Paddy Power Betfair sign sports betting deals in US

Paddy Power Betfair's American arm has reached long-term agreements to provide retail, online and mobile sports betting with Meadowlands racetrack in New Jersey and harness racing venue Tioga Downs in New York.

It is the latest in a series of moves in the US by European operators since the Supreme Court lifted the ban on sports betting last month.

Betfair US, which is in the process of merging operations with daily fantasy sports company FanDuel, said they would provide the service once legislative and regulatory authorisation had been received.

On Thursday, the New Jersey state legislature voted to legalise sports betting, although the bill has yet to be signed into law by the state's governor.

Betfair US chief executive Kip Levin said: "We could not be more excited to partner with Jeff Gural and his partners for sports betting in New Jersey and New York.

"Meadowlands racetrack has the potential to be among the best, if not the best, sports betting venues in the US. Combining these premier facilities with the global sports betting prowess of Paddy Power Betfair is a great match and will enable us to bring an unparalleled sports betting experience to customers in the north-east."

Gural, who is chairman of the two venues, said sports betting was a great opportunity.

"We went through a diligent process and reviewed several options to provide customers with the best sports betting experience possible," he added.

"In the end, Betfair’s world leading products and experience proved the best choice. We are eager to get started with our partners, with whom we have had a long relationship for racing with TVG, on this exciting venture."

Racing books win awards

Kieren Fallon and Declan Murphy were among the winners at the Sports Book Awards on Thursday night.

Fallon's book Form won the Cross International Autobiography of the Year award, while Murphy's book Centaur was named the Right To Play General Outstanding Sports Book of the Year.

All nine winning titles will go forward for an online public vote on the award's website to determine the overall sports book of the year.

The public vote is open until midday a week today, with the winner announced shortly afterwards.

John Matthias funeral

The funeral service for John Matthias will take place on Sunday, June 24 at 1pm at St Swithun's Church in Clunbury, Shropshire SY7 0HE.

Matthias, who died aged 64, enjoyed multiple Group 1 success in the 1980s, and the former stable jockey to Ian Balding was best known for his association with Glint Of Gold.

The family advise there is no need to wear black, while donations can be made to the Heart and Lung Transplant Fund, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, or the Injured Jockeys Fund.