Racing would seek exemption to avert TV gambling ads crisis

Racing faces a crushing blow if the government were to impose a ban on daytime gambling advertising, as has been mooted, and would present a united front to seek exemption.

With the government focusing attention on the betting industry, former Channel 4 Racing producer Andrew Franklin said such a ban would have a "seismic" effect on the sport.

He insists advertising income from betting operators was a major reason for ITV having bid to televise racing between 2017 and 2020. Before 2013 Channel 4 was largely paid to cover racing.