UK horseracing organiser hit by football impact

The UK's largest operator of horseracing fixtures blamed the distraction of the World Cup for a dip in form at its racecourse division today.

Arena Leisure, which operates tracks at Wolverhampton, Lingfield Park, Royal Windsor, Southwell, Folkestone and Worcester, said the impact on attendances meant half-year profits for the arm fell 7.4% to £3.8m (€5.6m).