Cruddace ‘Desperate’ For Resolution

[Wandering Eyes]

Amidst the dispute between Arena Racing Company and British horsemen over prizemoney levels, ARC’s Chief Executive Martin Cruddace said the racecourse ownership group is “desperate” to work with the industry to come to a resolution.

The row, which has resulted in boycotts of some races at ARC-owned racecourses, is a result of the company’s decision in December to cut back on its prize-money contributions in anticipation of an expected shortfall in the levy because of betting shop closures following the government’s decision to lower the maximum FOBT stake from £100 to £2.

“I think we all need to wake up a little,” Cruddace said on ITV Racing’s Opening Show on Saturday morning. “William Hill put their stock exchange announcements out on Thursday and they announced 900 shop closures over the next two years. They are 26% of the market–that’s 3,600 shops if that follows through on a pro rata basis. That means we have a far greater problem than what we’re going through right now and we need to address that and address it urgently.

“We’re only going to address it if we work together. A boycott only affects punters, our betting stakeholders and the Levy.

“I’m desperate that we resolve this,” he added. “Not just for [ARC]–we’re going to be fine–I’m desperate to resolve it for an industry I actually care a lot about. There are discussions going to go ahead next week with senior leaders of racing–horsemen, owners and racecourses. And I do believe–with sensible heads– that we can find a way through this. Because we have to.”

Some reports have suggested ARC could even take legal action. Asked if he could rule that out, Cruddace said, “As a chief executive of a company there’s no way I’m going to do that. But I am a litigator, in my past, and I’m the most reluctant litigator in the world. I hope we don’t get to that point.”

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