Review to point way for Scottish racing

Scottish racing is to be the subject of a wide-ranging review following a meeting at Perth racecourse today.

It was attended by representatives of all five Scottish tracks, Levy Board chairman Rob Hughes and a British Horseracing Board delegation including chairman Martin Broughton, in addition to the group of Westminster MPs called the ‘Friends of Scottish Racing’.

Outlining the purpose of the meeting, Scottish Racing chairman Ian Good said: “We have set out a six-month consultation process, after which we intend to publish the strategic plan which will guide us through the next 10 years.

“The Scottish racing industry contributes more than £125 million to the Scottish economy every year and the racecourses have invested in capital projects totalling more than £13.5m in the last 18 months alone.

“With plans for a further £40m of investment during the next three years, we cannot leave the future of the industry to chance.”

The strategy will tackle a broad range of issues including capital development, fixture allocation, race planning, development of the horse population, staff training, marketing and future funding of the sport.

Jonathan Garratt, commercial and communications manager for Scottish Racing, said: “During the next six months we will be consulting with all parties from the BHB, the Levy Board and bookmakers to owners, trainers and stable staff.

“We will also be taking advice from public bodies such as Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish tourism organisation, VisitScotland.

“By the end of the process we will have compiled a comprehensive action plan that will help the industry to achieve sustainable growth in Scotland.

“Through our representation on the RCA Board, we will also be able to ensure that Scotland’s requirements are met during negotiations over the future funding of the sport.”

Broughton added: “The strategic review, which will include wide-ranging consultation, should give Scottish Racing the ideal platform to build on, and achieve further successes in the coming years.

“I was delighted to lead such a strong delegation from BHB at what was a very productive meeting.”

It is anticipated that the Scottish Racing Strategy Group will meet for the first time next month and will publish its report in November.