Tension over media rights reopens divide between courses and Horsemen's Group

Tensions between representatives of Britain's racecourses and members of the Horsemen's Group have bubbled to the surface again over the thorny issue of media rights income.

The divide between two of the sport's major stakeholders has emerged following a powerfully worded comment by Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) president Nicholas Cooper.

Writing in Owner Breeder magazine, Cooper said the fact media rights income – which he said was estimated at £150 million annually – flowed directly to racecourses "continues to drive deep divisions within horseracing".