Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for a hike in taxes on gaming machines in betting shops. The proposal could hit racing by a seven-figure sum. One of those affected could be bet365 CEO Denise Coates, who recently invested in jumps racing by purchasing a horse to be trained by Dan Skelton.
The racing news today is rounded up below.
Gordon Brown backs proposals to increasing gaming machine tax
A significant hike in taxes on gaming machines in betting shops has been backed by ex Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Brown suggested that Andy Burnham, the current head of state, would look on similar lines. Said increase in machine games duty could raise up to £500 million for the government according to Brown. However, the impact on horse racing could be stark. It is projected that the effect on the bookmakers’ levy contributions could be as much as £70 million. (Racing Post)
Denise Coates buys horse at Dan Skelton’s
bet365 chief executive Denise Coates has splashed out to purchase a horse in training with Dan Skelton. Push The Limit was purchased for £609,000 by Skelton and Ryan Mahon, with the horse set to run in Coates’ colours. The horse was a winner at Glorious Goodwood in 2025 when trained by Ralph Beckett. The purchase represents a first move into direct ownership by Coates, who has a net worth of just under £10 billion. (Mirror)
Bellewstown abandoned for second straight day
Unfortunate scenes at Bellewstown caused the Irish track to abandon its meeting for the second day in a row. Two horses slipped in the opening two races on Tuesday. Those consecutive incidents forced the abandonment of the rest of the card, with Dylan Browne McMonagle hospitalised. A similar incident occurred in race six on Wednesday, a jumps card instead of the flat. The final two races were again abandoned, with course officials seeking a resolution. (The Sun)
Archivist set Breeders’ Cup target after York rout
One of the York Ebor meeting’s easiest winners has been set an ambitious Breeders’ Cup target. Archivist ran out a wide-margin winner of the Group 3 Strensall Stakes on the Knavesmire on Saturday. The four-year-old scored by seven-and-a-half lengths, substantially improving on his prior form. Richard Brown, of owners Wathnan Racing, has highlighted the Breeders’ Cup Mile as his season-ending aim. (Sporting Life)
Old Park Star to go novice chasing
Last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle hero Old Park Star will go chasing according to Nicky Henderson. The six-year-old went unbeaten during his novice hurdling campaign last term, winning all four starts. They culminated with victory as favourite in the Cheltenham Festival opener in March. Henderson described his new stable star as “a great, big chasing type, and he jumped hurdles like fences, and I can’t think we’re going to move off that.” (Racing Post)