MP to discuss future of racing with minister (From York Press)

Anne McIntosh MP to discuss future of racing with John Penrose

10:41am Tuesday 30th November 2010 in Horse racing By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

Malton MP Anne McIntosh is to discuss the future of racing with tourism and heritage minister John Penrose today.

Her talks will focus on the ongoing issue of the drop in levy funding, the future of the Tote and the impact they will have on her constituency.

McIntosh, who also represents Thirsk and Filey, said: “I am most grateful to the minister for agreeing to meet me to discuss the future of both the Levy and Tote and the potential impact these decisions will have on constituencies where racing is such a big part of the economy.

“Having recently met with a number of trainers from Thirsk, Malton and Filey, who were worried about the impact these future decisions will have on both them and the industry, I will put their concerns directly to the minister.

“The trainers, jockeys, stable boys and girls, and those directly involved in horseracing and the racecourses, are extremely concerned that the sale of the Tote and the drop in levy funding will impact unfairly on themselves, as opposed to the racecourses.

“They are also concerned at the drop in prize money and at the rise in the number of fixtures, with meetings taking place on almost every day on the year.

“I hope that my meeting and discussion with the minister will convince him of the importance of racing to rural communities.

“If we do not take action now, racing really will be the sport of kings as no one else will be able to participate.”