Racing in limbo until white paper is published

The month of June is the pinnacle of the Flat season and this year has not disappointed, with some standout performances at Epsom and Royal Ascot. Desert Crown’s
performance in the Derby, run in memory of Lester Piggott, was as impressive as any winner in recent years, handing master trainer Sir Michael Stoute his sixth win in the Classic.

Stradivarius, trained by John and Thady Gosden, finished third in his attempt to win a record-equalling fourth Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. The brave eight-year-old was outpaced by the younger duo Kyprios and Mojo Star, both four years his junior, the fresher legs prevailing with Kyprios, an exceptional young stayer for the stable of Aidan O’Brien, who was collecting his eighth Gold Cup.

Kyprios was partnered by Ryan Moore, who again topped the jockey charts at Royal Ascot after some incredible rides. Whether dictating the pace from the front or weaving through from the back, he is one of the all-time greats.

It was hugely disappointing that the Queen was unable to make it to the Royal Meeting in her Platinum Jubilee year, when everyone hoped she would record a winner; sadly this was not to be for one of the sport’s greatest friends.

Away from the headline days, Fully Wet’s win in an EBF- sponsored fillies’ maiden at Goodwood in May was the first victory in Britain for Barry Schwartz, a leading owner and breeder in the US who is the former CEO of Calvin Klein. The ability to attract individuals such as Schwartz and co-owner Andrew Rosen, allied to the global appeal of events such

as Royal Ascot, which this year witnessed an exceptional performance by Australian sprinter Nature Strip in the King’s Stand Stakes, highlights that Britain remains a truly captivating and vibrant place to race horses.

The World Pool days at Royal Ascot set a new record for gross turnover with £168 million wagered over the five-day meeting. Gross turnover for World Pool bets increased by 35% on the 2021 figure. This is arguably a game-changer for the sport financially and in keeping British racing firmly on the global map. This innovative, forward-thinking initiative needs to be recognised and the industry must get firmly behind World Pool so it can realise its full potential. Levy generation and licensing agreements are all welcome, but the income generated by World Pool must find its way into the prize- money pot if the virtuous circle is to enrich the sport. As a collaboration of global Totes, World Pool enables racing fans from all over the globe to bet into a single pool.

There has been much talk about the 2005 Gambling Act review; originally we were advised that this report would be published in the spring, but as spring turns to summer we are still hearing that publication is just around the proverbial corner, with speculation rife as to what recommendations it will contain. Many commentators are predicting that the proposed reforms will be watered down. The likelihood of this seeing the light of day before Parliament’s summer recess is looking less and less likely, with Nigel Huddleston MP refusing to provide a timeline for the white paper during a recent debate at Westminster Hall.

We can only wait for this white paper to appear to better understand the potential ramifications for our much-loved sport. Until then, there is significant evidence that bookmakers have adopted a series of self-policing methods around

affordability; perhaps these combined with the cost-of-living increases and the other worries impacting our lives – war, transport strikes, Brexit issues etc – has led to the decline in gambling revenues flowing into the sport, as well as the well- publicised drop off in racecourse attendances.

For the good of the sport, we really need the white paper to be published as soon as possible so we can all digest the proposals and work out how they might impact the industry. Only then can we respond correctly and try to mitigate the consequences.

Royal Ascot and Epsom have showcased the very best of our sport; huge crowds, exciting racing and international

appeal. Let’s hope we can build on this through the turbulent political landscape and embrace a new strategic vision into the second half of 2022 and beyond.