Tracks settle TV rebates dispute

A multi-million-pound British High Court dispute between broadcaster At The Races and British racecourse owners has been settled.

After five days of legal argument in a hearing scheduled to run for at least three weeks, the judge Mr Justice Morison was told the case was over.

Each side had agreed to abandon its claim against the other, with the Racecourse Association agreeing to pay ATR £1m (€1.4m).

The case had been brought by ATR, who had been seeking £51m (€73.7m) 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 claimed it had lawfully terminated the contract while a counterclaim of £213m (€307.6m) by the RCA and the 30 tracks was said that it was wrong to do so and was liable for the balance.

The judge said: “It seems to me a very just and reasonable solution to a very complicated dispute.”

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 (€1.4m) 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“Attheraces has withdrawn its claims and the Racecourse Association and the courses have withdrawn their counterclaim.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.”