Time for minister to apply whip

NOBODY will be surprised

But as Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy prepares Wednesday’s budget, few tears are likely to be shed for the golden circle of horse breeders who have been making tax-free millions for years.

In a late bid to influence the minister, an enthusiastic punter himself, an intensive lobbying campaign is underway to drive home the message that changes in the tax regime would deal a bigger blow to small breeders than the industry giants.