The Australian and international thoroughbred racing communities are lamenting the passing of Robert Burnet, a widely respected publisher in the racing media sphere. Burnet’s professional life was a distinguished blend of a family heritage in publishing, active engagement in breeding and racing partnerships, and a long-standing, influential relationship with the global thoroughbred industry.
Through the esteemed platform ThoroughbredNEWS, Burnet established and diligently managed an independent news service for the industry. This was built upon more than three decades of dedicated experience working with industry partners and disseminating news content from across the globe.
His career took him to media rooms and racing centres worldwide, including significant periods in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, where he became a recognised and valued presence within the international racing community.
A proud publishing heritage and an international outlook were central to Burnet’s professional identity. 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 renowned newspaper figure in New Zealand, and the family’s connection with Windsor Park Stud in Cambridge, New Zealand, highlighted their substantial involvement in the breeding and racing world.
This convergence of publishing, breeding, and racing became a fundamental part of Robert’s professional journey and, ultimately, his dedication to ThoroughbredNEWS.
As the owner and manager of ThoroughbredNEWS, Burnet collaborated with industry partners, publishing essential news content from the international racing scene.
For more than three decades, the platform has been a vital part of the specialist racing media landscape, connecting readers with news and developments from an industry whose participants, events, and interests extend far beyond national borders.
Burnet’s enduring association with ThoroughbredNEWS remains a cornerstone of his professional legacy and his significant contribution to the communication of thoroughbred racing news.
It was Robert’s clear vision for ThoroughbredNEWS that was at the forefront of his professional life. Like many early online publishers, success was not easily achieved, nor was it immediate. However, his persistent drive and passion for an industry he adored, coupled with his strong belief that online publishing was the future for industry news, were evident in all his actions.
Robert was never hesitant to voice his opinions on matters he felt strongly about, and history has often proven him correct. He frequently expressed frustration that racing executives could not see or share his vision for online publishing and ThoroughbredNEWS.
In the early days, Robert was instrumental in negotiating publishing and live-streaming contracts with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. This led to increased online exposure for Hong Kong racing, not only in Australia but also in a broader global market, coinciding with a rapid rise in commingling turnover.
This was the beginning of a successful strategy that is now adopted by other global rights holders.
A familiar face on the international racing circuit, Robert was a consistent presence in media rooms across the global thoroughbred racing circuit. His professional relationships and industry connections accurately reflected the worldwide nature of racing and the many people who contribute to the sport.
Robert quickly recognised the significance of travelling to and supporting other racing jurisdictions, such as New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and Hong Kong, all through the lens of the ThoroughbredNEWS platform.
Those who knew him will also recall the distinctive personality he brought to his work and relationships. A great sense of humour and an inimitable sense of style were among his defining characteristics, with his Panama hat becoming a signature part of his attire.
These personal qualities made Robert a recognisable and memorable figure among colleagues and industry acquaintances across the racing world. “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 is a profound loss for those who knew him personally and for colleagues across the thoroughbred racing and media communities. “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 thoughts and condolences of the thoroughbred racing community are extended to Robert’s family, friends, colleagues and all those who shared his journey through the world of thoroughbred racing. Robert Burnet will be remembered for his contribution to racing media, his connections across the international thoroughbred industry and the distinctive personality he brought to the people and places that shaped his professional life. Check out the latest online bookmakers for your betting needs.
