HEATH CANTERS IN TO RACING DISPUTE

12.00.00am GMT Wed 21st Nov 2007

David Heath, MP for Somerton and Frome, has warned that a bitter dispute between the big bookies and the racing industry risks disaster for not only racecourses like Wincanton but also local racecourse training yards.

Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons today, Mr. Heath warned that a reduction in the levy, the money paid from bookmakers to the racing industry, from £90 million to £33 million, as the bookies are demanding, will drastically reduce prize money and have a devastating knock-on effect.

Commenting David said:

"If the levy is cut it will undoubtedly reduce prize money in elite races, which will damage Britain's international reputation for top-class racing. It will also be very harmful to middle-size race courses like Wincanton which are the backbone of the industry. Smaller and less well-supported courses will face closure.

That will have a knock-on effect on training yards, which will be a great disappointment to the area, as we have locally some of the best yards in the country.

Racing provides entertainment and employment to a great many people, and is very much part of our local scene. It should not be put at risk by the avarice of the bookies."