Latest news with #Eclipse
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Please, Sir Keir, racing is being battered and we NEED your help before it's too late
SIR KEIR, are you listening? Do you know what is going on? Has anyone talked to you? Tax nightmares. Affordability checks. Labour peer frustrations. 1 Racing is booming at the moment with punters returning to tracks - but huge headwinds in the shape of harsh taxation lie in wait Credit: PA It appears racing is being battered in every direction. Who is listening? It remains hard to know. I've written before and I'll write it again. Considering horse racing is loved by the King and Queen downwards, it's quite extraordinary that it seems anyone who is part of the sport seemingly finds it impossible to get the ear of the Prime Minister. But while everyone is shouting from the rooftops about the current mayhem and possible nightmares around the corner, whether those in charge of Government have any idea what is happening behind the scenes is just a guessing game. We know Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria, like horse racing. Remember the day after the General Election? Victoria was having a day out at the Eclipse at Sandown. Not so long ago Sir Keir was also at Doncaster for the St Leger to watch Jan Brueghel land his victory for Aidan O'Brien. And yet, there is every chance the Labour Government is on the verge of lumping a huge taxation on the Sport of Kings that could be the beginning of the end. Most read in Horse Racing For those of you who don't know, that's because there is a current Treasury proposal to harmonise remote gambling tax rates, which could result in a raise to the rate on sports betting (including horseracing) from 15 per cent to 21 per cent. It all comes at a time when racing attendances are up - although no doubt partly due to good weather - allowing the sport to remain as the second most watched in the country. Above all that, though, horse racing already contributes over £4billion to the national economy and supports in the region of 85,000 jobs. Why would you even contemplate wrecking that? All this is going on at the same time Lord Allen continues to sit on the bench while he decides whether he wants to become BHA chairman. Many in racing think he is sent from God to make everything all right, although as of yet I've seen nothing on paper to back that up. That all said, everyone knows the governance needs a massive change. We really only hear one side of the Lord Allen 'will he join or won't he join' saga. But I'm led to believe he's put forward a proposal which basically says accept it or I walk. I am also led to believe he wants a hefty salary for whoever he makes CEO in place of Brant Dunshea. I can't back this up. It's just the word on the street. If Lord Allen is the Messiah, though, you would have thought he'd have already been talking to Sir Keir and messages would be coming back to racing about the tax issue. It's been silent as far as I am aware. So Sir Keir. The question is simple. Do you hear us? Do you know what is going on? FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Please, Sir Keir, racing is being battered and we NEED your help before it's too late
Crowds are flocking back to tracks but developments off it could wreck our sport's future MATT CHAPMAN Please, Sir Keir, racing is being battered and we NEED your help before it's too late SIR KEIR, are you listening? Do you know what is going on? Has anyone talked to you? Tax nightmares. Affordability checks. Labour peer frustrations. 1 Racing is booming at the moment with punters returning to tracks - but huge headwinds in the shape of harsh taxation lie in wait Credit: PA It appears racing is being battered in every direction. Who is listening? It remains hard to know. I've written before and I'll write it again. Considering horse racing is loved by the King and Queen downwards, it's quite extraordinary that it seems anyone who is part of the sport seemingly finds it impossible to get the ear of the Prime Minister. But while everyone is shouting from the rooftops about the current mayhem and possible nightmares around the corner, whether those in charge of Government have any idea what is happening behind the scenes is just a guessing game. We know Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria, like horse racing. Remember the day after the General Election? Victoria was having a day out at the Eclipse at Sandown. Not so long ago Sir Keir was also at Doncaster for the St Leger to watch Jan Brueghel land his victory for Aidan O'Brien. And yet, there is every chance the Labour Government is on the verge of lumping a huge taxation on the Sport of Kings that could be the beginning of the end. For those of you who don't know, that's because there is a current Treasury proposal to harmonise remote gambling tax rates, which could result in a raise to the rate on sports betting (including horseracing) from 15 