The Australian and international thoroughbred racing communities are in mourning following the passing of Robert Burnet, a highly regarded racing media publisher. Burnet’s professional life was a blend of family publishing heritage, involvement in breeding and racing partnerships, and a deep, long-standing connection to the global thoroughbred industry.
Through his venture, ThoroughbredNEWS, Burnet established and expertly managed an independent industry news platform. This was built on over three decades of experience collaborating with industry partners and disseminating news content from across the world.
His career saw him frequent media rooms and racing hubs internationally, including significant periods in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In these locations, he became a recognised and respected figure within the global racing fraternity.
A publishing legacy and an international perspective were central to Burnet’s career. Robert’s deep-seated passion for publishing, breeding, and thoroughbred racing was partly shaped by his family’s background. His father, Alan Burnet (CBE), was a celebrated newspaper figure in New Zealand, and the family’s association with Windsor Park Stud in Cambridge, New Zealand, underscored their involvement in the breeding and racing sphere.
This confluence of publishing, breeding, and racing became a crucial element of Robert’s professional path and, consequently, his dedication to ThoroughbredNEWS.
As the owner and manager of ThoroughbredNEWS, Burnet collaborated closely with industry partners, delivering news from the international racing scene.
For more than thirty years, this platform has held a significant place in the specialist racing media landscape, bridging the gap for readers to access news and developments from an industry whose participants, events, and interests transcend national boundaries.
Burnet’s enduring association with ThoroughbredNEWS stands as a cornerstone of his professional legacy and his substantial contribution to the dissemination of thoroughbred racing news.
It was Robert’s distinct vision for ThoroughbredNEWS that occupied the forefront of his professional endeavours. Much like many pioneers in online publishing, achieving success was a challenging and gradual process. Nevertheless, his unwavering drive and fervent passion for an industry he cherished, coupled with his strong conviction in the future of online publishing for industry news, were palpable in all his actions.
Robert was never hesitant to voice his opinions on matters he felt passionately about, and history often vindicated his stance. He frequently expressed frustration that racing executives struggled to comprehend or share his vision for online publishing and the potential of ThoroughbredNEWS.
In the nascent stages of online media, Robert played a pivotal role in securing publishing and live-streaming agreements with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. This initiative significantly boosted the online visibility of Hong Kong racing, not only within Australia but also on a broader international stage, aligning with a period of substantial growth in commingling turnover.
This marked the inception of a highly successful strategy that has since been adopted by other global rights holders.
A recognisable figure on the international racing circuit, Robert was a consistent presence in media rooms across the global thoroughbred racing circuit. His professional connections and industry relationships mirrored the interconnected nature of racing and the multitude of individuals who contribute to the sport.
Robert swiftly recognised the importance of actively participating in and supporting other racing jurisdictions, such as New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and Hong Kong, all viewed through the lens of the ThoroughbredNEWS platform.
Those acquainted with him will also recall the distinctive personality he infused into his work and interactions. A keen sense of humour and an unmistakable sense of style were among his defining traits, with his Panama hat becoming an iconic element of his appearance.
These personal attributes rendered Robert a recognisable and memorable individual among his peers and industry acquaintances worldwide. “Robert was always the best-dressed racing journalist in the media room. While many of us had just one suitcase, Rob would turn up at the airport with at least two large cases and many suit or sports coat bags and his roller business case. Rob had a different outfit for every occasion and when combined with impeccable taste in socks and different shoes he put the rest of us one-outfit, boring journalists to shame! To say Rob was a dapper dresser is an understatement.” Gary Crispe, Executive Director of Racing and Sports and close confidante.
Robert’s passing represents a profound loss for his personal connections and for colleagues across the thoroughbred racing and media fraternities. “Rob embraced Asian racing and saw a market. He was actively involved with the Singapore Turf Club during their years of international racing, but more so in Hong Kong where he had the ears of leading administrators and would not miss one of their international meetings, be that in December or April-May.” Craig Brennan, senior journalist formerly with the Singapore Turf Club and now Racing and Sports.
The deep sympathies and condolences of the thoroughbred racing community are extended to Robert’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those who shared his journey through the dynamic world of thoroughbred racing. Robert Burnet will be remembered for his significant contributions to racing media, his extensive network within the international thoroughbred industry, and the unique personality he brought to the people and places that defined his professional life. The racing world can place bets on the upcoming races at various Australian tracks via Australian betting sites.