Early Beginnings
The origins of TRB date back more than 50 years to the iconic Australian racing figure Rem Plante (full name Remy M. F. Plante de Villeneuve).
Rem Plante was an ex-naval air force officer, whom after completing his nautical and aeronautical education studied Law, Ethnology, and Asian Economics at the Leiden University. He went on to graduate as a solicitor and later became a Magistrate.
Rem's keen interest in racing was inspired during his distinguished naval career, during which he would frequently visit racetracks throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. The Plante family arrived in Australia in the early 1950's where Rem commenced upon an intensive study of Australian racing for more than a decade. During this time he was the editor of one of the most popular racing magazines of the day, known as The Turf Review.
Rem's philosophy in life was to teach to others that which he had learned. His works culminated in the writing of his first hard cover book in 1965, entitled "The Australian Racing Manual." Following further study Rem's second book, "Australian Horse Racing and Punter's Guide" was released and went on to become the most popular book ever published on the subject of Australian horse racing. Second hand copies are still very much in demand and can still bring in up to AU$100 each.
In 1969, Rem Plante's son Marcel became involved on a full time basis in the well established Plante and Associates racing business. He learned the art of weight ratings from his father who had been the first person in Australia to introduce them publicly. For more than three decades, Marcel provided the race results and handicapper's weight charts (with ratings) in printed form, which became a 'must have' for all serious horse racing punters. Many clients subscribed for 30+ years to this service, a tribute to its quality and iconic status.
Marcel also applied his learned skills to become one of the key players on the racetracks of Sydney, and consistently made money at the races. Marcel is still a keen punter today.
Over the years, the Plante and Associate's racing business continued to thrive and prosper by providing Australian punters with quality racing information. In the late 1980's Plante and Associate's embraced the computer age and developed a number of unique computer based products and services to help keep its clients ahead of their competition.
Around 1990, the business name Plante & Associates was changed to become The Rating Bureau, in order to more suitably reflect the nature of the business.
TRB Today
Over the years, TRB has continued to evolve with additional owners Roger Chapman, Dennis Walker and Daniel O'Sullivan joining Marcel, as well as a number of full time and part time staff. TRB today represents a dedicated group of highly skilled racing, betting and IT professionals.
Aside from betting on the races, our focus is on continuing the TRB tradition of excellence and delivering the very best racing data, software and cutting edge analysis to participants in the racing industry.
Our clients include:
• Punters ranging from the weekend hobby punter to Australia's most successful professionals
• Major corporate bookmakers
• Media Outlets
• Trainers
• Owners
• Breeders
• Racing web site owners
We are proud of our reputation for excellent customer service and helping our clients to achieve their goals. A large number of our clients have now been relying on TRB horse racing data, software and expert advice for 10 years or more.
With continued investment in new technology along with the very best racing intelligence, TRB continues to lead the way in the Australian racing industry, upholding a proud tradition of excellence that now spans more than 50 years.