieve with a late call up last week. Short had been expected to open, but officials have opted to play it safe and send him home with the allrounder battling a side injury. The Victorian is expected to be fit to play South Africa in a series of top-end white-ball games next month. Owen is expected to bat at No.6 for the tourists, with Tim David out of the series opener with a minor hamstring niggle. Owen opened for Hobart when he was leading run-scorer in last summer's BBL, but selectors are understood to view him as a power-hitting finisher. "He is a really exciting prospect for Australia," Marsh said. "A young imposing figure and appears to be a really nice young man. We just want him to enjoy debuting for Australia and hopefully he can win a few games." This series marks the start of Australia's lead up to next February's T20 World Cup in the sub-continent, with 17 matches between now and then. Nathan Ellis will lead the tourists' bowling attack with the big-three quicks all sent home early, while Marsh will not be used with the ball. That will leave an attack of Ellis, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshius and Adam Zampa, with Glenn Maxwell and Cooper Connolly's spinners likely to come in handy. "We don't want anyone to come in here and feel like they have to prove themselves," Marsh said. "This series they come together as our attack and our unit. We have spoken about being really connected, and they'll lead the team." AUSTRALIA TEAM FOR FIRST T20: Mitch Marsh (capt), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshius, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.
