Racing's leaders urged to grab rare chance to sort out major issues

British racing's leaders have an opportunity to address issues described as the "biggest stumbling block" to improving the sport's appeal when they meet next week for pivotal strategy talks, a betting industry figure has claimed.

Simon Clare, PR director for Ladbrokes and Coral, said there was "violent agreement" among many in racing that there needed to be a reduction in opportunities at the top of the sport to drive competition.

Senior figures representing British racing's many interest groups are set to meet over two days in London next week to work on the principles for a long-term strategy for the industry, with concerns mounting over many challenges including prize-money and low field sizes.