Watergate: McEntee blasts 'outrageous' soft drink prices at Windsor canteen

Arena Racing Company said its catering team would be looking into the pricing policy for refreshments at Windsor after trainer Phil McEntee objected to the prices being charged at the track.

McEntee was enraged at being asked to pay £3 for a bottle of water and can of Pepsi when he visited the stable staff canteen after saddling a runner at Monday's meeting.

The Newmarket trainer said: "I had driven the horsebox down, led the horse round and washed him down and before heading off I popped into the stable canteen to get a drink as I was thirsty.

"I picked up the two drinks and a bar of chocolate and was asked for £4.20 and couldn’t believe it. I refused to pay and put them back.

He added: "It is not the canteen staff’s fault, it is down to the racecourse and Arc. I have heard since there was free water in the weighing room so why couldn’t they send some down to the canteen?

"Everyone knows you can go to a supermarket and buy a dozen bottles of water for around a couple of pounds so 10-15p a bottle. It’s outrageous they are charging £1.50 for a bottle of water to staff who are working at the races."

McEntee, trainer of this winter’s all-weather sensation Spare Parts, pointed out that Chelmsford offers free food and drink.

Windsor have invested heavily in improving facilities, including for owners and trainers who can now walk from the paddock into the pavilion where they enjoy a bar and area for food with access onto the lawn by the winning post.

Susannah Gill, Arc's director of external affairs, said: "We will be looking at the prices with the new catering team and will make any adjustments necessary."

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