Tracks settle Attheraces dispute

Attheraces and the Racecourse Association have come to an agreement to end proceedings that had been heard in the High Court since the beginning of last week.

The case had been brought by ATR who had been seeking £51m (€75m) in rebates from the 30 tracks signed up with rival broadcaster Racing UK relating to the termination of a contract in March 2004 involving the original Attheraces.

ATR had claimed it had lawfully terminated the contract while a counterclaim by the Racecourse Association and the 30 tracks was that it was wrong to do so and was liable for the balance

A joint statement from all parties read: “Attheraces, the Racecourse Association and the 30 defendant courses are pleased to announce that they have agreed to settle the proceedings currently being heard in the High Court.

“The RCA and the 30 defendant courses are making a contribution of £1m (€1.46m) to the costs of Attheraces.

“Attheraces has withdrawn its claims and the Racecourse Association and the courses have withdrawn their counterclaim.

“The parties are pleased that the matter is settled and wish each other well for the future.”