Racing Post calls on punters and participants to prompt local MPs to attend the affordability debate in February

The debate regarding financial checks on punters, which was sparked by a petition started by Jockey Club chief executive Nevin Truesdale, is scheduled to take place on February 26. The petition gained over 100,000 signatures on November 28, which qualified it for consideration by the petitions committee in parliament. The committee, consisting of 11 backbench MPs from government and opposition parties, recently announced that a debate will be held.

Typically, these debates occur in Westminster Hall rather than the House of Commons, and a government minister will be present to provide an official response. The author of the petition sees this decision as a moral victory for punters and the sport of horse racing. However, the real victory will depend on the outcome and action taken as a result of the discussions in parliament. The Horseracing Bettors Forum (HBF) is encouraging people to contact their local MPs to express the opinions of both punters and the racing industry, as the planned financial checks are seen as damaging.

Alan Trivass, chairman of the HBF, stresses the importance of the upcoming debate and the need for a strong case to be made. He hopes that more MPs, especially those who have not yet been involved, will gain a better understanding of the racing industry and punters’ perspectives. He also hopes they will be open to considering alternatives to the proposed affordability checks. The HBF has long argued that there are alternative measures that can be implemented.

In conclusion, the debate on financial checks on punters is significant, and the outcome will depend on the discussions held in parliament. The HBF is urging people to contact their MPs and highlight the concerns of punters and the racing industry. The hope is that a more informed and balanced view of the industry will lead to better alternatives being considered.