Outgoing BHA chief Harman: racing needs to show it deserves government's help

Racing needs to demonstrate good administration if it wants the government to help on issues such as levy extension and immigration rules, outgoing BHA chairman Steve Harman has warned.

The reforms of the levy system introduced by the government in April last year resulted in an increase in levy receipts of around £45 million, although there have been warnings that boost to British racing's income could be wiped out by the loss in levy and media rights caused by betting shop closures when FOBT stakes are reduced to £2.

As a result the government said it would look at extending the levy to bets placed on global racing, including Irish racing, which it is estimated could bring in around £15m in extra income for the sport.