The stakes have never been higher for racing and betting as UK goes to the polls

It has been described as the most important general election for a generation and the stakes could not be higher for British horseracing and the gambling industry when the public goes to the polls on December 12.

For racing the increasingly public debate about animal welfare has now encompassed the sport, with main parties proposing a review of the use of the whip and the need for an independent regulator.

The issue looming over it all is Brexit – the reason why the election was called in the first place and a subject which could have profound implications for the sport in the UK and across Europe.