Torpid and toothless - but this is no time for regulator to acquire some bite

The government's gambling review wasn't the only insight given to betting operators last week about what those in the corridors of power in Westminster might have in store for them.

As well as releasing the call for evidence and terms of reference in the long-promised review, the government also issued its response to the report made this summer by the House of Lords Gambling Industry Select Committee.

Its responses were largely very measured, and for British racing there was encouragement that draconian measures are not yet being seriously considered in areas that could affect the sport, possibly with severe consequences.