Bookies In A Fix Over Puggies Plot

Nov 16 2008 Joe Punter

IF there was no racing coverage in betting shops there would be no bookies on the High Street.

Asimple equation but one the big boys in the industry seem determined to ignore.

With the British Horseracing Association making noises about the levy being extended to the likes of fixed odds betting terminals - puggies to you and me - William Hill were quick to splutter their indignation about this "nonsense" situation.

PR guru David Hood said there was "no justification for racing to receive any revenue from any other products".

Wrong David, there is every justification. Why should you no be forced to include a "product" on which you have no way of losing - and one that piggybacks on racing - in the costing of the betting levy?

The BHA's independent research shows 63 per cent of FOTB users went in to betting shops to punt on UK racing.

I know who I believe.

HOW Newmarket trainer Luca Cumani must be wishing his Melbourne Cup second Bauer had been a tad bigger after it was officially given the fastest time ahead of Aussie nose winner Viewed.

All runners had timing microchips in their saddle cloths.

Poor little Bauer's bum was first to cross the line despite his head being second. Shame the field didn't run backwards!

RACING query? Write to Joe Punter, Sports Desk, Sunday Mail, One Central Quay, Glasgow G3 8DA or email

joepunter@ sundaymail.co.uk