per cent to 21 per cent. It all comes at a time when racing attendances are up - although no doubt partly due to good weather - allowing the sport to remain as the second most watched in the country. Above all that, though, horse racing already contributes over £4billion to the national economy and supports in the region of 85,000 jobs. Why would you even contemplate wrecking that? All this is going on at the same time Lord Allen continues to sit on the bench while he decides whether he wants to become BHA chairman. Many in racing think he is sent from God to make everything all right, although as of yet I've seen nothing on paper to back that up. That all said, everyone knows the governance needs a massive change. We really only hear one side of the Lord Allen 'will he join or won't he join' saga. But I'm led to believe he's put forward a proposal which basically says accept it or I walk. I am also led to believe he wants a hefty salary for whoever he makes CEO in place of Brant Dunshea. I can't back this up. It's just the word on the street. If Lord Allen is the Messiah, though, you would have thought he'd have already been talking to Sir Keir and messages would be coming back to racing about the tax issue. It's been silent as far as I am aware. So Sir Keir. The question is simple. Do you hear us? Do you know what is going on? FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
South Wales Guardian
4 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Snellen strikes Group Three gold with gutsy Meld success
All eyes were on the Dermot Weld-trained Purview, who was sent off the 4-6 market leader under Colin Keane after chasing home subsequent Eclipse winner Delacroix in a Derby Trial at this track back in May. However, it was the 16-1 shot Snellen who came home a short-head winner for trainer Gavin Cromwell and jockey Shane Foley after a thrilling duel in the final furlong. While Snellen came from last to lead at the business end, Keane momentarily struggled to find a run aboard the favourite and although Purview gave his all when clear, Snellen was just too game and held on at the line. Foley said: 'She ran well the last day in Royal Ascot and it worked out lovely for her today in a small field. She likes taking her time and coming at them. 'She picked up better than I expected at the bottom of the straight and I said I may keep the momentum going. Colin was coming back at me late on, but she toughed it out well. 'It was a nice spare to pick up, but I'd say Gary (Carroll) will be back on her the next day.'
Powys County Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Snellen strikes Group Three gold with gutsy Meld success
Snellen fended off the late challenge of hot favourite Purview to win the Group Three Boylesports Meld Stakes at Leopardstown. All eyes were on the Dermot Weld-trained Purview, who was sent off the 4-6 market leader under Colin Keane after chasing home subsequent Eclipse winner Delacroix in a Derby Trial at this track back in May. However, it was the 16-1 shot Snellen who came home a short-head winner for trainer Gavin Cromwell and jockey Shane Foley after a thrilling duel in the final furlong. While Snellen came from last to lead at the business end, Keane momentarily struggled to find a run aboard the favourite and although Purview gave his all when clear, Snellen was just too game and held on at the line. Foley said: 'She ran well the last day in Royal Ascot and it worked out lovely for her today in a small field. She likes taking her time and coming at them. 'She picked up better than I expected at the bottom of the straight and I said I may keep the momentum going. Colin was coming back at me late on, but she toughed it out well. 'It was a nice spare to pick up, but I'd say Gary (Carroll) will be back on her the next day.'
North Wales Chronicle
4 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Snellen strikes Group Three gold with gutsy Meld success
All eyes were on the Dermot Weld-trained Purview, who was sent off the 4-6 market leader under Colin Keane after chasing home subsequent Eclipse winner Delacroix in a Derby Trial at this track back in May. However, it was the 16-1 shot Snellen who came home a short-head winner for trainer Gavin Cromwell and jockey Shane Foley after a thrilling duel in the final furlong. While Snellen came from last to lead at the business end, Keane momentarily struggled to find a run aboard the favourite and although Purview gave his all when clear, Snellen was just too game and held on at the line. Foley said: 'She ran well the last day in Royal Ascot and it worked out lovely for her today in a small field. She likes taking her time and coming at them. 'She picked up better than I expected at the bottom of the straight and I said I may keep the momentum going. Colin was coming back at me late on, but she toughed it out well. 'It was a nice spare to pick up, but I'd say Gary (Carroll) will be back on her the next day.'
