Thoughts turn to next steps as levy talks collapse

Racing and betting have turned their attention to the next stage in the government's plans for levy replacement after discussions surrounding the 56th statutory scheme broke down without agreement on Monday evening.

BHA chief executive Nick Rust said it was disappointing a deal could not be done, while bookmakers' committee chairman Mike O'Kane described racing's refusal to consider an offer of less than ten per cent as "gunboat diplomacy".

Although the government plans to replace the levy from April next year there is still a statutory requirement for agreement on a levy scheme to start from the same date as the new legislation is not yet in place.