BHB Chairman, Peter Savill, commenting on reports that he and Managing Director Commercial, Nigel Smith had had meetings last week with bookmakers to discuss a deal for data and pictures, said today:

“Nigel and I have had several lengthy discussions with a number of bookmakers over the past two weeks. These discussions have focused solely on data and not pictures in accordance with the wishes of the RCA and racecourses. Considerable progress has been made and both sides have indicated a willingness to make concessions.

For our part, we are now comfortable in principle with basing data charges on gross profits rather than turnover. We now have six months of figures, which show that the risks to racing’s income are minimal and that a gross profits mechanism offers greater flexibility.

“Further talks are being held over the next two days and we shall be considering the matter at our Board meeting tomorrow. On Thursday we shall report more fully on whether there is any possibility of a deal by 1 May. At present I would rate the chances at no better than 50:50”.

Note to Editors:

BHB’s 2 ½ % of turnover charge would have generated £155m (not £175m) and, with its concessionary rates, £125m (not £140m), since credit and internet business do not require pictures