York racecourse has become the first of the independent tracks to state its position regarding Authorised Betting Partners and sponsorship
York racecourse has become the first of the independent tracks to state its position regarding Authorised Betting Partners and sponsorship
While it will not enter into new sponsorship deals with bookmakers not signed up as ABPs, York will continue to accept backing from bookmakers who already put their name to races on the Knavesmire.
York currently has leading bookmakers Betfred and Sky Bet as sponsors, among others, who are not currently signed up as ABPs.
It hopes to encourage existing backers "and other betting companies" to "reach a wider settlement with the racing industry".
In a statement the racecourse said: "York racecourse remains committed to the principle that the sport generates a return from all bets that are placed on the sport.
"As an independent track, York wishes to work with the governing body of the sport and others towards this objective.
"York welcomes both the positive action already taken by some digital bookmakers to sign up as ABPs, as well as the support York receives through the strong, long-standing partnerships that already exist with bookmakers who sponsor at York.
"Whilst working to deliver for its existing and valued bookmaker sponsors, the course hopes that it can encourage them and other betting companies to reach a wider settlement with the racing industry. As agreements for 2016 are already in place, there are no renewals pending with non ABP bookmakers.
"To demonstrate its support for the principle of the scheme, in the short term, the course will not sign sponsorships with any new betting brands that are not authorised betting partners.
"As this is an important matter for the sport, York and the other large independent racecourses will continue to engage with interested parties of all perspectives, as the detail and operation of the scheme develops."
York is the first of the four big independent courses to state its position, with Goodwood, Ascot and Newbury still to comment.
'Authorised Betting Partners' are those deemed by British racing to have a "fair and mutually sustainable funding relationship with the sport" in relation to offshore digital operations.
Jockey Club Racecourses, which owns major tracks such as Aintree, Epsom, Cheltenham and Newmarket, back ABPs, as does Arena Racing Company.
Earlier this week it was announced communication technology firm Timico would be the new sponsor of the Gold Cup from 2016, replacing Betfred.