Jockey Club to request clarification from Ladbrokes chief

Officials at the Jockey Club are keenly awaiting tomorrow’s The Money Programme in the wake of controversial comments made by Ladbrokes chief executive Chris Bell.

Bell reportedly claims in the “Battle of the Bookies”, which is due to be shown at 7.30pm on BBC2, that he believes “one race per day in British racing is fixed”.

His comments have provoked a storm of criticism from those within the industry, with many alleging his remarks have more to do with an attempt to discredit betting exchanges than a real belief of widespread corruption within racing.

“There are no plans for the Jockey Club to formally approach Ladbrokes regarding Chris Bell’s comments until we have seen the programme, which I note is titled ‘Battle of the Bookies’,” said public relations director John Maxse.

“At this stage, our intention is watch the programme in its entirety and then for Paul Scotney, our director of security, to write to Chris Bell on the matter, requesting clarification as to on what basis Chris Bell felt such comments were warranted and why no such concerns had previously been shared with the security department, as had been agreed when Ladbrokes signed a memorandum of understanding with the Jockey Club.

“Previously, we had a positive working relationship with Ladbrokes and I would hope we will be able to maintain that.

“To return to a time when bookmakers did not co-operate with the racing authorities would be a seriously retrograde step for the sport.

“Communication between the betting and racing industries remains our best chance of identifying the threats to the sport’s integrity.”

Meanwhile, changes have been made at Portman Square within the security department where a number of new appointments were announced today.

Bill South, a former chief inspector and one of the DCIs involved on the Soham Murders inquiry, has been appointed head of intelligence.

He is responsible for co-ordinating the intelligence function within the department and will also oversee liaison with other agencies, such as the national criminal intelligence service and Customs and Excise.

The additional appointments are Yogita Popat as intelligence unit manager and Barry Holmes as intelligence database administrator. Both previously worked for the British police.

Scotney said: “I am delighted with the calibre of people we have appointed. The use of intelligence and the way in which it is converted into evidence are key factors in our efforts to not only detect but also to deter forms of malpractice within racing.

“These new appointments will enable us to significantly improve our use and treatment of intelligence.

“We have been very fortunate to secure an area in Portman Square which meets the needs of the expanding department and is adjacent to the Jockey Club’s main office, ensuring that we maintain day-to-day liaison with our colleagues from other departments.”

John Elsey, acting head of security prior to Paul Scotney’s appointment, has been made chief investigating officer, although the post of betting analyst has not yet been filled due to the recruitment process taking longer than anticipated.

This summer will see two further posts for investigating officers advertised in order to replace existing members of staff who are due to retire.

The recruitment of additional personnel is in accordance with the recommendations of the joint Jockey Club/British Horseracing Board security review, which was published on July 1 last year.

The report contained 36 recommendations to enhance the integrity of British racing and the ability of the security department to respond to such issues.