Chairman speaks out out over perceived lack of cooperation

In his first annual statement as chairman of the Horseracing Bettors Forum, Simon Rowlands hit out at the Starting Price Regulatory Commission, some bookmakers and former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond.

Reflecting on the first year of the HBF, which was set up with the assistance of the BHA but acts independently, he admitted: "Better progress has been made in some areas than in others."

With no statutory powers, the forum aims to heighten awareness of issues, seek to influence debates and policies which concern punters, contribute to discussions and lobby those bodies which do have the power to affect change.