Arena pulls off game changer in media rights battle

Arena Racing Company last week raised the stakes in the battle over of betting shop media rights with the shock news it had swooped to buy Newcastle and Sunderland greyhound stadiums from bookmakers William Hill.

The racecourse group snatched the two greyhound tracks from under the noses of Sports Information Services (SIS), who had agreed a deal with William Hill in February but had not completed it.

It is understood Hills lost patience as the two sides could not agree terms and agreement with Arc was reached in a fortnight. The price has been estimated at around £10 million, although the precise figure has not been revealed.