Criticism of Harman over Alizeti contact looks misplaced

A conflict of interest or just an interesting bit of conflict? BHA chairman Steve Harman has been criticised for having met with Alex Frost, who is heading the Alizeti consortium which is set to take a 25 per cent stake in the Tote as part of an investment that could total up to £150 million over the next five years, at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

This, Harman's so far anonymous critics contend, is a conflict of interest with the majority of Britain's racecourses preparing to launch their own pool betting operation in competition with the Tote when their exclusive licence runs out in July.

Indeed, Harman was questioned about his actions when the BHA board met a couple of weeks ago and there have been questions raised about the security of his position, although he is due to leave British racing's governing body in July 2019 anyway when the second of his three-year terms expires.