Lack of racing literacy among MPs could have dire consequences for the sport

The Labour MP for St Helens North and co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Racing and Bloodstock Group shares his views

It was the perfect antidote after another week of febrile parliamentary proceedings to meet up with my friend and one of racing’s wisest owls Lord Daresbury for an old-fashioned lunch.

It’s not the done thing these days for MPs to admit to such pursuits – and worse still to admit enjoying them with someone considered a member of the other tribe – but I’ve never cared much for the sort of politician who eschews fun and avoids talking to anyone with a different view to their own.