Smooth start to new SP system

Computerised starting prices were used for the first time today, replacing the old pencil-and-paper method, and the transition went smoothly at this afternoon’s three meetings.

The start had been delayed by the reluctance of on-course bookmakers to be plugged into the system without any financial reward, but agreement has been reached between the Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers and the service operators.

Channel 4 betting pundit John McCririck said: “I’m all for it. You can’t, in this modern age, expect people to go around with pencils and papers – that’s out of the question – it has got to be accountable and it needs really severe monitoring.

“You always worry why there has been the great concern over SPs over the last few years when bookmakers’ profit-margins have never been worse and now they are looking at the SPs so it is very important how the sample is chosen.

“I’m all for modernisation but the principles have got to be the same.

“The machinery is there and it’s open and it’s up to all of us to make sure that it works.”

The system is overseen by the Press Association.

Speaking from Chester races, Jim Donnelley, head of racing at the Press Association, said: “The new SP system has gone extremely well at all this afternoon’s courses.

“And with the number of boards at Chester, if it could work here I’m certain it would work anywhere and all looks well for the future.”

Bookmakers Coral said the afternoon went without a hitch.