The British Horseracing Board Ltd (BHB) is continuing to progress its legal proceedings against William Hill Organization Ltd for a declaration that BH?_x0019_s database has been infringed by the use of the pre-race data by William Hill on its internet betting sites. The case is likely to be heard later this year.

BHB has also advised the operators of over a dozen other internet betting sites that BHB believe that their display of the pre race data on their web-sites is infringing BHB’s database rights and has asked them to enter into Licence Agreements with BHB. However, with the exception of Victor Chandler, Sportingbet and a few others, they have so far refused.

BHB Chief Executive, Tristram Ricketts commented:
“BHB spends over £4 million annually in compiling and maintaining the database which ensures that the information on race fixtures, race participants and races generally is accurate and reliable. Licences for the use of this pre race data are granted as a way of recovering this cost for the benefit of Racing. How is it that bookmakers, who derive 70% of their turnover from British Horseracing, refuse to recognise BHB’s rights in this data and yet are prepared to pay significant sums in copyright fees to the Football League for the use of their Fixture List?”

For further information, contact Simon Powell on 020-7396-0011